Hengdian, China —  Everything seemed to be business as usual as filming got underway on a dimly lit set in a basement in Hengdian, a town nicknamed “China’s Hollywood” for its sprawling complex of film studios. Cameramen raced around hectically setting up lights and checking shots as choreographers ran through fight sequences and a prop team … The post Quiet on set. How AI transformed China’s microdrama scene appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Iran’s ​currency – the rial – has dropped ⁠to a record ⁠low of more ‌than ⁠two million to the US dollar on the open market, according to websites that track the currency’s movement. The free market rate is different from the official rate, which values the rial 29 percent higher against the US dollar. The … The post Iranian currency drops to record low as US plans to tighten sanctions appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk on Sunday, August 23, 2026, said global investors have renewed their confidence in Egypt’s economic trajectory, with investment risk assessments falling to their lowest level since 2014. “Our economy has started to improve, while the private sector is growing and accounts for 60% of investments,” Kouchouk said at a meeting with … The post Egypt Finance Minister: Global investors regain confidence in economy appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Iran, already drained by years of sanctions and a brutal military onslaught from the United States and Israel, now faces another test as President Donald Trump moves to further tighten the economic screws on the Islamic Republic. The US is preparing measures, to be revealed at a news conference later on Monday, of what Treasury … The post Trump is trying to tighten the screws on an Iran numb to economic pain appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Cosmetic eye color changes have sparked controversy after the Egyptian Medical Syndicate received complaints against an ophthalmologist for performing procedures aimed at altering iris color, through either laser lightening or the implantation of a colored artificial iris. In an official statement, the Medical Syndicate announced that it had summoned the doctor in question to appear … The post Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta issues fatwa regarding cosmetic eye surgeries appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The organizing committee of the Mediterranean Games decided to strip Egyptian wrestler Mohamed al-Kassem of his silver medal after he assaulted a Croatian opponent before the end of their match, RT reported on Sunday. The 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games is currently being held in Taranto, Italy, and will continue until September 3rd, with … The post Egyptian wrestler stripped of silver medal at Mediterranean Games appeared first on Egypt Independent.

As we’ve been reporting, Iran’s security chief has threatened to halt oil flow out of the Strait of Hormuz, according to state-affiliated Press TV. Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, threatened to shut down all traffic through the critical waterway should any neighboring countries enter the US’ expected economic crackdown. A … The post A closer look at the Strait of Hormuz after Iran issues new threat appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egypt exported 4,370 food shipments totaling 208,000 tons between August 15 and 21, 2026, shipped by 1,410 exporting companies and covering around 758 food products, the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) said on Sunday, August 23, 2026. In its 31st weekly report for 2026, the authority said the exports included vegetables and tubers, fruits, preserved … The post NFSA: Egypt’s food exports reach 208,000 tons in one week, appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh stressed on Sunday, August 23, 2026, the importance of preserving the territorial unity of the Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and enabling the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities. The two officials discussed … The post Egyptian FM, Palestinian VP urge preserving territorial unity in Gaza, West Bank appeare...

A cultural faultline in Iran has re-emerged in recent months amid the turmoil of war and the revamping of the country’s hardline leadership: how and whether to enforce the wearing of the hijab by women. At the height of the conflict with the United States this year, women without the headscarf were often seen at … The post Iranian women defy efforts by hardliners to enforce wearing of hijab appeared first on Egypt Independent.

US President Donald Trump posted a picture of the Strait of Hormuz, on his page on Truth Social on Sunday, with the phrase “New U.S. territory: Strait of Hormuz” written on it. The heads of Iran’s three branches of government met at the presidential palace hours after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on Friday for … The post Trump calls Strait of Hormuz ‘new American territory’ appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egyptian swimmer Abdelrahman Sameh won the gold medal in the 50m butterfly on Saturday evening at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. Sameh finished the race in 23.18 seconds, breaking the competition record. The 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games is being held in the Italian city of Taranto and will continue through September … The post Egyptian swimmer Abdelrahman Sameh wins gold at Mediterranean Games appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Iran pushed back on US President Donald Trump’s threat of an “economic D-Day,” calling it “a recipe for an abysmal return to full-scale classic colonialism.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday the United States’ declaration of new economic sanctions against the country is an “assertion of extraterritorial sovereignty over every independent Member … The post Iran: Trump’s economic threat paves the way for “return to full-scale classic colonialism” appeared fir...

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom affirmed that the Egyptian economy has demonstrated clear resilience against regional and global geopolitical shocks, noting that performance indicators reflect established stability, with growth reaching five percent in Q3 of the last fiscal year and 5.2 percent over the first nine months. This came during his meeting … The post Egypt economy shows resilience against shocks: planning minister appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Israeli government advanced an internationally condemned settlement plan in the occupied West Bank that could split the territory and “bury” the possibility of a two-state solution. Israel’s Housing Ministry issued a notice inviting bids for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units in E1 near Jerusalem, which aims to create a continuous bloc … The post Israel moves forward with internationally condemned settlement plan that could ‘bury’ two-state solution appeared first on Egypt ...

This week, a two-month window for peace talks expired without a clear path to end the US war with Iran. Global oil prices have continued to rise, traffic through Middle East waterways is muted and the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point. Still, Trump said Wednesday the “situation” with Iran “was so good,” … The post Timeline: What has happened this week since US and Iran missed deadline for peace talks appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egypt’s Irrigation Minister Hani Sweilem said that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is “illegitimate and violates international law, and we cannot recognize it.” Sweilem’s remarks came during a trip to Tanzania on Friday to inaugurate the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Dam and Power Station, constructed by an Egyptian consortium. He noted how the Tanzanian dam … The post Egyptian Irrigation Minister: GERD is illegitimate and we’ll not recognize It appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Oman, a historic partner for the United States and proven mediator to Iran, was once again threatened by President Donald Trump over its negotiations with the Islamic Republic, leaving many in the region confused. Trump’s warning on Monday reiterated a threat he issued in May to “blow up” Oman over its ongoing negotiations with Iran, … The post Trump’s threats anger Omanis, leave observers puzzled appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Shares of the world’s largest humanoid robot maker by sales Unitree jumped more than 600% in its trading debut in Shanghai on Wednesday, in a testament to its status as the poster child of China’s robotic advancement. Having captured global attention with its dancing and kung-fu fighting androids, Unitree raised 6.1 billion yuan ($905 million) … The post World’s top humanoid robot maker surges in blockbuster market debut in China appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egypt’s Minister of Interior has issued a decree adopting new official designs for the country’s diplomatic, special, and official service passports, updating their security features and physical specifications.   Key updates The decree officially replaces the older passport designs and repeals the previous Ministerial Decree No. 2331 of 2008, alongside any conflicting regulations.   Legal … The post Egypt issues new diplomatic and special passports appeared first on Egypt Independent.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned in an op-ed that an “economic D-Day” is coming for Iran, stopping short of giving further details. “Now we are entering the endgame. At dawn begins an economic D-Day — the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary,” he wrote in the Financial Times ahead of … The post The US has been imposing sanctions on Iran since 1979 appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty received Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to discuss ways to enhance coordination and integration with state institutions and support Egypt’s economic and financial efforts through Egyptian diplomatic missions abroad in line with the state’s economic priorities. Kouchouk also held a … The post FM, Finance Minister discuss boosting economic diplomacy appeared first on Egypt...

US and Egyptian officials opened the US-Egypt Ports Infrastructure and Maritime Innovation Forum in New Cairo on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to discuss port development, maritime technology, artificial intelligence and investment opportunities. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman and US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Mark Mitchell opened the forum, while Egypt’s Transport Minister Kamel el … The post US, Egypt discuss port infrastructure, maritime innovation appeared first on Egypt Indep...

Britain will allow the release of classified technology so that a British/French-designed cruise missile can be manufactured in Ukraine, a boost for Kyiv in its efforts to bring more firepower to bear hundreds of kilometers into Russia. Paris and Kyiv want to set up a Ukrainian production line for the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, known … The post Britain’s giving Ukraine access to secret missile technology. Will it make a difference? appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) sent a legal memorandum to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to respond to inquiries regarding the events that occurred during the Egypt-Argentina World Cup match, RT reported on Sunday. According to Egyptian sources, the memorandum – comprising approximately 90 pages – includes legal responses and clarifications on all points and inquiries that … The post Egypt takes official step to save Hossam Hassan from FIFA sanctions appeared first on Egypt Independent.

I studied in London during 1970s amidst the IRA bombings – a time when the government encouraged you to conserve water and do joint showering. It was a tough era and I remember walking almost daily from Queensway to Houghton Street to the London School of Economics in WC2 and back as the underground received … The post LONDON HAS FALLEN appeared first on Egypt Independent.

One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran’s hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis. “The world has realized that (US President Donald) Trump’s bluster is nothing but empty talk,” said the … The post Top security official’s comments are a fresh sign of Iran’s readiness to go on the offense appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The 262nd convoy of the “Zad Al-Ezza: From Egypt to Gaza” humanitarian aid campaign entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, August 23, 2026, through the Rafah land crossing toward the Karm Abu Salem crossing in southern Gaza, following a two-day halt on Friday and Saturday for the weekly weekend break. The convoy’s trucks are carrying … The post 262nd aid convoy enters Gaza via Rafah terminal appeared first on Egypt Independent.

By suddenly scaling down war games with South Korea, US President Donald Trump risks working against his own stated goal of having Seoul assume more responsibility for its own defense. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, involving tens of thousands of troops, have been cut in half at Washington’s request, after Trump said last weekend … The post Trump wants South Korea to defend itself. His overtures to Kim Jong Un could delay that appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country is in a “full-scale war” and acknowledged the country’s economic difficulties as the US prepares to ramp up sanctions on it. “We are apologetic that these problems exist, as we find ourselves in a full-scale economic, military, and security war,” Iranian state media IRNA reported Pezeshkian as saying … The post Iran in “full-scale” war, says president, as fresh US sanctions loom appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Turkish and Egyptian football fans are slated to be following the Trabzonspor vs. Başakşehir match on Sunday, August 23, as part of the second round of the Turkish Super Lig. Fans of the Egyptian star Mohamed Salah are eagerly anticipating the match, as he continues his journey with his new team.   Match time The … The post Mohamed Salah leads Trabzonspor against Başakşehir appeared first on Egypt Independent.

New York —  TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, reached a $400 million settlement with the US Justice Department over children’s privacy litigation on Friday, one of the largest amounts yet for a case of this kind. The Justice Department first sued TikTok in 2024, claiming the app failed to stop children from joining the app … The post Justice Department reaches $400 million settlement with TikTok over child privacy case appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Kyiv —  A new wave of North Korean troops, already numbering 8,500 in Russia, contains a drone unit that could attack targets inside Ukraine, according to a senior Ukrainian intelligence official. North Korea, who signed a NATO-style mutual defense pact with Russia two years ago, has been sending troops to assist Moscow’s military operations since late … The post North Korea boosts support for Russia to include drone operators, Ukraine says appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Damietta Port received 15 general cargo and container ships over the past 24 hours, while 15 vessels departed, bringing the total number of ships undergoing loading and unloading operations to 24, and total handled vessels to 30. Damietta Port Authority media center said in a statement on Friday that general cargo exports reached 13,444 tons, comprising … The post Damietta Port handles 30 vessels, thousands of tons of cargo in 24 hours appeared first on Egypt Independent.

At least 16 people have been killed and 130 more, including 23 children, wounded in a Russian “double-tap” strike on a shopping center in, Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, authorities say. Kryvyi Rih is the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and has been targeted multiple times during the four-year-war. Ukraine is facing a critical shortages … The post At least 16 killed and over 100 wounded in Russian ‘double-tap’ strike on a Ukrainian shopping center appeared first on Egypt Ind...

From the moment the EgyptAir plane took off for Dodoma, the Tanzanian capital, carrying Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the Egyptian delegation participating in the inauguration of the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Dam and Power Plant, celebration filled the air. This significant Egyptian-Tanzanian achievement boasts a production capacity of 2,115 megawatts, and the flight carried the … The post Photos: Egypt’s Prime Minister visits Tanzania to attend inauguration of Julius Nyerere Dam app...

The FBI returned dozens of looted artifacts to representatives of the Egyptian government during a ceremony held Friday in Los Angeles, RT reported on Friday. Among the items returned to Egypt were jewelry, statues, sculptures, amulets, funerary objects, and ancient inscriptions, along with other pieces dating back to the Pharaonic, Roman, and Coptic periods, according … The post US returns 48 smuggled artifacts from 3 different eras to Egypt appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Israeli military acknowledged for the first time on Wednesday that it opened fire on the vehicle carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza and said it had opened a criminal investigation into the killing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously denied involvement in the January 2024 killing, saying months later that a preliminary investigation … The post Israeli military admits for first time to firing on car carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab as it opens criminal probe appeared first on ...

For 500 years (1420–1924), China’s “Forbidden City” served as the exclusive realm of 24 emperors—off-limits to the public, shielded by high walls, massive gates, stern guards, and a deep, wide moat. Today, that once-impenetrable palace sits in the heart of Beijing as one of the world’s most famous tourist landmarks, welcoming millions of visitors from … The post The North Coast’s “Forbidden City” appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) released its latest forecast for Cairo and the governorates, announcing a temperature spike of up to two degrees starting Friday. A moderately hot, humid breeze will greet the early morning, giving way to extremely hot and humid conditions nationwide during the day. Coastal areas will remain hot and humid, while … The post Upcoming heatwave – spike in temperatures across Egypt starting Friday appeared first on Egypt Independent.

When Paul Biya won his first presidential election in Cameroon in 1984, Nformi Bime was 23 and still a student. Bime is now 65 and retired from teaching. Biya is 93 – and still president. Last year, he won a disputed eighth term that could keep him in office until he is nearly 100. “The … The post The world’s oldest president left for a ‘brief stay’ in Europe. He hasn’t returned in two months appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty held talks on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with Sudanese Finance and Economic Planning Minister Gibril Ibrahim to discuss ways aimed at to expanding economic cooperation and supporting reconstruction efforts in Sudan. The Ministers discussed cooperation between Egyptian and Sudanese institutions on financial policies, as … The post FM, Sudanese finance minister discuss reconstruction efforts appeared fi...

The US Army’s Apache helicopters are crashing at a historically high rate amid a widespread problem with the model’s transmission, according to a CNN analysis of military accident data. The helicopter type has experienced five major crashes since October, and a deadly mishap earlier this month in Texas killed two soldiers, sparked a wildfire and … The post US Army attack helicopters crashing at historically high rate amid mechanical issues appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Iran warned on Sunday that vessels accused of violating its transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz could face penalties including detention or confiscation, signaling potential risks for shipping through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. In a series of posts on X, Iran’s state-controlled Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said vessels that … The post Ships violating Hormuz transit rules could be seized, Iran warns appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) forecasts a slight rise in temperatures across most of the country on Monday, ranging between one and two degrees Celsius. Hot and humid conditions will persist during the daytime. Evening humidity levels are expected to range between 80-85 percent in Greater Cairo and the Lower Egypt, and between 90-95 percent … The post Hot, humid weather expected for Monday in Egypt appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Russia is likely to mobilize another 300,000 troops later this year, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as it tries to complete the capture of a long-coveted region of east Ukraine. In wide-ranging remarks released Sunday, Zelensky said he expected that the Russians would end the year occupying the same amount of Ukrainian territory as … The post Russia likely to mobilize at least 300,000 more troops to Ukraine war, Zelensky warns appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Trump administration’s ban on visas for immigrants from 75 countries was struck down by a federal judge on Friday, who ruled it was “contrary to law” and outside the statutory authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In January, the State Department paused the issuance of immigrant visas from almost 40% of the world’s … The post Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa ban struck down by judge appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman won the bronze medal in the women’s 50m butterfly at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after finishing the race in 26.32 seconds, giving Egypt its second medal at the Games. Osman’s bronze came after Abdelrahman Sameh won the gold medal in the men’s 50m butterfly in 23.18 seconds, securing Egypt’s first … The post Farida Osman wins bronze in 50m butterfly at Taranto 2026 appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Over the past few decades, “Black August,” or “the August curse,” has become a sort of journalistic shorthand in Russia for dramatic crises that seem to happen in the last weeks of summer. In some respects, Black August is Russia’s rough equivalent to the “silly season” in British journalism, the late-summer lull when frivolous headlines … The post It’s ‘Black August’ in Russia, but Putin is sweeping this summer’s crisis under the rug appeared first on Egypt Independent.

A member of the Egyptian Greco-Roman wrestling team, Mohamed Hassan, secured a medal for Egypt at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games by qualifying for the final of the 67 kg weight class. The Egyptian champion defeated Turkey’s Murat Firat 2-0, booking his place in the final and guaranteeing Egypt its first medal in the 20th … The post Wrestler Mohamed Hassan secures Egypt’s 1st medal at Mediterranean Games appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Warner Bros. Animation released a promotional video revealing the voice cast for “The Cat in the Hat”, representing nine countries around the world. In the original film, American actor Bill Hard voices the Cat, and in the Egyptian version the role is voiced by Egyptian actor Maged al-Kidwani, South Korean Cho Jung-suk, Mexican Alfonso Herrera, … The post Video: Maged al-Kidwani stars in the Egyptian dub of The Cat in the Hat appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The number of ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz rose 27 percent in the past week, according to a CNN analysis of figures from the UK Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO), which recorded 103 entering and 89 leaving. However, that is only 20 percent of the seven-day pre-war average, with the waterway still a focal … The post Strait of Hormuz traffic this week was 20% of pre-war average, though US says “oil is flowing” appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Friday that the giant Julius Nyerere Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station in Tanzania, implemented by an Egyptian consortium, stands as a prominent example of Egypt’s soft power in Africa. Speaking exclusively to Extra News, Madbouly said it was an honor to attend the inauguration and commencement of operations at the … The post PM: Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Dam project showcases Egypt’s growing soft power in Africa appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia voiced their categorical condemnation of Israel’s ongoing illegal settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territory, rejecting the E1 settlement plan and related activities east of occupied East Jerusalem. In a joint statement on Friday, the ministers renewed their condemnation of settler violence … The post 8 nations condemn Israeli settlement expansion and E1 project appeared first on E...

Trade talks between Canada and the United States failed at the last minute on Friday night, reigniting the North American trade war, with Ottawa vowing to match Washington’s tariffs. Despite hopeful statements from both sides that a deal would be struck to avoid 50% US tariffs on a raft of Canadian goods locking in at … The post US-Canada trade war reignites as talks fail at last minute appeared first on Egypt Independent.

For the third consecutive month, Hurghada has raised the “Fully Booked” sign, as hotels and resorts continue to record occupancy rates nearing 100 percent – reflecting a strong demand for the city during the current summer season. Accommodation prices at several luxury hotels and resorts have risen to record levels, amid calls for expanding hotel … The post Hurghada hotels ‘fully booked’ for the 3rd consecutive month appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Syrian Civil Defense reported that three civilians – including a man, his wife, and his brother – were killed and six others including children were injured from an explosion inside a house in the village of Ain al-Qasab, near the city of Jisr al-Shughur in western Idlib countryside after midnight on Friday. Sources told … The post Explosion kill 3 civilians, wound 6 more in Syrian countryside appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Melania Trump grew up attending Formula 1 races with her father in her native Slovenia. On Thursday, America’s first lady will merge that longtime personal interest in cars and racing with a new one: foster youth. She’s teaming up with IndyCar and Fox Corporation to launch new scholarship opportunities for young adults transitioning out of … The post Melania Trump prioritizes policy over public presence this term appeared first on Egypt Independent.

An underground collapse triggered by severe landslides has leveled an informal gold mine in the border community of Zamboye, leaving over 100 miners dead. The site of the disaster—situated in the western reaches of the Central African Republic near the Cameroonian border, about 50 kilometers from Baboua—suffered a catastrophic structural failure when several subterranean tunnels … The post Over 100 dead in Central African Republic mine collapse appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egypt is quietly solidifying its footprint as a massive global manufacturing engine, and Beijing is writing a hefty check to prove it. Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa recently met with executives from a top-tier Chinese industrial giant to hammer out a massive two billion dollar investment. The deal envisions a high-tech, end-to-end … The post Egypt secures $2 billion massive aluminum mega-project in Suez Canal Zone appeared first on Egypt Independent.