Author’s arrest for criticizing the economy tops int’l coverage of Egypt
The arrest of author Abdel Khalek Farouk a few days ago is topping coverage of Egypt in the foreign press on this otherwise quiet morning. Farouk — the author of a forthcoming book that is critical of Egypt’s economy — was arrested earlier this week alongside his publisher Ibrahim El Khatib. Both are facing charges of spreading false news, according to the AP, which says the “arrests are the latest in Egypt’s crackdown on dissent.”
Luxor, Aswan are top value destinations for 2019: The Southern Nile Valley, on the banks of the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, claimed the number one spot on Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 value tourist destinations of 2019. A tour of the area’s well preserved temples at Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan — alongside sights of lush fields and palm trees — is ideal for hagglers looking for a great bargain, the guidebook says.
Other headlines worth a look this morning:
- Egypt’s demand for imported corn is down nowthat the market is moving to frozen poultry imports, according to S&P Global.
- An Egyptian startup, Direxiona, is a women-only driving school meant to make women feel safer while learning, Menna Farouk writes for Entrepreneur Middle East.
