CAIRO // Saudi Arabia’s King Salman began a five-day visit to Cairo on Thursday in a show of support for Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
Riyadh has been the key backer of Mr El Sisi since the then-army chief overthrew his predecessor, Mohammed Morsi, in 2013..
It has already pumped billions of dollars in aid and investment into Egypt’s battered economy, and the two heads of state are expected to sign more investment agreements on Friday amounting to about US$1.7 billion (Dh6.2bn).
Mr El Sisi greeted King Salman with a red-carpet welcome and a kiss on Thursday as the 80-year-old monarch descended from his jumbo jet on an escalator, flanked by lancers and dozens of Saudi and Egyptian officials.
Two children in Saudi dress were held up to the king, who later headed to the presidential palace for a troop review kicked off with howitzer fire.
The two men met again later in the day and were also due to meet on Friday, when they are expected to sign 14 agreements, including a $1.5 billion deal to invest in the volatile Sinai Peninsula, where an ISIL affiliate has a stronghold.
King Salman and Mr El Sisi are also expected to sign a deal to provide Egypt with $20 billion worth of oil products over five years,
During the visit, the two men will discuss further developing military cooperation and other issues, with King Salman expected to address the Egyptian parliament on Sunday.
Egyptian media gave full coverage of the Saudi king’s visit, with state television welcoming him to his “second country” and playing celebratory music as his plane touched down in Cairo.
“This is the first official visit by King Salman, whose valuable and honourable positions in support of Egypt and its people will never be forgotten,” the presidency said.
After King Salman met Mr El Sisi, the leaders sought “a qualitative transformation in the brotherly and historical bonds that tie the two nations”, the presidency added.
Saudi Arabia has played a key role in propping up Egypt’s economy, whose vital tourism industry has been devastated by years of political turmoil and extremist attacks.
Last year Riyadh pledged more than $8 billion to Egypt in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and information technology.
* Agence France-Presse, with additional reporting by Associated Press
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
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“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
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Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
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Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
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