Egypt’s economic reform program is in the spotlight in the UAE’s The National. Veteran financial writer Patrick Werr’s weekly column suggests it’s time the Ismail government rip the band aid off: “Even though the inevitable austerity measures could trigger a groundswell of discontent, the government must move quickly and decisively, since delays will make the financial mess even harder to resolve down the road.” The EGP, he suggests, should be devalued “aggressively,” noting that Arqaam Capital is suggesting 14.00 to the greenback. Elsewhere in the paper, Riyadh-based analyst John Sfakianakis argues for a managed float, bringing back investment incentives including UAE-style tax breaks, and spending cuts that he admits will be “hugely unpopular.” And that’s the risk that’s surely giving policymakers pause, as Werr notes: “Activists have already called for a mass demonstration on November 11 to protest against the rising cost of living. In a speech on September 26, Mr El Sisi said the military could deploy across the entire country in six hours if needed, a remark Egyptians in the street interpreted as a warning to would-be protesters.”