UAE sign $4.9bn deal with Egypt for development support

The United Arab Emirates signed a USD 4.9 billion framework agreement with Egypt for development program support aimed at improving the living conditions, lives and human development of the Egyptian people through several projects. The signing of the framework agreement took place in the presence of General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Dr Hazem Al Beblawi, Prime Minister of Egypt. The agreement, signed by UAE Minister of State Sultan Al Jaber and Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Cooperation Ziad Bahaduddine, will promote social stability through the implementation of projects in various sectors including energy, health care, education, food, housing and transportation. Addressing food security, contributing to crop protection and reducing crop damage, the agreement includes funding the construction of 25 wheat and grain storing silos with a capacity of 15,000 tons per silo. Meanwhile, addressing healthcare access concerns, the projects will include the construction of 79 basic healthcare units (focusing on family medicine) as well as the establishment of two vaccine production lines that will provide Egypt with 80 percent of its vaccination needs. Moreover, with an aim of providing the Egyptian people with adequate basic housing and services, the agreement includes the provision of 50,000 housing units; 13,000 of which are already under construction at the 6th of October City. As part of the housing package, the UAE will implement renewable energy projects at designated villages that have no access to the electric grid in order to revitalize rural areas and provide remote villages with basic services. The housing package includes the completion of sewage networks in remote villages in order to reduce the spreading of infectious diseases and secure a healthy living environment for residents. Addressing the challenge of illiteracy, contributing to the development of a promising generation, and in order to reduce the rising classroom congestion, the project will include the development of 100 schools spread out over various regions of the Republic of Egypt. The schools will address both general and vocational training. In terms of public safety and transportation, the agreement includes the placement of 479 railroad barriers to improve levels of public safety and reduce the frequency of accidents. It will also include support to the projects of Al Azhar University and the Orthodox Church of Egypt. In addition, the agreement includes the provision of 600 busses that will contribute to mitigating public transport challenges. The agreement aims at highlighting the UAE's commitment to supporting Egypt in overcoming its current challenges and helping it resume its pivotal role in the regional and international arenas.