Insider Mena (2025)

23/06/2025

CAIRO: EgyptAir has officially suspended all flights between Cairo and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, effective June 23, 2025, citing “ongoing developments in the region” and prioritizing passenger and crew safety . The affected destinations include major Gulf cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, and Muscat—marking a significant broadening of earlier suspensions that had impacted only Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Erbil.

The airline issued a statement from its Integrated Operations Center, announcing the halt “until further notice, with operations to resume once stability returns” . The decision follows recent missile strikes on U.S. military bases—including Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base—which triggered several Gulf states, including Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, to close or restrict their airspace as a precaution .

While EgyptAir monitors the evolving security landscape “around the clock,” travelers booked on affected Gulf routes are advised to contact the airline for rebooking or refunds. The move comes amid broader regional disruptions: numerous carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Kuwait Airways, have already rerouted, delayed, or suspended flights in response to airspace closures and shifting risk levels.

23/06/2025

RIYADH: As missile fire and military escalations rock the Middle East, several Gulf countries have taken the step of closing their airspace. Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq have all restricted flights or temporarily shut down portions of their airspace amid heightened security concerns following Iran’s missile attack on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq. Major airlines, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates, have responded by canceling or rerouting flights across the region.

However, Saudi Arabia has notably kept its airspace open, despite the growing regional volatility. While many airlines have adjusted their flight paths to avoid the Gulf region entirely, Riyadh has yet to announce any formal restrictions or closures. This decision stands out as Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base—targeted by Iranian missiles—is located just a short distance from Saudi airspace.

Though no official statement has been released by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, flight data shows that many international carriers continue to operate in and out of major Saudi hubs such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The continued operation reflects a calculated move by Saudi Arabia to maintain a sense of stability and business continuity amid chaos, even as its neighbors brace for further escalations.

23/06/2025

DOHA: Iran launched a missile attack on U.S. military bases in both Qatar and Iraq late Monday, sharply escalating tensions in the region. The strikes come in direct retaliation for earlier U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo. According to multiple reports, six missiles were aimed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East—while additional missiles were fired toward the Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the assault as part of “Operation Tidings of Victory,” calling the strikes “mighty and successful.”

Eyewitnesses in Doha reported hearing loud explosions and seeing missile intercepts over the capital, with Qatari defense systems reportedly managing to neutralize the attack without casualties. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the missile strike, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and a dangerous provocation. Meanwhile, U.S. military personnel at both targeted bases were placed on full alert, sheltering in reinforced structures as threat assessments were carried out. No official damage reports or injury numbers have been released, though U.S. officials say preliminary assessments suggest no fatalities.

The missile attack represents one of the boldest moves by Iran against American military assets in recent years, particularly given its direct targeting of U.S. troops stationed in allied Gulf territory. Experts warn that this marks a dangerous turning point, shifting the confrontation from proxy warfare to direct state-on-state conflict. International reactions were swift, with Russia urging restraint and NATO allies divided between condemning the strikes and calling for immediate de-escalation. The attacks also raised fears about the security of energy routes in the Gulf, with oil prices already showing signs of volatility amid speculation over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

22/06/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Trump Claims Successful U.S. Airstrike on Iranian Nuclear Sites

In a statement posted on social media, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump claimed that the United States military successfully carried out an airstrike targeting three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The post, purportedly from Trump’s verified Twitter account, declared the mission a “very successful attack,” stating that all U.S. aircraft involved had exited Iranian airspace safely and were returning home.

According to the statement, a “full payload of BOMBS” was dropped on Fordow, described as the primary target. The message went on to commend American forces, referring to them as “great American Warriors,” and emphasized U.S. military superiority by stating, “There is not another military in the World that could have done this.”

The message concluded with a dramatic pivot, stating, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!” This remark appears contradictory given the severity of the military action described.

Questions and Doubts Surround the Post

As of this writing, no official confirmation has been issued by the Pentagon, the U.S. government, or international watchdogs regarding such an operation. The authenticity of the post itself is also in question, as no major media outlets or verified governmental channels have corroborated the claim. Furthermore, the geopolitical ramifications of such an act would likely be immediate and severe, yet no corresponding response has been observed from Iranian officials or allied entities.

Context: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan

The mentioned locations are among Iran’s most critical nuclear facilities:
• Fordow is a heavily fortified underground uranium enrichment site.
• Natanz is central to Iran’s nuclear program and has been the target of past sabotage.
• Esfahan hosts a uranium conversion facility and other key infrastructure.

A direct U.S. military strike on these sites would represent a massive escalation in Middle East tensions and could trigger retaliatory actions, destabilize the region, and spark widespread international condemnation.

Conclusion

At this time, the statement attributed to Donald Trump should be treated with extreme caution until verified by credible sources. Whether it is a genuine declaration of military action or misinformation remains to be seen. If proven accurate, this would mark one of the most consequential foreign policy developments in recent years, with immediate implications for global security and diplomacy.

[This article will be updated as more information becomes available.]

18/06/2025

CAIRO: Orascom Pyramids, in collaboration with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, has officially announced the launch of nighttime operations at the King Khufu Restaurant Complex on the Giza Plateau. Starting Wednesday, June 12, 2025, the complex will welcome visitors from 7 PM onward.

Special shuttle buses will transport guests directly from the newly established Visitor Center to the restaurant complex. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, the road leading to the site has been fitted with solar-powered lighting.

18/06/2025

DUBAI: Air travel across the Middle East was severely disrupted as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran led to over 500 flight cancellations and delays within just 24 hours. Major regional airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, and EgyptAir, were forced to suspend or reroute flights due to newly imposed airspace restrictions. The resulting chaos affected key airports such as Dubai, Sharjah, Queen Alia, Ben Gurion, Imam Khomeini, and Istanbul Sabiha, leaving passengers stranded and regional air traffic in disarray.

These disruptions reflect the broader impact of the Israel-Iran conflict, which has begun to reshape air safety protocols and destabilize aviation operations across multiple nations. The sudden changes have caused congested skies, grounded aircraft, and overwhelmed airport operations, highlighting the vulnerability of international travel to geopolitical volatility.

18/06/2025

CAIRO: Egypt is on track to dramatically increase its municipal solid waste recycling rate, with a target of reaching 60% by 2027, according to Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad. Speaking to the Local Administration Committee of the House of Representatives, Fouad noted that the country has already raised its recycling rate from just 10% in 2018 to 37% by the end of 2024.

This ambitious goal supports Egypt’s broader push for a circular economy by providing raw materials for organic fertilizers and alternative fuels. The minister also highlighted the importance of the Waste Management Law in encouraging private sector involvement. While the system initially operated with just two public-private partnership contracts, it has since expanded to 36 agreements spanning collection, transportation, treatment, and recycling—many of which were launched simultaneously in multiple governorates to accelerate national coverage.

07/06/2025

CAIRO: The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated cultural events in Egypt’s modern history. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to hold its official inauguration on July 3rd, marking a historic moment for archaeology and tourism alike.

Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, final preparations are underway to ensure a flawless launch. As part of these efforts, the museum will be temporarily closed to the public from June 15th to July 5th to complete essential logistical and organizational tasks.

GEM’s official page recently built anticipation with a post declaring:
“The largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization opens in just 28 days… With more than 50,000 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of history, prepare yourself for an experience like no other! Official inauguration on July 3rd, with public access beginning July 6th.”

This milestone will position GEM not just as a national treasure, but as a global beacon of heritage and storytelling.

04/06/2025

Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah has surged to fourth place in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, as anticipation builds for football’s most prestigious individual award. The updated rankings reflect a fierce competition among global talents, with young stars and seasoned icons alike vying for the top spot.

Topping the list is France’s Ousmane Dembélé, currently shining at Paris Saint-Germain. Close behind is Barcelona’s rising sensation Lamine Yamal, followed by Brazilian winger Raphinha, also of Barcelona. Salah, representing Liverpool and Egypt, holds fourth place, just ahead of French powerhouse Kylian Mbappé, who recently joined Real Madrid.

Here’s a look at the current top 10 contenders:

Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Raphinha Diaz (Brazil, Barcelona)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)
Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)
Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)

Salah’s consistent form and leadership at Liverpool, combined with his pivotal role for Egypt on the international stage, have kept him firmly in the global spotlight.

.dembele7 .mbappe .doue

04/06/2025

CAIRO: Egypt Earthquakes: On Tuesday morning, tremors rippled across parts of Egypt, including Greater Cairo, the Delta, Alexandria, and Marsa Matrouh. After a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the Dodecanese Islands on the Turkish border. The quake, recorded at a depth of 62 kilometers and located 129 km south-southeast of Aydın. It was confirmed by the Egyptian Red Crescent’s operations room at precisely 11:17 a.m.

Despite the widespread sensation of shaking, no injuries or structural damages have been reported within Egyptian borders. Authorities confirmed that the situation remains stable.

This marks the third significant tremor Egyptians have felt in under a month, raising renewed questions about the country’s vulnerability to seismic events.

31/05/2025

ALEXANDRIA: On Friday, May 30, 2025, Alexandria was battered by an unexpected and intense hailstorm, resulting in widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and business losses across the city. The storm overwhelmed drainage systems, submerged roads, and caused severe property damage, especially to seafront establishments, with early estimates suggesting losses exceeding 300 million Egyptian pounds.

Emergency crews were deployed swiftly to manage the aftermath, working to clear streets, restore power, and assess structural safety. Local officials emphasized the growing urgency of climate resilience in coastal cities like Alexandria, as unseasonal weather events become more frequent and destructive.

31/05/2025

CAIRO: A rare close-up of the 600-year-old mail and plate armor once worn by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf ad-Din Qaitbay, one of Egypt’s most powerful Mamluk rulers.

Dating from around 1468 to 1496, the armor is crafted from steel, iron, copper alloy, and gold — designed not only for protection in battle but also to embody the authority and grandeur of the Burji Mamluk era.

Qaitbay’s reign marked a golden age of art, architecture, and political strength in late medieval Egypt, and this remarkable piece stands as a tangible testament to that enduring legacy.

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