Only in Egypt!
Yosra Sultan
Published: December 17, 2004
A summary of bizarre events in Egypt.

Share experts take stock of the fatwa
Financial experts believe that the otherwise stable Egyptian stock market could collapse under the weight of a random fatwa uttered against share dealings. They say that although few people would buy shares on the basis of an anonymous tip-off, people have been known to obey a fatwa from an unknown source.
(Sawt Al Umma)

Landlord takes diplomat down a peg
When the second secretary of an African embassy moved into a new flat in Giza the owner of the building was so pleased that he ordered a sign to be put up stating that an "ambassador" resided within. The second secretary, however, was extremely unhappy with this unofficial elevation and immediately ordered the landlord to demote him.
(Sawt Al Umma)

Claim made all the difference
On hearing that the export trade was a profitable undertaking, an enterprising marketeer decided to try his hand at it. He imported goods, repackaged them in Egypt and then exported them to other Arab countries. His business collapsed when he was convicted of forgery for claiming that the goods were "Made in Egypt".
(Sawt Al Umma)

Restaurant diner demanded a chop
A Chinese visitor decided to eat out but was shocked at the size of the bill presented at the end of his dinner - it far exceeded the cost of any meal he had ever eaten in Egypt. Suspecting some jiggery-pokery, the diner demanded a reduction in the bill. This infuriated the waiter who responded by attacking the diner.
(Sawt Al Umma)

Emergency proves no excuse for using siren
Alexandrian police officers have been presenting ambulance drivers with speeding tickets and also punishing them for using their sirens. Apparently, the governor of Alexandria had insisted that no one should be allowed to disturb his plans for perfect streets.
(Sawt Al Umma)

Oil survey paints shocking picture
Egyptians have been given good reason to eat at home: the results of a recent survey showed that 75 percent of the oil used by Egyptian restaurants was unfit for human consumption. Bad news for a nation of falafel-eaters!
(Sawt Al Umma)