In a significant announcement, Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, Egypt's Prime Minister, clarified that the official holiday for the Liberation of Sinai in 2025 will indeed occur, with a twist. The holiday, which commemorates the historic event of April 25, 1982, when Egyptian forces successfully liberated Sinai from Israeli occupation, has sparked increased curiosity among citizens, employees, and students alike. As the date approaches, many have been eager to know how the holiday will be observed this year.
This year, the Liberation of Sinai Day falls on a Friday, a typical weekly holiday. However, to ensure that citizens can fully celebrate this important occasion, the Prime Minister's office has decided to move the official holiday to Thursday, April 24, 2025. This adjustment means that students and employees across the nation will enjoy a three-day weekend, beginning on Thursday and extending through Saturday.
The decision aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to enhance national pride and instill a sense of patriotism among the populace. The annual observance of this day serves not only as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Egyptian soldiers but also as a moment for citizens to reflect on the importance of their national identity.
In addition to the Liberation of Sinai holiday, the Council of Ministers has released the complete schedule of official holidays for 2025. Notable upcoming holidays include Labor Day on May 1, Eid al-Adha from June 6 to June 9, and the anniversary of the October War on October 6. Each of these holidays is designed to honor significant events in Egypt's history and to celebrate the achievements of its people.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally noteworthy development, Amman Ahliyya University has made headlines by securing the 186th position in the Times Higher Education ranking for Asian universities in 2025. This ranking, which includes nearly 1,200 universities across the continent, reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and research.
Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Amman Ahliyya University, attributed this achievement to a strategic vision focused on investing in human capital and knowledge. He emphasized the importance of continuous support for the university's talented team, which is dedicated to expanding the institution's impact and innovation.
Dr. Sari Hamdan, the university's president, expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating that the university is on a confident path toward global recognition. He highlighted the institution's comprehensive plan to enhance the quality of educational programs, broaden international research networks, and attract top academic talent. This strategy is aimed at solidifying the university's standing among elite institutions both regionally and globally.
The Times ranking evaluates universities based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: quality of education, research output, quality of scientific research, international outlook, and income from industry and innovation. Amman Ahliyya University's impressive ranking underscores its dedication to improving educational standards and fostering a vibrant academic environment.
In recent years, the university has seen a notable increase in research publications, expanded industrial partnerships, and a diverse international student and faculty body. These factors are essential in showcasing the university's institutional excellence and competitiveness on both global and regional stages.
In addition to its recent success in the Times ranking, Amman Ahliyya University has made strides in various other international assessments. It ranked within the 600-800 range globally in the Times Higher Education World Rankings and achieved first place among private universities in the interdisciplinary research category, ranking 251-300. Specific programs such as Information Technology and Business Administration also ranked 401-500, while Medical Sciences were placed in the 601-800 range.
Furthermore, the university has been recognized as the top private institution in the QS World University Rankings, where it was placed in the 801-850 range, and it ranked 16th in the Arab Universities ranking issued by the Union of Arab Universities in 2024. The university also secured the 28th position in the Arab Times ranking.
As the academic landscape continues to evolve, both the Egyptian government and Amman Ahliyya University are making significant strides in fostering a sense of national identity and academic excellence. The upcoming Liberation of Sinai holiday serves as a reminder of Egypt's rich history and the sacrifices made for freedom, while the achievements of Amman Ahliyya University highlight the importance of education and research in shaping the future.
In summary, the government's decision to recognize the Liberation of Sinai Day with an extended holiday reflects a commitment to honoring the past and fostering national pride. Simultaneously, the advancements made by Amman Ahliyya University in international rankings demonstrate the institution's dedication to providing quality education and research opportunities, positioning it as a leader in the academic community.