HEPCA is extremely proud to have been chosen by PERSGA as the implementing partner for this significant project, which aims to spread a best practice mooring culture throughout the entire Red Sea region.

PERSGA is an intergovernmental body dedicated to the conservation of the coastal and marine environments found in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Suez, Suez Canal, and Gulf of Aden. PERSGA’s member states include: Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

We would like to thank PERSGA for initiating this project and for their ongoing support. Special thanks are also due to the Aqaba authorities and the local diving operators in the Aqaba region for their part in ensuring the success of this project.

HEPCA looks forward to continuing to contribute to this positive technology transfer amongst neighbouring countries and communities in support of the growing environmental consciousness throughout our region.

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Polska Firma szuka w Hurghadzie do pracy osoby mowiace po Polsku i Arabsku lub Polsku i Angielsku. email info@egypt-property.eu

Generous Hourly rate of pay

Contact: info@egypt-property.eu

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for more information:
Call +2 018 433 2222

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However, it should be noted that officially, monuments and other tourist sites are open until 3:00 PM, while in reality, some of the less frequented sites may close earlier (2:00 PM). While there are many restaurant (though not all) open to tourists, many may not serve alcoholic beverages during Ramadan. However, almost all larger hotels, as well as smaller hotels that cater to tourists will be completely operational, including their bars, and they will serve alcoholic drinks as usual.

Spending the holy month of Ramdan in Egypt is different than elsewhere. Other than the rituals practiced during that month, certain social habits of Egyptian Muslims are much different than A street in Egypt during Ramadan with a display of Fanous, the Ramadan lanterns. Photo by Diaa Khalil anywhere else.

Ramadan is a month that follows the lunar calendar, the basis of the Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. With an eleven-day offset from the Gregorian (western) calendar, the exact timing of Ramadan during the year is variable, sometimes falling in summer and sometimes in winter. The first day of Ramadan too is variable, since “Sha’aban”, the preceding month, sometimes has 29 days and sometimes 30 days. Astronomical calculations are utilized to detect the birth of the new moon, yet the cornerstone remains to be its visualization after sunset. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, as do most lunar months.

The holiness of this month comes from the fact that it marks the day when the Holy Spirit, Gabriel, started the transmission of God’s message to the prophet Mohammad, fourteen centuries ago. The exact date has never been identified, but it is believed to be on one of the last ten days of this month, which Muslims call “Lailat el-Qadr”. According to Islam, the month is dedicated to prayers, as it is believed that it is an occasion to wash one’s sins away and enjoy God’s unlimited mercy.

People eating al fresco during Ramadan (after sun set)The principal ritual during Ramadan is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking or sinning, even if minor, throughout the whole day, from dawn to sunset. Though the usual daily practice is in most ways normal, Muslims prefer to spend more time praying or reading the Qora’an, particularly at night.

The daily meals become limited to two, the first of which is the “iftar” when fasting is broken just after sunset. The iftar can be a real bonus to tourists, as many of the hotels offer highly competitive specials for ifar.

The timing of the second meal, “sohour”, is variable according to personal preference, but usually delayed as much as possible until just before dawn. In between “iftar” and “sohour”, people are allowed to eat as they wish.

What makes this month different in Egypt? A long time ago, Egyptians adopted certain social habits during this month that are not directly related to religion. Officially, the working hours are diminished to allow more time for prayers. People usually sleep very late and spend considerable time in the mosques. The traditional practice starts immediately after sunset, which is announced to people through all mosques by the ritual “azan”, or the call for prayers. Once, beginning in the 16th Century, it was the habit of the Egyptian government to fire a canon which could be heard throughout Cairo to announce end of the daily fast. This loud shot was fired from the Citadel over the “el-Moqattam” mountains. Modern technology has replaced this habit so that now announcements are made on radio and TV.

“Iftar” is considered the main meal of the day during Ramadan and is often very rich. Any type of food might be served, but traditionally the desert almost always includes “konafa” or “qatayef”. The former is a cake-like food made of wheat with considerable sugar, honey, raisins and different types of nuts. The later is almost the same, but takes the shape of a small circular cake, which is folded to include nuts and raisins.

A modern Ramadan fanoosSince Ramadan is considered to be the most joyful month of the whole year, children also have their share of fun. The “fanoos” or lantern is a must for every kid. These are traditionally made of tin and colored glass, with a candle inside. More modern examples are battery operated, but really lack the spirit (though each year there seems to be a trend to see who can produce the most snazzy fanoos). All mosques and streets during the whole month are full of colored lights in a festival fashion, and in the past, children played in the streets with their lanterns, singing “wahawy ya wahawy”. This tradition is still practiced, though rarely now in the streets, except in middle class or poor neighborhoods, and in the countryside.

With the introduction of TV in the 1960’s, traditions changed. TV transmissions lasts 24 hours a day, and the programs include too many new serials and movies. More than half of the serials produced by the Egyptian TV are broadcast during Ramadan for the first time. another traditional program is the “fawazeer”, which is a daily riddle usually broadcast during a comedy or musical show. The family is usually gathered around the TV for long hours, if they do not go for prayers. Nuts are consumed as a snack, together with a traditional drink “qamar el-deen1″ which is made of apricot. Most people prefer to spend at least the first day in an extended family reunion, gathering in the home of the grand parents’.

Setting up tables in the street for iftar.After the first few days, people start to go out after “iftar”. Hence, many gatherings between families, friends or colleagues take place for the main meal, and for socializing afterwards. since many people prefer to spend their time in the old fashioned atmosphere of cafes, many hotels now actively market their facilities for this festive occasion. Today, it has become a tradition for all 5-star hotels to erect a large tent, furnished in the old Arabian decoration, where people enjoy their time listening to old traditional songs and music. It all recalls memories of the old classical days. “Sheesha” or water-pipes are smoked almost continuously.

Sports are also popular during Ramadan. Most clubs arrange minor tournaments, especially for football (soccer). Many people of all ages participate in games, including the elders who compete with their peers. It is not unusual to find many professional football players among these teams of amateurs. The issue is not to win, but to share. In poor districts where no clubs are available, the youth and children can utilize a side street or alley as a football field. During Ramadan, people become very tolerant of such activities, though they are not encouraged during other times of the year.

The show continues until late at night, and sometimes right up until the dawn prayers, after which people finally sleep. Of course, not everyone follows this routine. Many somewhat older people find it difficult to keep pace with these celebrations, and of course some must continue to work (for example, those in the tourism business). In the old days, the tradition was for man called a “mesaharaty” to walk down the streets before dawn with a drum. He would wake up the people by singing and calling their names. The mesaharaty was not paid a fixed salary but received donations, and though this profession is now extinct, amateurs continue to practice the tradition.

The worst experience a student might experience is if Ramadan coincides with exams. If possible, the exam timing is shifted by the school or university. But if this is impossible, then the fun may be lost. The majority of people fast during Ramadan, though according to Islam, the sick, travelers, elders and children are not required to follow this requirement. Since the days are longer in summer and the weather is hot, fasting sometimes become difficult. Children usually start demanding that their parents allow them to fast at an early age, though they are usually not allowed to do so before the age of ten, and then only for a short duration. The sick also try to fast, though of course this may be very difficult for them.  In fact, no one would ever wish to miss a single day of fasting during this month, although it is possible to compensate later. It is not just the religious obligation, but also the atmosphere.

It is not considered good manners to outwardly make a display of not fasting. Though not illegal, those who do not fast would usually hide to eat, drink or smoke. Egyptian Christians also share also participate in most of these practices with their fellow Muslims. Some would also fast as a sign of national unity, but even those who do not would never eat or drink in public, as a sign of respect to Islamic traditions. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited throughout the month, and all bars are closed (with the exception of many tourist facilities)

On the last day of Ramadan, observatories again check for the new moon. The month ends after the 29th or 30th day, when the “eid” or feast begins.

————–

1. This drink is usually made from from dried apricot sheets, or past, which is placed in boiling water. Qamar el-deem sheets, as they are called, can be found in many specialty Middle East markets. It is also used to make an apricot pudding.

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I’m 28 years old girl from Poland looking for a job in Egypt.
My education and skills are based on freight forwarding – for 4 years now. Also professional custom service and all office manager skills possesed.
Fluent english, polish, serbian – communicative level, and learning arabic.
I’m interested in working at the office, hotels, agnecy etc – not only in freight forwarding.

* Temporary mail is a way to keep our clients safe, If you are interested we will automatically forward your mail to the job seeker’s original mail.
** A complete CV is available upon request.
*** This ad. has a reference code #cv056511 please mention it in your mail.

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* Temporary mail is a way to keep our clients safe, If you are interested we will automatically forward your mail to the job seeker’s original mail.
** A complete CV is available upon request.
*** This ad. has a reference code #cv056511 please mention it in your mail.

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According to the U.N. tourism organization, tourism in the country increased by 20 percent during 2007, which in turn has seen a rise in property demands.

“This is excellent news for the buy-to-let market,” said Marion Isom in a statement on behalf of La Siesta Tourism and Real Estate Services.

“Tourism figures always have an effect on the property market of a region and this rapid growth in interest in this amazing country is a welcome step forward,” Isom added.

Tax incentives for foreign investment put forth by the Egyptian government could benefit the continued rise of Egypt’s most lucrative industry, the U.N. report said. It added that Cairo is doing a lot to encourage international companies and individuals to take advantage of the new tax laws to purchase properties here.

Cairo, the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada remain the top spots for foreign travelers.

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EXTRA INFO
Female
Russian
will locate in Hurghada May 2008
Age: 25 years
NOTE
A full CV is available by Hurghada Today upon request

CONTACT
Email murronce@yandex.ru
Mobile +7 904 303 50 41

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RESULTS: Hurghada Squash International, Hurghada, Egypt

Men’s semi-finals:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt [3] Karim Darwish (EGY) 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-5 (49m)
[2] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [4] Wael El Hindi (EGY) 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 (58m)

Women’s semi-finals:
[3] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) bt [1] Rachael Grinham (AUS) 5-9, 9-2, 5-9, 10-8, 9-5 (84m)
[2] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) bt [6] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) 9-1, 9-3, 10-9 (42m)

Shabana & Ashour In Dream Hurghada Final

The world’s top two players Amr Shabana and Ramy Ashour will contest a dream all-Egyptian men’s Hurghada International final after prevailing in similar four-game semi-finals in the $61,250 5-star PSA Tour squash event in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

Both players faced determined opposition from fellow countrymen: Shabana, the world number one and top seed from Giza, got the better of third seed Karim Darwish, beating the 26-year-old from Cairo 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-5 in 49 minutes to reach the 29th Tour final of his career – and the sixth in succession since October.

Ashour, the 20-year-old world No2, conquered a fired-up fourth seed Wael El Hindi 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 in 58 minutes and will now contest his ninth PSA final in 15 months.

The men’s climax will mark Shabana and Ashour’s seventh Tour meeting since their first in October 2006 – and the fourth in a row in PSA event finals. Shabana currently leads the head-to-head tally 4/2.

The final of the women’s $26,200 WISPA World Tour event will be the first since 2002 not to feature Rachael Grinham. The top-seeded Australian, going for her fourth title in five years, was beaten 5-9, 9-2, 5-9, 10-8, 9-5 in 84 minutes by Egyptian rival Omneya Abdel Kawy – after failing to convert two match-balls in the fourth game.

Kawy, the 22-year-old third seed from Cairo who won the title two years ago, is celebrating her 15th WISPA final.

Her opponent will be England’s second seed Jenny Duncalf, who put paid to a second all-Egyptian final in Hurghada by beating Raneem El Weleily, the sixth seed from Alexandria, 9-1, 9-3, 10-9.

Duncalf, the 25-year-old world No6 from Harrogate in Yorkshire, is marking her sixth Tour final appearance – and her fifth WISPA meeting with Kawy since 2003. Omneya leads the head-to-heads 3/1.

Both finals will take place on Sunday.

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