Egypt’s Mobile Line Scandal: Before You Ask for My Face, Explain How You Got My ID Leaked

We are now in the last week of September, and the facial biometric measures have still not been officially rolled out for new and existing mobile phone lines, as announced by Egypt’s National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA).

It is a big step towards digitalisation. It will be an optional step, but I am not taking it any time soon — and I won’t be alone in that hesitation.

Last month, many Egyptians, including yours truly, discovered that we had additional mobile phone lines and mobile money wallets registered under our National IDs without our knowledge through Egypt’s four mobile phone networks.

Yes, you read that correctly.

On 7 August 2026, I discovered through the NTRA’s application, My NTRA, that another mobile phone line — aka a SIM card — was registered to my National ID number on Orange Egypt without my knowledge.

The My NTRA app is available for free on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

I have been a very long-term Orange Egypt customer, going back to when it was still Mobinil, and I had never received any notification that I had this mobile phone number.

I had never received any bills for it, and it had never appeared in the “My Orange” app.

I did once have an internet line from Orange Egypt a long time ago, but it was suspended for inactivity. It was not the same number.

Orange Egypt handles data lines under the same NTRA rules that apply across all Egyptian operators. Since data lines are prepaid, if a line remains unused for 90 days — with no calls, SMS messages or data activity — the operator suspends its service.

Before that happens, however, the operator is required to warn the customer twice: once 10 days before the cutoff and again 48 hours before.

Once the line is suspended, there is still a 15-day grace period to save it, simply by using or recharging it, provided that the customer’s details match those held by Orange.

Only after that 15-day window passes without any action does Orange cancel the contract and release the number back into its pool, where it can be resold to a new customer. At that point, it is gone for good.

That is exactly what happened to the data lines — aka MiFi lines — from TeData, later WE/Telecom Egypt, that I bought over the years to keep working during power outages.

None of those lines appeared to be linked to my National ID anymore.

The mysterious mobile phone line, however, was there — although I could not even see the full number. Only a few digits were displayed. And please do not ask me why.

I was lucky that I found no other mobile money wallet registered under my National ID apart from the one I actually own, which is linked to my bank account rather than directly to my mobile phone line, unlike services such as Orange Cash.

I was even luckier than many other people who discovered three, six, or even 20 mobile phone lines connected to their National IDs.

Even renowned public figures were affected.

Kodak Agfa presents: Al-Sayeda Zainab’s Moulid Al-Nabi Bazaar 2026 in Photos and Video

It is one of those times of the year.

Here we are celebrating the anniversary of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH).

Moulid El-Nabi, which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, is observed annually on 12 Rabi Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

This year, it falls on Tuesday, 25 August, in the Gregorian calendar.

Nevertheless, Thursday, August 27, will be an official paid public holiday in Egypt to mark Moulid El-Nabi, Prophet Muhammad's birthday, according to a buzzkill decree by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The date has been shifted to Thursday in line with the government's practice of moving weekday public holidays to the end of the working week.

Anyhow, once again, Kodak Agfa pays a quick visit to Al-Sayida Zeinab's Moulid Al-Nabi annual bazaar.

Before you say, "oh no, not again" or "you can go to a different place," believe me, there is always something new and cheerful there.

This is the first time I have seen these light decorations hung in Cairo, if not all of Egypt. 

The lion and the palm tree light decorations are here

I can't remember seeing them before.

Interestingly, the lion symbolizes Imam Ali in Shia Islamic iconography.

First time seeing this LED light decoration with its unique design

I'm wondering if we got this from Iraq, or if it's imported from China without anyone knowing the meaning behind it.

Other than that, it's the usual simple lighting at the makeshift bazaar stands, alongside the authentic Egyptian khayamiya red-and-blue fabrics.

2026 World Cup: Egypt made real Mondial history, and we have every right to celebrate it

"He had once fallen under the spell of a dream, and from that moment on, the memory of that beautiful transgression would pursue him forever—a moment of freedom, of a lightness too exquisite to endure. It would remain, forever haunting him, like conscience itself."
— Arwa Saleh, The Stillborn

I doubt that when leftist activist and writer Arwa Saleh wrote these lines, she imagined she was describing how millions of Egyptians would feel for three unforgettable weeks — or perhaps for the past four decades, if not throughout much of modern Egyptian history.

Little Egyptian boy wearing Salah's jersey
watching a game between older kids on the banks
of the Nile in Upper Egypt's Al-Minya
"Ahmed Mostafa" 

Egypt's 2026 World Cup campaign was that beautiful dream, and Egyptians could not help but fall under its spell.

Egypt was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an epic, deeply controversial match against Argentina. The rest is history.

Eleven days later, I can finally finish this post, which I began writing on 8 July 2026.

Since then, Argentina has defeated Switzerland in another match that raised eyebrows and renewed questions about refereeing decisions, advancing to the semi-finals. It then overcame England in the showdown many football fans had been waiting years to see.

No one could have imagined that so many Egyptians would find themselves supporting England against Argentina.

Yet the impossible happened. 

England, too, experienced the same bitter final minutes, marked by controversial refereeing decisions and an unusually physical game. 

I cannot imagine how Egyptian and English fans who witnessed both matches felt as they watched history seemingly repeat itself.

It was painful to watch because — bias aside — Egypt played better against Argentina than either team did. That only deepened the inevitable question: What if?

In a few hours, Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final and will most likely lift the trophy.

It has been a week filled with reactions, endless "what ifs," and the familiar chorus of "Stop being dramatic, you filthy Egyptian sore losers."

But we are not sore losers.

Gaza Genocide in Numbers: 1000 Days of Genocide

Thursday 2/7/2026 marks the 1000th day following the genocidal war launched by Israel following the 7 October attack.

1000 days passed, and we saw the live genocide in the 21^st century taking place live in Gaza and other occupied areas in Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and Syria.

Now that is what has happened in Gaza and its 2.5 million population after 1000 days of an Israeli war and world silence.

More than 90% of the Gaza Strip has been destroyed, and Israeli forces are in control of 80% of the besieged enclave. Over 200,000 tons of explosive dropped by the Israeli occupation on Gaza

According to the Palestinian official numbers, 73,066 is the total number of people killed whose bodies have reached hospitals since the start of the genocidal war in Gaza, whereas there are 9,500 Missing persons, including those believed to be trapped under the rubble or whose fate remains unknown.

Based on a pre-war population of approximately 2.5 million, the 73,066 confirmed deaths represent about 2.9% of Gaza's population.

When 9,500 missing persons—including those believed trapped beneath the rubble or whose fate remains unknown—are included, the toll rises to 82,566 people, or roughly 3.3% of the population.

In other words, about 1 in every 34 Gazans has been confirmed killed (2.9%) and about 1 in every 30 Gazans is either confirmed dead or missing (3.3%).

A Lancet Global Health study published in April 2026 estimated that approximately 75,200 violent deaths occurred in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and January 5, 2025, using a capture-recapture method.

2026 World Cup: Egypt Makes History Again, Advances to Round of 32

Egypt has barely made it, but it made it officially.

Egypt's National Football Team is through to the Round of 32 of the World Cup 2026, for the first time in our football history — and for the first time in World Cup history after a tie with Iran in a football match to remember.

Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ramin Rezaeian

There are many firsts here.

Egypt's qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already become a landmark achievement in our national team's history, setting a series of unprecedented records.

For the first time, Egypt progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, completed the group phase unbeaten, secured a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, and finished second in its group on goal difference behind Belgium.

The Pharaohs also scored a record five goals in a single World Cup group stage, netted their earliest-ever World Cup goal in the sixth minute of a match, and entered their final group game with qualification already guaranteed.

2026 World Cup: The Pharaohs broke the curse, Egypt won its first WC match after 92 years.

When I saw the Egyptian national team's first-half performance against New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup, I decided to turn off the TV and get some sleep.

It was nearly 5 a.m. Cairo time, and after watching the Kiwis take the lead, it seemed that the old-World Cup curse haunting Egypt was still very much alive.

But my sleep was cut short by screams and cheers coming from the streets.

We had scored a historic equalizer.

The rest is history.

Since its first World Cup appearance in 1934, Egypt not only won its first-ever match in the tournament but also produced a stunning comeback, aka remontada, to go top of its group.

Mo Salah ends Liverpool chapter: All Hail to the Egyptian King

In his final moment, in his final game as a forward for Liverpool at Anfield, Mohamed Salah — commonly known as the Egyptian King — prostrated himself, performing a Sujood to thank Allah, the Almighty, the King of Kings, before thousands inside the stadium and millions watching via television and platforms around the globe.

Sujood is the closest a Muslim can be to his Creator.

Prostrating to thank God at the peak of your success is a sign of extreme humility and gratitude — a declaration that you have not forgotten who helped you get there.

For me and other Egyptians  — we understood exactly what Salah felt in that moment: teary-eyed, with Anfield rocking around him.

It was a truly epic moment, a fitting close to a great chapter in Egyptian, British, and world football by any measure.

Needless to say, there were other unforgettable moments in a match that was, frankly, a welcome escape for me and many others from Trump's ongoing mad show in the Middle East.

1st May Labour Day : The Seven Factory Girls.

It is May Day — Labour Day, aka International Workers Day in Egypt — and I have to say that, despite all the official statements, I am a bit disappointed and angry.

Two weeks ago, Egypt had its own mini–Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and it did not stay in the news cycle for more than 72 hours — or, to be more accurate, the social media news cycle — before it disappeared. And that made me angry.

On 14 April, a tragic incident unfolded in the Ard El-Geneina area of Cairo's working-class Al-Zawiya Al-Hamra neighbourhood, after a massive fire broke out inside a sports trainers and sneakers factory on Mohamed Amin Street.

Preliminary investigations confirmed seven people dead, as civil defence forces continued to comb through the site to identify any additional casualties or injuries resulting from the blaze.

That was the initial official statement. Then, unofficially, the details of the tragedy began to emerge.

Seven young women died, and five others were injured after a fire broke out in an unlicensed shoe manufacturing workshop in a very narrow alley in Cairo's Zawiya Al-Hamra district, authorities said.

The blaze erupted inside a three-storey building of approximately 70 square metres per floor, operating without a license as a leather shoe production facility. The ground floor was used for storage, while the first and second floors served as production areas — a layout that accelerated the fire's spread due to the concentration of flammable materials on site.

The so-called factory after the fire

The victims were girls between 19 and 30 years old, earning roughly 100 Egyptian pounds per day.

An initial inspection found a complete absence of occupational safety measures and no emergency exits, which investigators say trapped the workers as the fire spread rapidly through the smoke-filled space over nearly four hours.

Eyewitnesses reported that the doors were locked and the windows were closed and secured, blocking any means of escape.

Residents called for a full investigation and accountability for all parties responsible, starting with the workshop owner, who denied any wrongdoing. Security forces arrested the workshop's owner following the incident.

The incident — a grim echo of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire — renewed scrutiny of unlicensed industrial operations and the enforcement of safety regulations in residential buildings across Cairo.

Happy Easter 2026 from Egypt and Palestine too

Happy Easter to all those celebrating today—especially Egyptian and Sudanese Coptic Orthodox Christians, as well as Palestinian and Lebanese Orthodox communities.

On this occasion, I’m sharing a photo of the Church of the Martyr St. Philopater Mercurius in Mohandessin, Giza—commonly known as “Abu Sefein,” or “the man of two swords.”

It is not a “Mexican filter”, it is a Khamaseen sandstorm.

Egypt was struck by a massive African sandstorm, commonly known in Egyptian history and tradition as the Khamaseen.

Today, Generation Z jokingly refers to it as a “Mexican filter.”

Khamaseen sandstorms were recorded in ancient Egypt under the name “Resut,” or “south wind,” and were associated with Set — the lord of the desert, chaos, and storms. Yes, the same Set from the myth of Isis and Osiris, where Osiris was the lord of the Nile and the fertile valley.

The Pyramids of Giza during the storm on Thursday 
Ibrahim Kandel 

They are mentioned in the Book of the Dead, where the south wind is described as “the breath that burns the lungs,” prompting the use of protective amulets or prayers to Thoth, the god of wisdom and knowledge, to temper Set’s ferocity.

But why were they called “south winds” when they often seem today to come from the west, sweeping in from the Sahara?

Egypt Storm 2026: Thunderstorms, hail , heavy rain as well as Nuclear Rumors

And so, it turned out to be one last winter storm—not the beginning of a nuclear winter, as many online in Egypt feared on Tuesday.

In case you missed it, Egypt is currently experiencing a brief period of unstable weather, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) had issued early warnings, stating that the wave would begin on Tuesday evening, bringing rain, slightly cooler temperatures, and stronger winds across several regions before gradually improving by the weekend.

According to the EMA, the instability would start along the northwestern coast—including Salloum, Matrouh, and Alamein—before spreading to the Nile Valley and Sinai.

Rainfall was expected to intensify on Wednesday and Thursday, becoming more widespread and occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms, particularly along the northern coast, the northern Delta, and parts of Sinai. Lighter showers were forecast to reach Greater Cairo and the Canal cities.

For once, the Egyptian government took a proactive step, suspending classes in schools and universities on Wednesday and Thursday to spare millions of Egyptians the usual traffic chaos.

Ironically, Tuesday itself felt like a calm, early-spring day across the country.

That calm, however, fueled suspicion. Some began to believe something more sinister was coming—and within hours, that suspicion evolved into a full-blown conspiracy theory, amplified by a video from the Kuwait National Guard.

Happy Eid and Happy Nowruz

Happy Eid and Happy Nowruz to everyone celebrating this Friday and Saturday around the globe.

I know it is not the best time in the Middle East to celebrate anything, or even to be optimistic from a logical and realistic standpoint. But even in the darkest of moments, Eid and Nowruz bring happiness and solace to the believers.

On the occasion of Eid and Nowruz, I am sharing with you this sincere illustration by the famous Egyptian illustrator and painter Hussein Biccar.

Originally of Turkish Cypriot descent, Biccar was a Bahá'í and thus celebrated Nowruz as well.

Now, a word about greetings — "Eid Saeed," or Happy Eid, is what we say in Egypt. "Eid Mubarak" is a newer term imported from the Gulf. And yes, here in Egypt, "Mubarak" will always be Hosni Mubarak first!

Recently, I have noticed many non-Egyptians using "Eid Saeed," and it genuinely makes me happy.

Watch This : Seasons & Streets “From Egyptian Canal to Ramadan Bazaar”

Ramadan Kareem,

It may be wartime, but before we get busy with everything that comes with it, let’s take a short break and watch this brief video clip from Seasons & Streets about Cairo’s Ramadan bazaar in El-Sayeda Zeinab in 2026.

You have already seen the photos from there, so now it is time for the video. "Choose English subtitles"

I first wrote about this bazaar—or rather the street where it is held annually—mainly El-Sadd El-Barani Street, officially known as Youssef El-Sebai Street, back in 2023. But this year, we take a step further and look at the history of the market itself and how it grew into the largest seasonal makeshift market in Cairo, if not in Egypt.

Historically, the Sayeda Zeinab Ramadan bazaar was not the original center of Ramadan lantern production.

The historic hub of khayamiya (traditional tentmaking appliqué) and lantern craftsmanship was Tah’t Al-Rab‘, near Bab Zuweila, an area associated with these crafts since the Fatimid and Mamluk eras.

Kodak Agfa presents: Cairo’s Al-Sayeda Zeinab Ramadan Bazaar 2026

It is the time for annual posts celebrating Ramadan bazaars in Cairo.

This year, I went to Al-Sayeda Zeinab’s annual Ramadan bazaar, and it was great and amazing as usual.

Ramadan Kareem, as always, from Al-Sayeda Zeinab

I didn’t go to Al-Sayeda Zeinab Bazaar last year — I only passed by quickly in the car.

Last year, I went to the Taht el-Rab’a Ramadan Bazaar, and I actually went again this year.

Inshallah, wait for more photos and more stories from Tahat el-Rab’a and beyond.

Back to Al-Sayeda Zeinab’s bazaar, it was buzzing this year.

Port Said Street in Al-Sayeda Zeinab was crowded with people 

You feel the spirit of Ramadan as soon as you set foot in Port Said Street, right in front of Al-Sayeda Zeinab Mosque and Shrine.

Al-Sayeda Zeinab Mosque and Shrine after renovations 

By the way, these photos were taken this time with a Sony a6500 and a wide-angle E 20mm lens, as a change from the usual kit lens.

Kodak Agfa Presents: Umm Kulthum .. The Voice of Egypt Exhibit in photos

Today marks the 51st anniversary of the death of Egypt’s legendary singer, Umm Kulthum.

Over the past year, Egypt hosted several events to commemorate the jubilee of the Planet of the East’s passing, beginning on 3 February 2025.

Last February, Egyptian Chronicles paid a visit to her small yet remarkably rich museum, which chronicles her life and legacy.

This year, I’m sharing another quick visit—this time to a special exhibition held in her honor by Egypt’s Ministry of Culture at Aisha Fahmy Palace, the Centre of Arts in Cairo’s Zamalek.

Titled “The Voice of Egypt,” the exhibition lived up to its name: Thuma truly was the voice of Egypt.

Umm Kalthoum statue between paintings

Held at Aisha Fahmy Palace from August through November 2025, the exhibition proved to be a major success.

I visited it in October.

Inside Thuma's exhibit

The exhibition included many things. "Spoiler: Keep reading and scroll down the post—the best is yet to come, and the true gems of the exhibition are just below. Make sure to read to the end."

It featured a selection of Umm Kulthum’s personal belongings, on loan from her museum on Al-Manial Island, including her notebook, pen, gloves, and sunglasses.

Watch This : Seasons & Streets “Christmas from Korba to Shubra 25”

It seems that 19 January is becoming the day I release my Christmas video every year!

This time, I’m releasing the video on Epiphany, as observed in the Eastern Orthodox Church calendar, rather than on its eve as I did last year.

Watch the new episode of Seasons & Streets, “Christmas from Korba to Shubra 25,” to explore the history of Baghdad Street in Heliopolis, as well as the long and fascinating story of Al-Tarea Al-Bolakia (the Bolakia Canal)—with additional background, photos, and even rare video footage from Cairo in the 19th century and early 20th century.

Once again, it’s worth noting that Epiphany is celebrated on 19 January by most Eastern Orthodox Churches (6 January in the Julian calendar, which corresponds to 19 January in the Gregorian calendar), including the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church.

Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

Back to the video—Inshallah, next time I will upload the video at the same time as the photos, whether on 25 December or 7 January.

Kodak Agfa presents in Photos: A Cairo Christmas 2026 “7 January Shubra edition”

It’s time for the second edition of our annual Egyptian Chronicles series: Christmas in Cairo, Vol. 2.

As always, this post features photos and videos of Cairo’s Christmas decorations as the city celebrates 7 January — Orthodox Christmas, observed by Orthodox Christian communities.

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating it.

The nativity scene at Saint Ibram shop 

Okay, a brief social and historical note: most Christian Egyptians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

You might wonder why Christmas in Egypt is celebrated on 25 December and 7 January.

The difference comes down to the calendar. Most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar, which places Christmas on 25 December.

The Coptic Orthodox Church, however, follows the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind — hence Coptic Christmas falling on 7 January.

Interestingly, in the early centuries of Christianity, the Eastern Church—in regions such as Egypt and Syria—celebrated Theophany on 6 January.

This was a single, “double feast” commemorating both the birth of Jesus and his baptism.

It was only later that Western Christianity separated the two events, assigning Jesus’ birth to 25 December, while the Eastern churches maintained their traditions in line with the Julian calendar.

Kodak Agfa presents in Photos : A Cairo Christmas 2025 “25 December Korba Edition”

It is time for one of our annual posts on Egyptian Chronicles: The Christmas in Cairo Post, Vol. 1.

As usual, this will be a photo post capturing Christmas decorations across Cairo as the city marks 25 December — the Western Christmas, observed by Western Christian denominations.

Christmas decorations on building No.6 in Baghdad Street, Korba

This year’s celebrations come as Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank attempt to observe Christmas in a semi-normal way, despite Israel’s continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing settler attacks in the West Bank — raising the question of whether a ceasefire truly exists at all.

Israeli police have already arrested a Palestinian dressed as Santa in Haifa, yet Palestinians continue to seek moments of normalcy after two years of genocide and amid an uncertain future.

Parliament 2025 elections: A quick guide

Here is a quick fact box about the first stage parliamentary elections in Egypt that will kick off on Monday.

Domestic voting will take place in two phases, on 10–11 and 24–25 November 2025, to determine the composition of the 596-seat chamber, divided almost evenly between 284 individual seats and 284 filled through the absolute closed party-list system, with an additional 28 members appointed by presidential decree.

10,893 polling stations will be set up — 5,606 for the first phase and 5,287 for the second — under the supervision of 9,600 judges from the Administrative and State Councils.

The first phase will cover 14 governorates — Giza, Beni Suef, Fayoum, Minya, Assiut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira, and Marsa Matrouh — with 284 seats contested.

The remaining governorates will take part in the second phase on 24-25 November in 13 governorates —Cairo, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Monufia, Sharqia, Gharbia, Kafr el-Sheikh, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, North Sinai, and South Sinai.

Four coalition lists — the Popular List, Your Voice for Egypt List, Call of Egypt List, and Generation List — were disqualified for failing to meet the legal and procedural requirements set by the National Election Authority (NEA).

As a result, the National Unified List for Egypt was the only coalition list approved to contest all four designated electoral constituencies.

This means that 284 seats have been filled via the absolute closed party list systems already, without elections technically.

This means that 284 seats have already been filled through the absolutely closed party-list system — effectively without real elections. The system has faced heavy criticism for this reason. Supporters, mostly pro-regime voices, argue that it helps ensure representation for minorities such as women and Christian Egyptians.

In reality, however, it does not.

This marks the second consecutive parliamentary election in which the coalition list has been approved.

The only difference is that the National Front Party has joined the coalition led by the Nation’s Future Party.

Egypt is divided into four party-list constituencies comprising 284 seats: Cairo and the Central and Southern Delta (102 seats); North, Central, and South Upper Egypt (102 seats); Eastern Delta (40 seats); and Western Delta (40 seats).

#6Oct73 : The battle and siege of Suez

Today is the National Day of Suez Governorate, commemorating the Suez city’s heroic resistance during the October War of 1973.

Colored by Google Gemini
An Egyptian resistance fighter from Suez 

The siege of Suez lasted about 101 days — from October 24, 1973, to January 28, 1974 — marking the final phase of the war.

On October 23, Israeli forces under Ariel Sharon attempted to storm the city despite the Israeli commanders’ concerns, expecting minimal resistance due to a fatal strategic error by President Anwar Sadat.

Acting on a request from Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to ease pressure on the northern front, Sadat ordered further offensives eastward on October 14, despite Egypt’s initial success crossing the Suez Canal.

This move went against the advice of senior commanders, including Chief of Staff Saad El-Din El-Shazly, who warned that pushing beyond the SAM (surface-to-air missile) umbrella would overextend Egypt’s forces.

The resulting withdrawal of units from the western bank weakened the sector near Deversoir (between the Egyptian Second and Third Armies) , leaving it thinly defended — a gap that Ariel Sharon’s division exploited on October 23 to cross into the west bank.

Once across, Sharon’s forces deployed an armored brigade and a paratrooper battalion to cut off supplies to Egypt’s Third Army.

What followed was an epic defense on October 24.