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)
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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-British Business Council to Turn Sustainability, Green Finance Deals into Reality

A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)
A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi-British Business Council to Turn Sustainability, Green Finance Deals into Reality

A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)
A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)

The Saudi-British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) has revealed ongoing efforts to translate agreements aimed at advancing sustainability, clean energy, and green financing into tangible projects.

This comes alongside the development of new initiatives in artificial intelligence and defense technology, as part of expanding bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Cordelia Begbie, UK Executive Director of the SBJBC, stated that the council is currently exploring new sectoral opportunities as part of its 2025-2026 program, while also hosting a series of events aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two kingdoms.

SBJBC is set to support its new research unit through upcoming events that will focus on producing both independent and collaborative research papers, revealed Begbie.

These papers will address regulatory changes, sector insights, and opportunities for development, as well as highlight government initiatives designed to assist businesses in these areas.

According to Begbie, the council's activities are centered on clean technology projects, linking investors with emerging clean tech companies from both Saudi Arabia and the UK.

These initiatives also support specialized task forces that discuss policy developments and long-term opportunities in these sectors, with active participation from both public and private sector stakeholders.

The Saudi-British cooperation plan has made notable strides in investment, economic, and commercial projects, particularly through the “Saudi-British Vision 2030” partnership.

This initiative has significantly strengthened ties between the two nations in key areas such as technology, energy, infrastructure, and defense.

Additionally, the Saudi Public Investment Fund has made substantial investments in British projects, particularly in clean energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure.

The two countries have also deepened their collaboration in renewable energy, with British companies playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s large-scale solar and wind energy projects.

Begbie expressed strong optimism about the future of Saudi-British cooperation in climate, clean technology, hydrogen, and ammonia. The collaboration is seen as highly promising, driven by shared goals to address climate change and diversify the economy, with both nations committed to achieving net-zero emissions.

While the UK aims to reach this target by 2050, Saudi Arabia is set to achieve it by 2060, creating significant potential for bilateral cooperation.

Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in hydrogen production, with vast opportunities for collaboration with the UK, which has extensive expertise in hydrogen policies and technology. Geopolitical and economic ties also enhance this cooperation, as Saudi Arabia’s strategic location serves as an energy hub for Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Moreover, the UK’s environmental policy goals align with Saudi Arabia’s climate objectives, further strengthening the partnership.

Bilateral agreements, such as the Saudi-British Vision 2030 partnership, are expected to boost investments in clean technologies and sustainability.

The SBJBC continues to work with stakeholders to expand its reach and influence within Saudi Arabia. The council also oversees the ongoing growth of the Saudi-British Technology Center, an integral part of the SBJBC since its launch in 2022.

The SBJBC remains committed to enhancing private sector contributions and developing stronger commercial ties between the two nations, offering a range of services and providing access to high-level networks from both the public and private sectors in both countries.