Egypt current-account deficit surges as tourism revenue collapses

Egypt’s tourism revenue fell to $3.1 billion in the 9 months through March from $9.6 billion a year earlier. (Reuters)
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Updated 30 June 2021
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Egypt current-account deficit surges as tourism revenue collapses

  • Current account deficit rises 82 percent to $13.3 billion

RIYADH: Egypt’s current-account deficit almost doubled in the first nine months of fiscal 2020-21 as tourism revenues slumped due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The deficit increased 82 percent to $13.3 billion in the 9 months through the end of March, Asharq reported, citing Central Bank of Egypt data. The total balance of payments surplus in the period was $1.8 billion.

The bank attributed the increase in the deficit to a drop in tourism revenues to $3.1 billion, compared to $9.6 billion in the same fiscal period, according to a statement issued today.

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Egypt during that period dropped by 19.3 percent to $4.8 billion, while transport proceeds, including the Suez Canal, fell by 12 percent to $5.5 billion.

Remittances from workers abroad rose to $23.4 billion from $21.5 billion.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,894

Updated 13 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,894

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index extended its upward trend for a third consecutive day this week, gaining 148.18 points, or 1.38 percent, to close at 10,893.63 on Tuesday. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index stood at SR6.05 billion ($1.61 billion), with 144 listed stocks advancing and 107 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also rose by 81.35 points to close at 23,668.29. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index edged up 1.71 percent to 1,460.89. 

The best-performing stock on the main market was Zahrat Al Waha for Trading Co., with its share price advancing 10 percent to SR2.75. 

Shares of CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. increased 8.27 percent to SR23.04, while Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. saw its stock climb 6.17 percent to SR50.60. 

Conversely, the share price of Naseej International Trading Co. declined 9.90 percent to SR31.48. 

On the announcements front, Arabian Drilling Co. said it secured three contract extensions for land rigs with energy giant Saudi Aramco, totaling SR1.4 billion and adding 25 active rig years to its backlog. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said one rig is currently operational, the second will begin operations by the end of January, and the third — currently suspended — is expected to resume operations in 2026. 

Since November 2025, Arabian Drilling has secured seven contract extensions amounting to SR3.4 billion, representing 55 committed rig years. 

The three contracts have durations of 10 years, 10 years, and five years, respectively.

“Securing a total of SR1.4 billion in new contracts and expanding our backlog by 25 rig-years demonstrates both the trust our clients place in us and our ability to consistently deliver quality and reliability,” said Ghassan Mirdad, CEO of Arabian Drilling, in a statement. 

Shares of Arabian Drilling Co. rose 3.15 percent to SR104.70. 

Separately, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. said it signed a 36-month contract valued at SR43.35 million with National Water Co. to operate and maintain water networks, pumping stations, wells, reservoirs, and related facilities in Tabuk. 

In October, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. announced it had been awarded the contract by NWC. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said the financial impact of the deal began in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

The share price of Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. declined 0.49 percent to SR120.70.