Good morning, friends. A continued dip in domestic gas production leads today’s issue. We also have news of the EU backing our plan to rebuild Gaza as well as the House preliminary approving the Labor Act and the draft Medical Liability Law.

So, when do we eat? Maghrib prayers are at 6:09pm in the capital, and you’ll have until 4:26am tomorrow to hydrate and caffeinate ahead of fajr.

PSA-

#1- Countdown to Eid begins: Saturday, 29 March through Tuesday, 1 April will be off for all public sector workers in observance of Eid El Fitr, according to a cabinet statement. If the moon sighting confirms that Monday, 31 March is the first day of Eid, then the break will be extended by one day to Wednesday. We’re still waiting for confirmation from the Labor Ministry, Central Bank of Egypt, and the EGX that the private sector, banks, and bourse will follow suit.

THAT INCLUDES US HERE AT ENTERPRISEAM AS WELL- EnterpriseAM Egypt won’t be landing in your inbox the entirety of next week, but we will be back in your inbox at our customary time on Sunday, 6 April.

#2- SCZone goes digital: The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has launched the first phase of a new digital services platform for investors, offering them the chance to turn in applications, receive project approvals and licenses through a single platform, according to a statement from the authority. The platform — developed with the EBRD’s support — will feature more services in the phases that follow.

WEATHER- It’s another sunny day in Cairo, with a high of 25°C and a low of 14°C, according to our favorite weather app.

It’s as sunny in Alexandria, with a high of 24°C and a low of 14°C.

** DID YOU KNOW that we cover Saudi Arabia and the UAE?

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ICYMI- Missed this week’s Inside Industry? In our weekly vertical exploring all things industry and manufacturing, we looked at the state’s plan to develop the petrochemicals industry. Check out the story here.

IN THE HOUSE-

The House gave the initial thumbs up to the entirety of the re-drafted Labor Act, with the bill's final approval by the legislative body penciled in for an upcoming session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahmoud Fawzi told the House that the Labor Ministry will work in tandem with MPs to revisit and amend some of the draft law’s provisions. The law introduces significant reforms across its 298 articles, aiming to ensure fair working hours and fast-track dispute resolution.

Why revisit the act? The government has requested that some articles be reconsidered to ensure they line up with international standards and ensure the act strikes a balance between workers and employers, Fawzi said, according to a cabinet statement.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

Gov’t looks to eliminate tax filings that don’t have the necessary documents: The Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) is working to eliminate tax returns that are not supported by the necessary documentation as part of an effort to transition to desk audits — that is, audits that are conducted remotely, ETA head Rasha Abdel Aal said in a statement. The authority aims to avoid field audits unless the taxpayer's file indicates a high-risk level.

The gov’t has been looking to limit full audits: The Finance Ministry issued a directive last month allowing some big taxpayers to transition to sample-based audits instead of comprehensive audits, in a move that is expected to ease the burden on businesses by reducing the number of companies subject to full audits. Following the directive, only 20% of taxpayers are to be selected for annual reviews, based on risk assessment indicators such as tax evasion history, reported losses, and discrepancies in tax filings, informed sources told EnterpriseAM at the time.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Last chance to find out everything you need to know about the CEMS Master in International Management: The AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business and Newton Education Services are hosting their last virtual information session on the CEMS Master in International Management this Wednesday at 1-2pm before the application deadline. The session will explore the program's structure, global network, interdisciplinary curriculum, and career prospects, with input from the program’s Academic Director Marina Apaydin, as well as a program alumnus Mohamed Bahaa. Find the link to register on the school’s LinkedIn page.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Israel ramps up airstrike, killing tens: Israeli airstrikes killed two senior Hamas leaders in Gaza between Saturday and Sunday, in what appears to be a renewed escalation of the war. Hamas said political bureau member Ismail Barhoum was killed in an Israeli strike on the surgery department of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday, which also killed a handful of civilians. A separate strike on Saturday reportedly killed Salah Al Bardaweel, another top political figure in the group. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strike targeted Barhoum, describing him as a key figure in the group. At least 45 people were killed in the strikes on Rafah and Khan Younis on Sunday alone.

Tel Al Sultan under siege: Israeli troops have surrounded the Tel Al Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah, issuing evacuation warnings and claiming the operation aims to “dismantle terror infrastructure sites.” (Reuters | AP)

AND- Ukrainian and US delegations held talks in Saudi Arabia yesterday as part of a fresh diplomatic effort to end the war in Ukraine, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressing optimism about progress toward a ceasefire. (Reuters | BBC | FT | New York Times)

*** It’s Blackboard day: We have our weekly look at the business of education in Egypt, from pre-K through the highest reaches of higher ed.

In today’s issue: We look at how Egypt is looking towards education to help achieve its ambitious tourism targets.

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