12/08/2026
Criticise the Problem, Not the Culture
Egypt's diving industry has challenges. Accidents deserve investigation, safety standards must be enforced, and environmental and tourism problems should be reported openly.
But criticism of documented failures should not become a generalisation about an entire country or its culture.
Recently, we have seen "Insha'Allah" associated with attitudes toward maintenance, rules and responsibility.
"Insha'Allah" means "God willing." It is used by millions of people every day. It is not an explanation for poor maintenance, disregard for safety or lack of responsibility.
There is also a question of consistency.
When a serious diving accident happens elsewhere, do we question whether divers should continue visiting the entire country? Do we connect that accident with its culture, hospitality and unrelated tourism problems?
The same editorial standard should apply everywhere.
If an operator fails, identify the failure. If regulations are poorly enforced, investigate the authorities responsible. If tourists are mistreated, report those responsible.
Egypt is not one boat, one dive centre, one reef or one bad experience.
Criticism is necessary. Generalisation is not.
Judge operators by their standards. Judge authorities by their actions. Judge safety by evidence.
Not by "Insha'Allah."
Criticise Egypt when criticism is deserved. But apply the same standard everywhere.
