Europe Interested in Electrical Linkage with Egypt

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, hugs EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, left, as Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla looks on, after a deal was signed between Israel, the EU and Egypt to boost East Mediterranean gas exports to Europe, in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP)
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, hugs EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, left, as Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla looks on, after a deal was signed between Israel, the EU and Egypt to boost East Mediterranean gas exports to Europe, in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP)
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Europe Interested in Electrical Linkage with Egypt

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, hugs EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, left, as Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla looks on, after a deal was signed between Israel, the EU and Egypt to boost East Mediterranean gas exports to Europe, in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP)
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, hugs EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, left, as Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla looks on, after a deal was signed between Israel, the EU and Egypt to boost East Mediterranean gas exports to Europe, in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP)

Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker discussed with EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simpson ways to support and boost cooperation between the Egyptian electricity and renewable energy sector and the European Energy Commission.

The Commission is interested in ​​the electrical linkage between the EU, Africa, and the Middle East through Egypt.

Simpson praised the achievements of Egypt's electricity and renewable energy sector, expressing her desire to increase cooperation in various electricity fields, especially in renewable energy and green hydrogen.

She expressed the Commission's interest in completing a linkage project with Greece so that Egypt becomes a regional hub for energy exchange between Europe, Arab, and African countries.

For his part, Shaker praised the distinguished relations between the Egyptian electricity and renewable energy sector and the Commission.

He highlighted the achievements of the electricity and renewable energy sector, stressing interest in spreading the use of renewable energies.

The Minister pointed out the significant challenges Egypt faced in providing energy to the local market in the past and the efforts made to secure and sustain the electricity supply to meet demand.

Moreover, Shaker noted that the ministry is interested in renewable energies through an ambitious plan to produce around 10,000 megawatts in 2023.

He stressed that the electricity sector is working on improving and developing the transmission and distribution networks.

It also establishing networks to strengthen the national grid to contain the new capabilities added from renewable energy, reduce electrical losses in the network, and enhance linkage with neighboring countries.

The Minister noted that Egypt is linked with Jordan, Libya, and Sudan.

The ministry has signed contracts to award the electrical linkage project between Saudi Arabia and Egypt to increase the reliability of the electrical supply.

Cairo also signed memoranda of understanding to implement interconnection projects with Cyprus and Greece, making Egypt a regional hub for energy exchange with Europe and Arab and African countries.

The Minister indicated that cooperation is ongoing with international companies to start discussions and studies to implement experimental green hydrogen production projects in Egypt as a first step towards the possibility of export.

Green hydrogen would soon become a promising energy source, Shaker remarked, adding that a ministerial committee is currently studying hydrogen as a source of energy in Egypt.

Egypt is keen to support the efforts of African countries to access clean energy from renewable sources, he said.



Gulf States Expand Tourism Footprint as Emerging Markets Gain Momentum at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
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Gulf States Expand Tourism Footprint as Emerging Markets Gain Momentum at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

Emerging tourism markets are carving out space on the global travel map, drawing attention for their dynamic participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, while Gulf nations—particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—are accelerating their expansion in the tourism sector.

As global travel gathers momentum, Gulf-based airlines are eyeing new investment opportunities despite lingering global economic uncertainty, driven by shifting trade patterns and evolving consumer behavior in the international travel landscape.

The 32nd edition of ATM opened in Dubai with more than 2,800 exhibitors and nearly 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries. Held under the theme “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,” the event emphasized building a more sustainable and globally integrated travel industry.

The exhibition reflects the profound changes shaping global tourism, with cross-border and sustainable connectivity now central to the industry’s development. It also highlights the growing influence of emerging markets and the increasing role of Gulf investments in tourism and aviation.

During its participation in ATM, the Saudi Tourism Authority showcased the Kingdom’s accelerating tourism growth, revealing it had attracted approximately 116 million visitors in 2024—a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Fahd Hamidaddin, the authority’s CEO, said Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its position as a unique summer destination through a robust calendar of events and strategic private-sector partnerships. The focus is on key source markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

UAE Tourism Supports Economic Diversification

UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, emphasized the country’s growing stature as a global tourism hub. He pointed to the launch of major national initiatives that align with best international practices, support economic diversification, and attract investment in hospitality, aviation, and travel.

According to bin Touq, the UAE’s tourism sector continued to deliver strong performance in 2024. Hotel revenues rose to AED 45 billion (USD 12.2 billion), up 3% from 2023, while occupancy rates reached 78%, among the highest globally. The country added 16 new hotels last year, increasing the total to 1,251, with room capacity growing 3%. Hotel guests rose 9.5% year-on-year to 30.8 million, achieving 77% of the UAE’s 2031 national tourism target seven years ahead of schedule.

Gulf Airlines Gear Up for Growth

Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the airline has yet to feel any major impact from global trade tensions, with seat occupancy remaining strong despite global uncertainty. Etihad plans to add 20 to 22 aircraft in 2025, with the goal of expanding its fleet to more than 170 aircraft by 2030. Neves also noted that the euro’s recent appreciation could boost European travel to the Gulf.

Etihad, which currently operates a fleet of around 100 aircraft, has significant financial flexibility, with 60% of its fleet debt-free. “If a crisis arises, we can ground planes and save up to 75% of operating costs,” he noted.

The airline plans to receive 10 Airbus A321XLR jets starting in August, in addition to 6 Airbus A350s and 4 Boeing 787s. Neves said while delays in aircraft delivery remain a challenge, they have not altered Etihad’s growth strategy. He also confirmed ongoing discussions with manufacturers and signaled interest in Boeing aircraft originally designated for China but now potentially available due to trade restrictions.

Riyadh Air Nears Major Aircraft Deal

Tony Douglas, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air, said the new airline is open to acquiring Boeing jets initially built for the Chinese market if trade disputes disrupt those deliveries.

Douglas said global economic headwinds have not affected demand and announced plans to finalize a major widebody aircraft deal soon. The airline aims to expand its workforce to around 1,000 employees in the coming year, as it prepares to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Commenting on broader regional developments, Douglas said the resumption of flights from the UAE to Syria and the use of Syrian airspace “may be an early sign that conditions are improving.”