Egypt Denies Selling Airports, Ports to Foreign Parties

Cairo International Airport in Cairo, Egypt (File photo: Reuters)
Cairo International Airport in Cairo, Egypt (File photo: Reuters)
TT
20

Egypt Denies Selling Airports, Ports to Foreign Parties

Cairo International Airport in Cairo, Egypt (File photo: Reuters)
Cairo International Airport in Cairo, Egypt (File photo: Reuters)

The Egyptian government denied “selling ports and airports to foreign parties,” stressing that such rumors circulating on some websites and social media are baseless.

The cabinet issued a statement asserting that none of the Egyptian ports or airports will be sold to foreign parties, either at the present time or in the future.

It urged all media outlets to be careful and accurate before reporting such news that could undermine national projects.

Ministries of Transport and Civil Aviation stressed that “Egyptian ports and airports are wholly owned by the state and subject to Egyptian sovereignty and will remain so.”

The two ministries explained that the state is implementing an integrated strategy to develop the maritime transport system in accordance with the latest global systems, with the aim of maximizing its competitiveness.

The strategy also aims to keep pace with global developments in transportation, saying it includes raising the efficiency of the infrastructure and superstructure and applying the latest information technology systems.

The government also has a plan to comprehensively develop Egyptian airports, by implementing a number of infrastructure development projects, raising the level of services provided to travelers, as well as upgrading the security systems at all airports.

The cabinet affirmed that top international health measures are applied at the airports to ensure the safety of passengers and workers.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it used the period during which travel restrictions were imposed at airports to limit the spread of the coronavirus to implement extensive maintenance, including all departure and arrival halls in the airports.

The authorities also indicated that all communication networks, electricity and security devices, and the facilities infrastructure were included in the maintenance operations.

In addition, a number of new airports have been established most notably Sphinx, the New Administrative Capital, Berenice, and Bardawil.



Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to strengthen food security, a strategic objective rooted in the Kingdom’s founding and shaped by its desert geography and limited water resources.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.

Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector’s growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).

Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.

Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.

The Kingdom’s progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.