Egypt's Minister of Local Development, Manal Awad, met with the Governor of South Sinai, Khaled Mubarak, to review progress on key development, service, and tourism projects across the governorate, according the Cabinet's statement. The meeting addressed final preparations in Sharm El-Sheikh for the Arab Camel and Heritage Festival, set to take place on January 15-16. Minister Awad emphasised the importance of ensuring the festival's success to boost South Sinai's reputation as a global destination for heritage and sports tourism. Discussions also covered the implementation of the Prime Minister's directive to expand one-day markets in cities nationwide. Awad highlighted the significance of increasing fixed and mobile market outlets to provide affordable goods for citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, aligning with the government's efforts to ease the economic burden. Governor Mubarak reported on the successful expansion of one-day markets in South Sinai, including new markets in Ras Sedr, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Tor Sinai. These markets offer essential goods such as meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, fish, baked goods, and handmade products at discounts of 20-30 per cent, attracting significant local participation. The meeting also reviewed progress on the Great Transfiguration project in Saint Catherine. Minister Awad stressed its national importance due to its economic, tourism, religious, environmental, and archaeological significance. The discussions included updates on construction, execution rates, and the project's broader impact on the area. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
