SUEZ CITY // Residents of this industrial city find hope in the growing signs of stability on their streets, after days of upheaval that has paralysed the local government and its once powerful security network.
Businesses have reopened while residents are tentatively leaving their homes. The new de facto ruler of Suez city, the Egyptian military, now maintains a firm presence, its soldiers directing traffic and cleaning up the aftermath of the mobs who, only a few days ago, torched police vehicles and burnt down a fire station.
Yet, as some normality takes hold, an unfamiliar discourse swirls in Suez's coffee shops. Where welders, ship captains and taxi drivers used to discuss football and food prices over tea and dominoes, now the talk is about a new, but very uncertain, future.
Many discuss the whereabouts of Suez's governor, Mohammed Saif Din, who residents say has not been seen in days. And while much of the dreaded police force has all but evaporated, concerns abound that a local government with the same flaws as the one they essentially deposed - corruption, brutality, apathy - will re-emerge.
Indeed, what will become of Suez's hard-fought battle for freedom is still anyone's guess. While in Tahrir Square the protests are calling for the removal of President Hosni Mubarak, in Suez they are quick to defend him, perhaps out of fear.
Some of the first protests against Mr Mubarak and his government erupted in this city of half a million people. Days before Cairo's mass protests began on January 25, hundreds of workers in Suez rallied against factory owners, who had begun replacing them with less expensive labourers from India, Thailand and Bangladesh.
During the next week, as the protests gathered pace in other parts of Egypt, Suez exploded. Thousands took to the city's Arbaeen district, protesting against high unemployment, rising prices and low wages and also what they said was endemic corruption among officials and systemic police harassment and brutality. One man tried to set himself on fire.
"Every day we hear something happening in Cairo, in Alexandria, but we never thought it would happen here in Suez," said Mohammed Foukry, 38, a shipping agent and part-time taxi driver. "The people here they complain, but they also accept so much. But then, all of a sudden … boom! There were no leaders, nobody telling us you go here or there. Everybody just came out on the streets."
The people of Suez, regarded by many Egyptians as tough-minded, had borne much of the brunt of their country's wars with Israel. It was virtually flattened after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and damaged again in 1973, and has since been rebuilt into uniform clusters of staid four-storey apartment complexes.
By January 28, their toughness was on full display: out of 24 killed across the country during the protests, 13 were from Suez
"After January 25, everybody here hate the police," Mr Foukry said, 38, who said he watched from his mother's apartment as protesters set fire to the police station and half a dozen police vehicles. "I just watch, but in my heart I am happy. Happy to see the police running. The police always stop us and make excuses to get more money from us. They just create problems for us."
The army, which has gone to great lengths to stabilise Suez's economy and its prized possession, the Suez Canal, insists that the governorate is no longer a violent flashpoint.
At least superficially, that is true. The protests ended a few days ago and the city is back to work, with banks open, people shopping and filling the markets and cafes.
Throughout the violence, the Suez Canal did not shut down. Some two per cent of global oil production passes through the canal, and those ships generated $4 billion (Dh14.7bn) in revenue in 2009/2010, according to Egyptian authorities. With the tourism industry battered by the protests, soldiers are escorting oil tankers from the port to distribution.
The army is now in control of the city, much to the relief of its residents. But while people say they feel freer to discuss what before they could only joke about, there is still a palpable fear. Not long after two reporters from The National entered the al Borsa coffee shop along Al Geish street in downtown Suez, two patrons slipped out and within minutes, soldiers appeared.
The situation in Suez is emblematic of most Egyptian grievances. Unemployment stood at 11 per cent, according to figures on the Suez governate website. Most people hold down at least two jobs and residents say prices are rising faster than salaries.
Compounding this are allegations of pervasive greed and corruption among officials.
Mohammed Lokka, 32, said he applied to the police for a taxi licence but was given one that did not allow him to either pick up passengers or enter the train or bus stations. "We haven't had this sort of licence for five years," he said.
With a family of five to support, Mr Lokka felt he had no choice but to defy the restrictions. He was stopped nine times, he said, and each time police issued a hefty fine.
Within the space of two days, his car was impounded twice, and each time police demanded he pay 8,000 Egyptian pounds to have it released, he said.
Finally, the financial hardships and official red tape was too much to bear. "I thought it would be better if I died."
So on January 23, standing near a police station, he doused himself in gasoline and tried to light a match. He was stopped by friends, causing only some superficial scarring to his hands.
Mr Lokka does not care much whether Mr Mubarak will fall or not. What he wants is to be able to drive his car without police stopping him every 10 minutes and demanding fines.
With the police now run out of town, and the governor gone to ground, many are beginning to question what will become of their city.
Mr Foukry, the father of three, says he is not against Mr Mubarak. "He's a good man. I have a picture of him in my house. But he is old, he is 82 years old, and he relies too much on the people around him."
One of those people is Mr El Din. Mr Foukry says the governor was with Mr Mubarak in Ethiopia in 1995 when the president was shot and perhaps saved his life. As a reward, Mr Mubarak "gave him the city".
But the question remains, for how long will the government, any government, allow a lucrative city such as Suez, with its oil production and transportation hub, to go un-governed and how will this change the freedom the people of Suez are enjoying today?
"We don't know how long we can last", Mr Foukry said. "How long we can be like this."
foreign.desk@thenational.ae
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
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
Company%20profile
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The biog
Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza
Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby
Travel destination: Cyprus in the summer
Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
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
More from our neighbourhood series:
ENGLAND SQUAD
Joe Root (captain), Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Moeen Ali, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad
Results:
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Saab, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Majd Al Gharbia, Saif Al Balushi, Ridha ben Attia
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed Dh 180,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Money To Burn, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh 70,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Kafu, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 2,400m | Winner: Brass Ring, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
Frida%20
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Overview
What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.
When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.
Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.
Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.
Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Zodi%20%26%20Tehu%3A%20Princes%20Of%20The%20Desert
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Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15
New Zealand 15
Tries: Laumape, J Barrett
Conversions: B Barrett
Penalties: B Barrett
British & Irish Lions 15
Penalties: Farrell (4), Daly
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
MATCH INFO
England 241-3 (20 ovs)
Malan 130 no, Morgan 91
New Zealand 165 all out (16.5ovs)
Southee 39, Parkinson 4-47
England win by 76 runs
Series level at 2-2
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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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
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The permutations for UAE going to the 2018 World Cup finals
To qualify automatically
UAE must beat Iraq.
Australia must lose in Japan and at home to Thailand, with their losing margins and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.
Saudi Arabia must lose to Japan, with their losing margin and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.
To finish third and go into a play-off with the other third-placed AFC side for a chance to reach the inter-confederation play-off match
UAE must beat Iraq.
Saudi Arabia must lose to Japan, with their losing margin and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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