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The Covid-19 pandemic brought the limitations of the Egyptian health care sector under the spotlight, notably in regards to the medical staff-to-patient ratios and hospital bed numbers below the regional average. However, the health crisis has also helped to spur investment across the sector, especially in telehealth and medical technologies. Egypt is now advancing in its aim to deliver universal public health care to its entire population. In a similar line, education has been a primary policy priority for the current administration. The so-called Year of Education in 2019 has led to several large-scale changes, notably new school curricula with a greater focus on foreign languages and technology. While the pandemic negatively affected the student population by limiting access to in-person classes, it facilitated the adoption of education technology development in Egypt.

In 2020, when international arrivals and tourism operations were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a worry that the tourism industry would lose its post-2017 momentum. However, efforts have been made to maintain the upward trend. Indeed, public investment in the tourism sector and concerted marketing campaigns aimed at fuelling engagement laid the groundwork for a rebound. In May 2021 the Central bank of Egypt amended an initiative to make it easier for hoteliers to afford renovations, financing a maximum of 90% of the costs of replacement and renewal, up from the previous 75% coverage. Moreover, the government has sought to bolster the domestic tourism market, encouraging Egyptians to take their holidays in cultural destinations. Looking to the future, the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to around 100,000 artefacts, is opening its doors in 2022.

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The Guide contains listings of accommodation options throughout the capital city for both business and leisure travellers. Helpful information is laid out on visa regulations and business etiquette, as well as on public and private transport options for navigating during your stay.

Qatar’s retail sector fared well in 2020 and 2021 despite the global slowdown. Although shopping outlets were forced to close in the spring of 2020 when governments around the world imposed lockdown measures to stem the spread of Covid-19, reopening began as early as that summer. In the months since, retail stores and malls in Qatar have welcomed customers with a range of health guidelines in place. A handful of new malls opened in 2021 and more are expected for 2022, encouraged by pent-up demand for goods and socialising, even as median monthly rents have fallen. Grocery retailers, in particular, were buoyed during the pandemic by online deliveries and minimal disruption to supply due to Qatar’s pre-pandemic drive to boost food security and diversify trading partners. This chapter contains an interview with Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Rabban, Co-founder, Place Vendôme, and Chairman and Managing Director, Business Trading Company.