Google's annual trends report for 2024 has brought to light the most popular searches, shedding light on what captured the attention of internet users throughout the year, particularly reflecting local, regional, and international interests. The report categorized trends across various fields, including notable personalities, sports, economics, and public health.
One standout topic was the participation of the Egyptian Olympic football team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. From July 21 to August 17, the team's historic run to the semi-finals marked the first time they achieved this feat in 60 years, creating waves of excitement among fans and leading to extensive searches. Despite their loss to France and subsequent fourth-place finish after being bested by Morocco for the bronze, the team’s achievement has become a significant topic of pride and interest for many Egyptians.
Footballers dominated the search rankings as well, with names like Mohamed Abdel-Monem, who transferred to Nice, and Palestinian-Danish striker Wessam Abou Ali, who joined Al-Ahly FC, drawing considerable attention. Notable signings included Egyptian-Qatari defender Yousef Ayman and Moroccan left-back Yahya Attiat Allah, both of whom stirred interest among fans eager to keep up with their favorite clubs.
The economy also played a key role in search trends, particularly with the devaluation of the Egyptian pound against the U.S. dollar becoming the second most searched term. Following the Central Bank of Egypt's decision to let market forces dictate the exchange rate, Egyptians tracked fluctuations closely, especially amid rising economic challenges and uncertainty.
News related to the historic Ras El-Hekma deal, where Egypt signed agreements with Emirati investors to establish a massive new city on the North Coast, took the third spot, with searches soaring as government officials announced plans for the $35 billion project. This initiative is expected to inject much-needed foreign direct investment (FDI) and impact the nation's economy significantly.
Health concerns and crises also featured heavily, with Mpox gaining notoriety following its declaration as a public health emergency by the Africa CDC. This declaration prompted the Egyptian government to amplify health measures at its borders, leading to heightened public interest and searches concerning public safety.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which escalated with military violence, captured the attention of Egyptians deeply affected by the humanitarian consequences. Searches related to the "Attack on Rafah" highlighted concerns over the Palestinian city, the border crossing, and the flow of humanitarian aid, fueling discussions about Egypt’s role and response.
Tragic stories from the region also emerged, with journalists like Wael Dahdouh and Moataz Azaiza, who reported on the conflict, becoming among the most searched figures. Dahdouh's family suffered immensely, significantly affecting public sentiment and interest in their coverage of the war, with Azaiza's social media following reflecting the demand for voices from Gaza amid the chaos.
A shocking case of violence closer to home also reflected societal anxiety; the arrest of Karim Salim, dubbed the New Cairo serial killer, gripped Egyptians as details unfolded surrounding the crimes and his previous life as an English teacher. His conviction and potential death sentence have kept the case prevalent among discussions and searches.
The U.S. presidential elections also drew significant attention, ranking high as users followed the dynamics of the 2024 race and the return of Donald Trump amid scandals and controversies, demonstrating how global events resonate within Egypt.
Lastly, the education system remained on the minds of many, particularly concerning the Thanaweya Amma exams, with results drawing searches about appeals and outcomes as students prepared for future studies.
The trending actors of 2024 included Jamila Awad, Sobhy Khalil, and Hussein Fahmy, with personal events capturing public interest, from weddings to the loss of loved ones, underlining how celebrity news intertwines with broader cultural conversations.
Overall, the 2024 Google Trends report not only reflects what the Egyptian public was searching for, but also showcases changing societal values, highlights major concerns, and reveals the cultural fabric of the nation.
