Egypt: 4th Review of IMF Loan Program to Start Tuesday

A car drives near the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District and banks area, at the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
A car drives near the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District and banks area, at the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
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Egypt: 4th Review of IMF Loan Program to Start Tuesday

A car drives near the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District and banks area, at the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
A car drives near the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District and banks area, at the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

The fourth review of Egypt's loan program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will start on Tuesday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Sunday.

The IMF increased the size of its loan to Egypt to $8 billion from $3 billion in March, as the central bank said it would allow the currency to trade freely, and amid heightened spillover risks from the Israel-Gaza war.

Credit ratings agency Fitch raised Egypt's rating to "B" from "B-" on Friday, citing the country's stronger finances on the back of several foreign investments and support, and tighter monetary conditions.

"Egypt's external finances have been bolstered... FX buffers have recovered, and we have somewhat greater confidence that the more flexible exchange rate policy will prove more durable than in the past," Fitch said, as it also assigned Egypt a stable outlook.



Saudi Tourism Minister Announces Support for 17 Tourism Projects in Al-Ahsa

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA
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Saudi Tourism Minister Announces Support for 17 Tourism Projects in Al-Ahsa

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has met with several investors and entrepreneurs in Al-Ahsa Governorate as part of his tour to various regions and governorates of the Kingdom coinciding with the Saudi winter events calendar.
In the meeting, he highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to providing comprehensive services and facilities to enable investors to join the promising sector.

Al-Khateeb noted that the tourism ecosystem supports numerous projects in Al-Ahsa, including 17 unique tourism initiatives valued at over SAR3.5 billion, providing more than 1,800 hotel rooms.

The projects aim to boost the tourism sector, leveraging Al-Ahsa's exceptional features that qualify it to become a major tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the minister said.

During his tour, he made a stop at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Al-Ahsa, a beneficiary of the Tourism Development Fund. Covering an area of over 10,000 square meters and costing more than SAR200 million, the hotel boasts more than 180 rooms.

It stands as a model tourist destination that combines international luxury with local authenticity, reflecting the unique charm of Al-Ahsa.