It's not uncommon to see the Egyptian president sitting stony-faced listening to presentations by Cabinet ministers on development projects or panel speakers addressing an array of topics, as was the case during last week's World Youth Forum. He often cuts in and grab the microphone to ask for clarifications, offer counsel, heap praise or issue new orders.
His interventions, televised live, are sometimes pleasant, often impassioned but can also be angry. He vents frustration over a lack of popular co-operation with his government and laments the failure of officials to use time and resources better.
Whichever the case, they are always blunt.
With an Egyptian Parliament that rarely criticises or questions the president's plans and a press largely controlled by the state, the president's televised comments offer the country's 102 million people an insight into President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's thinking and the government’s priorities.
Egyptians have grown accustomed to watching their leader of seven years in these live televised functions when he faces the cameras while attendees are seated behind him.
A 67-year-old former general, the president’s impromptu comments during a tour of southern Egypt late last month and the World Youth Forum earlier this month covered a wide range of topics, from road construction and poverty to immigration, water conservation and power generation.
He also covered topics his predecessors feared to raise domestically, such as discussing Egypt's much-criticised human rights record or subtly lambasting the West for a perceived hypocrisy.
While his comments don't amount to the opinions of subject experts, they do hint at his diligence, tenacity, eye for detail and punishing work ethic as he pursues a high-octane quest to modernise Egypt after decades of negligence under his predecessors.
The Egyptian leader has urged his people to work harder, admonished them for flouting the law – like illegal construction on farmland – or threatened offenders with the full weight of the law.
“I believe in the freedom of expression. During recent years, we [Mr El Sisi and Egyptians] have been speaking to each other a great deal. We talk about everything with extreme transparency," he said on January 13 at the World Youth Forum held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh.
The president's televised comments of late have shown a growing confidence in his leadership and policies, doing away with much of the caution that characterised his early public appearances after the election in 2014.
For example, after inspecting new trains in the southern city of Aswan last month, he brought up the subject of his predecessors allowing services like the railways to deteriorate rather than raise fares to generate revenue for maintenance work.
“It was never a question of political will," he said. "They knew exactly what the remedy was, but they wanted to hold on to power even if that meant the country was ruined. They stayed in power while Egypt turned into scrap, just scrap.”
Earlier in his southern tour last month, he said his government had no intention of giving newlyweds Egyptian state food cards, a social programme used by 60 per cent of people to buy heavily subsidised food. If they could not afford to buy food at market prices, he said, they should not get married.
Last year, also during a live broadcast event, he dropped a bombshell when he announced it was time to lift state subsidies on bread.
His announcement sent shockwaves through a country where the majority rely on cheap bread as their main staple. At least 70 people died in riots in 1977 when the government briefly reduced subsidies on bread.
“His predecessors lied either intentionally or unwittingly. But, with this president there’s transparency and honesty,” said Gehad Auda, a political science professor from Helwan University in Cairo. “In some ways, those events resemble a royal audience but they essentially offer a realistic look at where things stand and where they are headed.”
Mr El Sisi has also recently offered a blunt recollection of the 2011 uprising that forced long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak to step down and ushered in years of turmoil.
“We nearly ruined the country in 2011. I will never forget that and you Egyptians shouldn’t either," he said late last month.
While much of what the president offers is on the running of state, billion-dollar developments and new laws, he occasionally surprises viewers with unexpected comments over issues such as the best methods of milking cows or, as he did during his tour of southern Egypt, the problems pomegranate growers face when unable to sell their surplus.
Admonishing officials for not seizing the opportunity to build a factory that would process the surplus pomegranate, he yelled: “Why is it that you don’t dream?"
For a leader who has been questioned by rights groups and allies over the country's rights record, the president has been speaking publicly about the issue a great deal.
He did so again last week during the youth summit and, as on past occasions, he was not defensive.
"Give me $50 billion a year and I will personally ask Egyptians to demonstrate every day," he said in response to criticism in the West of his government's human rights record. "I am prepared to hold elections every year, but on one condition – you finance them; and if Egyptians say 'no' to me, I will just leave."
Addressing the West, he said: "Do you love our people more than we do? Are you more concerned about our country than us?"
When it comes to trying to deliver for the Egyptian people, Mr El Sisi has been trying to build a strong track record.
Since taking office in 2014, he has stabilised the country following a wave of deadly terrorist attacks after the military's removal the previous year of an Islamist president.
He then launched the largest building boom in Egypt's modern history with dozen of new cities under construction, including a new capital in the desert east of Cairo, thousands of kilometres of roads, hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units and enough power stations to make once common blackouts more of a rarity.
He has also introduced a reform programme to overhaul the battered economy that, while compounding the hardships faced by the poor and middle classes, won accolades from donors and international financial agencies.
An early riser who once boasted of starting to “study” conditions in Egypt as a young boy, Mr El Sisi has done enough to convince many Egyptians that his governing style is different from his predecessors.
His schedule, according to official media releases, suggests he hardly takes any time off.
"Poverty ... should push us not to sleep or even nap until we get rid of it with work, work, work," he said last week.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Hales' batting career
Tests 11; Runs 573; 100s 0; 50s 5; Avg 27.38; Best 94
ODIs 58; Runs 1,957; 100s 5; 50s 11; Avg 36.24; Best 171
T20s 52; Runs 1,456; 100s 1; 50s 7; Avg 31.65; Best 116 not out
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')
Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')
Results
Women finals: 48kg - Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) bt Distria Krasniqi (KOS); 52kg - Odette Guiffrida (ITA) bt Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS); 57kg - Nora Gjakova (KOS) bt Anastasiia Konkina (Rus)
Men’s finals: 60kg - Amiran Papinashvili (GEO) bt Francisco Garrigos (ESP); 66kg - Vazha Margvelashvili (Geo) bt Yerlan Serikzhanov (KAZ)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
Brief scores:
Kashima Antlers 0
River Plate 4
Zuculini 24', Martinez 73', 90 2', Borre 89' (pen)
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
More on animal trafficking
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Day 1, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.
Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.
The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
Tributes from the UAE's personal finance community
• Sebastien Aguilar, who heads SimplyFI.org, a non-profit community where people learn to invest Bogleheads’ style
“It is thanks to Jack Bogle’s work that this community exists and thanks to his work that many investors now get the full benefits of long term, buy and hold stock market investing.
Compared to the industry, investing using the common sense approach of a Boglehead saves a lot in costs and guarantees higher returns than the average actively managed fund over the long term.
From a personal perspective, learning how to invest using Bogle’s approach was a turning point in my life. I quickly realised there was no point chasing returns and paying expensive advisers or platforms. Once money is taken care off, you can work on what truly matters, such as family, relationships or other projects. I owe Jack Bogle for that.”
• Sam Instone, director of financial advisory firm AES International
"Thought to have saved investors over a trillion dollars, Jack Bogle’s ideas truly changed the way the world invests. Shaped by his own personal experiences, his philosophy and basic rules for investors challenged the status quo of a self-interested global industry and eventually prevailed. Loathed by many big companies and commission-driven salespeople, he has transformed the way well-informed investors and professional advisers make decisions."
• Demos Kyprianou, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"Jack Bogle for me was a rebel, a revolutionary who changed the industry and gave the little guy like me, a chance. He was also a mentor who inspired me to take the leap and take control of my own finances."
• Steve Cronin, founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com
"Obsessed with reducing fees, Jack Bogle structured Vanguard to be owned by its clients – that way the priority would be fee minimisation for clients rather than profit maximisation for the company.
His real gift to us has been the ability to invest in the stock market (buy and hold for the long term) rather than be forced to speculate (try to make profits in the shorter term) or even worse have others speculate on our behalf.
Bogle has given countless investors the ability to get on with their life while growing their wealth in the background as fast as possible. The Financial Independence movement would barely exist without this."
• Zach Holz, who blogs about financial independence at The Happiest Teacher
"Jack Bogle was one of the greatest forces for wealth democratisation the world has ever seen. He allowed people a way to be free from the parasitical "financial advisers" whose only real concern are the fat fees they get from selling you over-complicated "products" that have caused millions of people all around the world real harm.”
• Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"In an industry that’s synonymous with greed, Jack Bogle was a lone wolf, swimming against the tide. When others were incentivised to enrich themselves, he stood by the ‘fiduciary’ standard – something that is badly needed in the financial industry of the UAE."
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
RESULT
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)
