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 Arabia’s main index closes in red at 10,364 

Updated 04 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main index closes in red at 10,364 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed lower on Sunday, shedding 185.05 points, or 1.75 percent, to end the session at 10,364.03. 

Total trading turnover on the benchmark index stood at SR2.55 billion ($680 million), with 20 stocks advancing and 237 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also retreated, falling 0.63 percent, or 147.19 points, to close at 23,371.82. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index slipped 1.71 percent to 1,369.56. 

Saudi Industrial Export Co. was the top gainer on the main market, with its share price jumping 9.87 percent to SR2.56. 

Shares of Naqi Water Co. rose 2.53 percent to SR58.80, while Shatirah House Restaurant Co. advanced 2.18 percent to SR9.39. 

On the downside, Gulf Union Alahlia Cooperative Insurance Co. posted the steepest decline, with its share price falling 4.61 percent to SR10.14. 

On the announcements front, Scientific & Medical Equipment House Co. said it had been awarded a contract valued at SR260.98 million by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to supply uncooked food materials and catering items to beneficiaries at the ministry’s residential branches across the Kingdom.  

The project scope also includes providing cooked meals to selected anti-begging offices over a 24-month period, according to a Tadawul statement. The company added that the financial impact of the contract will begin in the fourth quarter of this year. 

It said further developments would be disclosed in due course after all relevant parties sign the final contract and a copy is received. 

Shares of Scientific & Medical Equipment House Co. edged up 0.31 percent to SR32.44. 

Separately, Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh Hospital Co. and its subsidiaries signed an agreement with Oloof Development Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Jazan Municipality, to lease a strategic land plot in Jazan City for SR217.99 million. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the land, which spans 34,581 sq. meters, will be used to develop an integrated healthcare facility under a 50-year lease. 

The company said the financial impact of the agreement is expected to begin once the medical facility is completed and becomes operational. 

Shares of Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh Hospital Co. fell 1.92 percent to SR33.74.