On April 18, 2025, Google search trends in Egypt saw a significant spike regarding the comedian Suleiman Eid, who passed away that morning at the age of 64. His death has resonated deeply with fans, leading him to top the list of the most searched individuals on the platform. Eid was a beloved figure in Egyptian comedy, known for his unique style and memorable performances that entertained audiences for decades.
Following Eid in the search rankings was fellow artist Mohamed Ramadan, who secured the second position. This surge in interest comes on the heels of Ramadan's recent concert in the United States, which stirred up considerable controversy and discussion among fans and critics alike. His performances often spark debates, reflecting his polarizing status in the entertainment industry.
In third place was actress Laila Ahmed Zaher, who made headlines after her marriage contract to fellow artist Hisham Gamal was finalized just a week prior. This personal milestone has captivated her fans, contributing to her rise in the search trends.
In addition to the entertainment news, another hot topic on April 18 was the price of gold in Egypt. The market experienced noticeable fluctuations, particularly with the price of 21-karat gold, which saw an increase of 21 Egyptian pounds. As citizens turned to search engines for updates, the demand for information about gold prices surged.
As of this Friday, the price for a gram of 24-karat gold stood at 5,429 Egyptian pounds for buying and 5,457 Egyptian pounds for selling, marking an increase of 28 pounds. The price for 22-karat gold was recorded at 4,976 pounds for buying and 5,002 pounds for selling, while 21-karat gold was priced at 4,750 pounds for buying and 4,775 pounds for selling, reflecting a 25-pound rise.
Meanwhile, the price of 18-karat gold was 4,072 pounds for buying and 4,093 pounds for selling, an increase of 21 pounds. The 14-karat gold price was 3,166 pounds for buying and 3,183 pounds for selling, with a rise of 17 pounds. The global price of gold also saw a slight increase, with an ounce valued at $3,326.5 for buying and $3,327 for selling.
This increase in gold prices is attributed to various economic factors, including expectations of interest rate cuts announced by the Central Bank of Egypt. Analysts suggest that these cuts may strengthen the gold market in the near future. Additionally, the looming economic tensions between the United States and China have prompted many investors to seek safe havens, such as gold and silver, leading to a rush in demand for these precious metals.
Amid these financial shifts, another significant development captured public attention: the disbursement dates for salaries in April 2025. The Ministry of Finance announced that salaries would be paid starting Sunday, April 21, instead of the usual date of the 24th of each month. This change aims to facilitate timely payments for employees, especially with the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
To accommodate those who missed previous payments, the ministry has allocated April 4, 7, and 8 for disbursing financial dues and allowances. Employees can access their salaries through various means, including government and private bank branches, the Egyptian postal service, and ATMs that support salary withdrawals.
The salaries for April 2025 will reflect the increases that were approved in March 2024, which ranged from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds depending on the employee's job grade. For instance, salaries for the excellent grade will rise from 12,200 pounds to 13,800 pounds, while those in the high grade will see their pay increase from 10,200 pounds to 11,800 pounds. First-grade employees will now earn between 8,200 and 9,800 pounds, and second-grade salaries will range from 7,200 to 8,500 pounds.
Further down the scale, specialized third-grade employees will receive up to 8,000 pounds, while fourth-grade salaries will be capped at 7,300 pounds. For those in the fifth and sixth grades, the pay will increase to 7,100 pounds from 6,000 pounds. Notably, the director general's grade will see a jump from 8,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds, reflecting a broader trend of salary increases across various public sector roles.
As the news surrounding Suleiman Eid's passing, gold price fluctuations, and changes in salary disbursement dates continues to circulate, it underscores the dynamic nature of both the cultural and economic landscape in Egypt. These developments not only highlight the immediate concerns of citizens but also reflect broader trends that could shape the future of the country.
In a time of transition and uncertainty, the intertwining narratives of entertainment, economic shifts, and public service adjustments are particularly poignant. Whether it’s mourning the loss of a comedic icon, tracking the rise of gold prices, or anticipating salary increases, the Egyptian public remains engaged and responsive to the changes unfolding around them.
