Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It’s nearly the end of this abridged week as the country prepares for a three-day weekend on account of Police Day and the 25 January revolution.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

Construction on Dabaa’s fourth reactor kicks off: Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually joined President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for a ceremony marking the beginning of concrete pouring for the Dabaa nuclear power plant’s fourth reactor (watch, runtime: 32:22). “Egypt is truly our close friend and strategic partner. We interact on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests,” Putin said.

REFRESHER- Russian state nuclear company Rosatom was contracted in 2015 to construct and provide fuel for the 4.8 GW plant, finally breaking ground on the project in July 2022 after covid-19 delayed progress.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

No one story is dominating the international press this afternoon, but Israel’s biggest day of military losses is getting some ink. A total of 24 soldiers died in a ground assault on southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, while the military killed at least 195 Palestinians, Reuters reports. The Palestinian death toll has now risen to at least 25,490, with thousands more still unaccounted for. The Israeli military claims a Hamas Brigade is hiding in Khan Younis and has launched an “extensive operation” to continue “eliminating Hamas,” including blockading and invading hospitals.

** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:

  • Shipping giants divert more Red Sea routes and seek overland alternatives: Shipping giant Maersk has suspended westbound calls to Salalah and Jeddah suspended until further notice amid the Red Sea disruption, while Hapag Lloyd will introduce land corridors through Saudi Arabia to minimize the impact of disruptions to client businesses.
  • There’s investor appetite for local edtech startups: Edtech startup Edura has closed a six-figure USD pre-seed round led by local tech company Smart Zone Startup Studio.
  • CIRA Education’s top line grows 31% on strong enrolment: Higher enrollment rates at CIRA’s higher education, K-12, and nursery segments spurred revenue growth, with its revenues rising 31% y-o-y to EGP 704.2 mn in its 1Q 2023-2024 ended in 30 November.

HELP GAZA-

Want to support relief efforts in Gaza, but don’t know how? We’ve got you. More than 1 mn people in Gaza have been thrown from their homes and every human being there lacks access to food, water, and fuel amid the most intense bombardment any population has endured this century.

The folks at Talabat are processing donations for a range of Gaza relief appeals by charities including the Egyptian Food Bank and Misr El Kheir. Pay in EGP using your credit card.

Or check out our list of charities to which you can make direct donations via bank deposit and / or Fawry.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Expect a partly cloudy day tomorrow in the capital city with a high of 19°C before dropping down to a low of 12°C, according to our favorite weather app.

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