Egypt will pay married women aged between 21 and 45 with two children or less an annual incentive of 1,000 Egyptian pounds ($32).
They will receive the entire sum when they turn 45.
This is the government’s latest effort to control population growth, the cabinet said.
The initiative, under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Family, was signed between the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
“Our strategy is twofold: first, to provide financial incentives for Egyptian women to curb population growth, and second, to ensure that every woman and every child receives a comprehensive package of health, education and economic services to promote growth and human dignity,” said Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El Said.
The country of 104 million people, now growing at a rate of one million every 10 months, has struggled with overpopulation for decades.
But it has become a national priority in recent months, as population growth continues to put a strain on government sectors.
A World Bank report published last month estimates that reducing Egypt’s fertility rate from 2.9 births per woman to 2.1 would result in a cumulative gain in gross domestic product between 2020 and 2030 of around 569 billion pounds and savings in the health, housing and education sectors of 26 billion pounds.
President El Sisi launched the national family development project in February last year to tackle the health, education, social, cultural and economic dimensions of population growth.
The government had previously run a “Two is Enough” campaign that included free family planning services, but this is the first time direct financial incentives are being offered.
Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait said the government will create an account under the unified treasury account to issue government bonds.
Women must commit to the terms of the project to be eligible, including periodic follow-up. A woman’s right to claim any money is forfeited if she gives birth to a third child.
The ministries will also create a database for the project with statistics related to the women who are targeted by the project, including their level of commitment.
It is unclear how effective financial incentives will be, as some population experts say there is a cultural belief in Egypt that more children will eventually bring in more income.
The reactions of social media users were mixed, with some praising the government’s unorthodox initiative and others saying it does not address the root of the problem or that the amount is too small to make a difference.
As Egyptians contend with record-high inflation and the economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war, one user wrote in response to the cabinet’s Facebook post: “You will get three kilos of meat every year, lucky girl”.
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.
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Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
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The years Ramadan fell in May
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
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Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
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Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
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- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
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