Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has long been seen as a man in a hurry.
He has spent most of his eight years in office pursuing a high-octane, one-man drive to modernise Egypt, a country of 103 million people, after decades of inaction and negligence.
The former army general has more than once stated his disdain for politics and paid little or no heed to dissenting voices, although they are increasingly sidelined in the country where the media, parliament and pundits rarely stray from the government line.
But Mr El Sisi's view may now be changing. He has announced a national dialogue in which everyone — regardless of political or ideological affiliations — can participate. And Mr El Sisi has called on all to join and speak freely without worrying about the consequences. Different views, he said, cannot hurt the nation.
The rare invitation to supporters and opponents alike could make the dialogue an important milestone in Mr El Sisi’s rule that, depending on its outcome, could define Egypt’s politics for years to come.
But, a month after it was announced, neither the president nor his government has spelt out the parameters of this grand debate. Applications to take part are open, even if there is no start date.
So why the change of mind?
Many believe the success of the multibillion-dollar development blitz led by the 67-year-old president and the restoration of security and stability after years of turmoil and violence are the main sources of the confidence behind the move.
Another reason cited by analysts, including pro-government pundits, is that the administration wants to see Egyptians rally behind it ahead of what is expected to be a trying time as the global economy is buffeted by rising oil prices and wheat and grain shortages in the fallout from the Ukraine war.
“The president’s announcement came at an important juncture given the conflicts currently witnessed by the world and impacting on Egypt economically,” said legislator Alaa Abed, a leading member of the majority party Mostaqbal Watan or Nation's Future.
“Listening to different viewpoints is important, especially because there is a genuine political will to build a new republic that includes everyone,” Mr Abed said.
The president’s actions point to what many in Egypt call “the easing” of the nation’s political climate.
Since Mr El Sisi took power in 2014, the state has solidified control of the media, which involves blocking independent news sites and banning critics from travel. It has also instigated a virtual ban on street protests and public displays of dissent.
As well as his offer on April 21 of a dialogue, the president has also taken action to start this "easing". He ordered the release of 41 of his critics from prison and revived a presidential committee mandated to look into the cases of others held in pre-trial detention.
Last October, Mr El Sisi lifted the nationwide state of emergency he declared more than four years earlier.
This month, authorities agreed to a long-time demand by the family of Egypt’s best-known opposition activist, Alaa Abdel Fattah, to move him from the maximum-security centre he was being held in to a modern jail north-west of Cairo. Much better living conditions and medical care are available there.
Abdel Fattah was convicted last year of spreading false news and is serving a five-year sentence.
Adding to the excitement at the announcement on April 21, Mr El Sisi was seen shaking hands and amicably chatting with Hamdeen Sabahy, a long-time critic who ran against him in the 2014 presidential election.
The moment, captured on live television and endlessly replayed on social media, signalled what might become a new page in the rule of Mr El Sisi, the latest in a line dating to the 1950s of leaders hailing from the military. It also comes around halfway through Mr El Sisi's possible time in office – having won elections in 2014 and 2018, he will be able to run again for a third and final six-year term in 2024.
The major question mark that hangs over the dialogue process is about the participation of those who do not necessarily share Mr El Sisi's vision. Without them, it becomes a largely performative undertaking, but they are likely to stay away unless at least some of their suggestions are implemented.
“We welcome the dialogue. It’s a positive initiative,” said Khaled Dawoud, chief spokesman for the Civil Democratic Movement, an alliance of liberal and left-leaning parties, including Mr Sabahy’s.
“But we will be in a very unenviable situation if we participate without the release of our members from prison.
“We need that to happen as a gesture of goodwill from the government.”
Mr Dawoud was released last year from pre-trial detention that lasted nearly two years after he was accused of spreading false news.
With the agenda of the dialogue still unknown, many fear it will focus only on the economy, social issues or reform in vital sectors such as education and health care.
Well-known Arab talk show host Amr Adeeb appears to have the same suspicions.
He cautioned last week that the president should not expect participants in the dialogue to talk only about the economy.
'Time to talk about politics'
“Historically, when the people of Egypt participate in a national dialogue they will want to talk about freedoms, political parties, the media and opening up the public sphere,” said Mr Adeeb, a staunch supporter of Mr El Sisi.
But showing uncustomary candour, the veteran Egyptian TV host said: “We are not talking here about an angelic state. Surely, mistakes have been made and they need to be fixed.
“People want to talk about freedoms, how we will release those in jail and those detained in pre-trial detention.
“After the economic reforms, it’s time we talk about politics. Politics and the economy are the two sides of the same coin.”
The dialogue will be organised by the National Training Academy, a state agency created to improve the skills and qualifications of government employees. It has issued a statement saying it will administer the dialogue with a total absence of bias and will not interfere in the discussions.
However, some disagree that the academy was the right choice to moderate the discussions.
“The presidency is the only establishment that has the power to adhere to whatever is agreed on in the dialogue,” said prominent opposition politician and former MP Ahmed Tantawi.
He has proposed a technical secretariat of 10 experts shared equally between the government and the opposition to run the dialogue.
“We don’t reject the dialogue, but we will try to secure pledges [for political reform],” he said.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Liverpool 4 (Salah (pen 4, 33', & pen 88', Van Dijk (20')
Leeds United 3 (Harrison 12', Bamford 30', Klich 66')
Man of the match Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
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Director: Nora Twomey
Starring: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Laara Sadiq
Three stars
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners
Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)
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Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
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Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
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Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
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Rating: 2/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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Intercontinental Cup
Namibia v UAE Saturday Sep 16-Tuesday Sep 19
Table 1 Ireland, 89 points; 2 Afghanistan, 81; 3 Netherlands, 52; 4 Papua New Guinea, 40; 5 Hong Kong, 39; 6 Scotland, 37; 7 UAE, 27; 8 Namibia, 27
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Jetour T1 specs
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Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The five pillars of Islam
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
