World Tourism Day 2019 Mideast

epa07870236 Jordanian guides take a break in the shade of a grotto near the Petra Nabatean Monastery (Background), Petra Archeological Park, Petra, some 238 km South of Amman, Jordan, 16 September 2019. The Petra Archeological Park (PAP) is an archeological and touristic site of some 264.000 square meters, where are located the remains of the ancient Nabatean city of Petra. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The park is managed by the Petra Development and Tourism Authority (PDTRA) which also control the whole Petra region. The PDTRA Chief Commissioner, Dr. Suleiman Farajat told EPA that the authority has registered about 827,000 visitors in 2019 so far and expects to reach a million by the end of the year, which would be a record number, an improvement after years of slow down following the so-called Arab spring events and various conflicts in neighboring countries. He advised that the authority is working to develop more of adventure and ecological tourism involving other parts of Petra regions and local inhabitants. One of their latest projects is a focus on opening Little Petra area which has backway hikes through the mountains leading to the famed Nabatean archeological site, aimed at visitors who enjoy being close to nature and different experiences of the site. World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Floods in Sudan

epa07794051 Sudanese return to look for household items to salvage following heaving floods in Wad Ramli, some 45 km north of Khartoum, Sudan, 25 August 2019. According to local witnesses, Wad Ramli inhabitants were surprised on 21 August by the sudden and heavy arrival of water in their streets, after the Nile river went above the dams. Witnesses report that they waited for one day or two for the water to receded but as it did not, the about 8,000 inhabitants were forced to leave for safety, a few kilometers outside their village. They started receiving aid from the government and a Saudi NGO and the mainly agricultural village is still under water. According to aid agencies reports, floods have affected some 190,000 people in various states of Sudan, reportedly killing 60. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Trial of al-Bashir

epaselect epa07789691 Sudan's ousted President Omar Hassan al-Bashir looks out from inside the accused cage, during his trial in Khartoum, Sudan, 24 Auguste 2019. Al-Bashir stepped down in April 2019 after the months long uprising which led to hundreds of deaths. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Trial of Sudan's ousted president al-Bashir

epa07789852 A guard from Sudan prison waits outside the courtroom during the trial of Sudan's ousted president Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum, Sudan, 24 August 2019. Al-Bashir stepped down on 11 April 2019, after nearly 30 years in power, following months of unrest which led to hundreds of deaths. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Sufi ritual at Hamad Al Nil

epa07816822 A Sufi dervish takes part in a Sufi ritual near Hamad Al Nil mosque, Omdurman, some 23 km north West of Khartoum, Sudan, 23 August 2019 (issued 04 September 2019). Every Friday, Sudanese and visitors alike attend a Sufi ritual where whirling dervishes, Muslim men followers of Sufism philosophy and who took a vow of poverty and austerity, gather to pray, sing, dance, chant, run and clap in pursuit of a state of trance that they gradually reach from sunset time for a couple of hours. The weekly ritual takes place in a cemetery that houses the tomb of Sheikh Hamad Al Nil, a 19th century Sufi leader, for his memory a mosque with three domes was built in 1936. The colorful religious men lead the ceremonies and people gather around them joining sometimes in an atmosphere of friendship, prayer and bonding. Every time the whirling Dervishes use their whistles the music goes faster and so do the faithful movements. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Sudanese youth gather to remember uprising victims

epa07786591 Sudanese react as they are gathered in memory of those killed in the uprising against former president Omar Hassan al-Bashir then the military council, one day after the formation of a transitional Council and the nomination of a new Prime Minister, at the former site of months long sit-in, Khartoum, Sudan, 22 August 2019.According to local witness about 800 people mostly youngsters gathered in one of the street leading to the former site of a sit-in near the Sudanese army Headquarters. The gathering was symbolically held at the exact streets were many people were killed by some members of the security forces during a violent clearing on 03 June 2019. They held portraits honoring those who were killed or disappeared and placards demanding justice for their plight. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Sudanese youth gather to remember uprising victims

epa07786577 Sudanese react as they are gathered in memory of those killed in the uprising against former president Omar Hassan al-Bashir then the military council, one day after the formation of a transitional Council and the nomination of a new Prime Minister, at the former site of months long sit-in, Khartoum, Sudan, 22 August 2019.According to local witness about 800 people mostly youngsters gathered in one of the street leading to the former site of a sit-in near the Sudanese army Headquarters. The gathering was symbolically held at the exact streets were many people were killed by some members of the security forces during a violent clearing on 03 June 2019. They held portraits honoring those who were killed or disappeared and placards demanding justice for their plight. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Sudan new Prime Minister swearing in ceremony

epaselect epa07784981 Sudan's new Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok (R) gives thumbs up as the presidential palace spokesman presents him to the media for a press conference following his swearing in at the presidential palace in Khartoum, Sudan, 21 August 2019. The Sudanese opposition and military council signed on 17 August a power sharing agreement. The agreement sets up a sovereign council made of five generals and six civilians, to rule the country until general elections. Protests had erupted in Sudan in December 2018, culminating in a long sit-in outside the army headquarters which ended with more than one hundred people being killed and others injured. Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir stepped down on 11 April 2019. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Throne Speech 2017 at Jordanian Parlaiment

epaselect epa06324559 Musicians of the Royal Jordanian Honor Guards look on as they take a short break after taking part in a review ceremony by King Abdullah II of Jordan's, outside the parliament, in Amman, Jordan, 12 November 2017. The Jordanian king gave the throne speech to open the 18th Parliament's second ordinary session to guide the government with a working program for the coming phase. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Sudanese continue their sit-in outside army HQ in Ramadan

epa07590447 Sudanese protesters dance and shout slogans against military rule at the site of a sit-in, near the Army Headquarters, in Khartoum, Sudan, 21 May 2019. Sudanese protesters continue to flock to the sit-in site outside the army headquarters to share a Ramadan Iftar (break fast meal) and stay most of the night. The opposition groups and the army suspended their talks early 21 May, as the alliance composed of protesters and opposition parties and the army disagreed on the control of the transition period. Sudanese started protesting in December 2018 against the rule of former President Hassan al-Bashir who resigned on 11 April. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Zaatari Employment Office

epaselect epa06198298 Syrian refugees wait for their turn to enter services facility area to apply for employment, temporary exits, registration and return to Syria, permits or documents at the Zaatari refugee camp, some 80 km East of Amman, Jordan, 11 September 2017. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) opened on 16 July an office that would allow Syrian refugees living in the Zaatari Camp to work outside by providing them with yearly exit and working permits as well as acting as a placement agency with various employers. Earlier in 2017, Jordan's government had announced that the Syrian refugees living in the facility will be entitled to work permits in urban areas. The camp was opened in 2012 and houses about 80,000 Syrians refugees who fled conflict in their country. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Amman Contemporary Dance Festival in Jordan

epaselect epa06672987 An artist of the French Dyptik Dance company performs in 'Engrenages' show during the 10th Amman Contemporary Dance Festival (ACDF) in Amman, Jordan, 15 April 2018 (issued 16 April 2018). Dyptik is a Saint Etienne, France, based Dance Company created in 2012 under the artistic direction of Mehdi Meghari and Suhail Marchiche. Its dancers come from Hip Hop, ballet and contemporary dance backgrounds and its creations incorporate various influences. The 'Engrenages' show is an attempt to describe social, emotional and psychological violence surrounding us. The ACDF 10th edition, under the auspices of the Jordanian Center for Culture and Arts and sponsored by the French Institute of Amman and many other public and private actors, takes place from 13 to 19 April, with workshops and dance shows at various venues. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Algeria's women come out and join the protests

epa07493376 An Algerian young woman walks past fresh graffiti pieces demanding freedom in French, one day after the 6th Friday rally demanding the departure of President Bouteflika and all politicians close to him, in Algiers, Algeria, 30 March 2019 (issued 09 April 2019). President Bouteflika resigned on 03 April. In a city where any protests were deemed illegal and ended with arrests for those who dared doing so for years, Algerian men and women started on 22 February weekly peaceful marches demanding at first that the then President Bouteflika not run for a fifth term then asking for the departure of what they perceived as a group holding power and not delivering people's wishes. Algerian women had not taken part in such a massive manner since years. Women from different ages, social classes and education came out to make their voices heard some of them hoping for a change in the constitution towards a full equality between men and women, others simply enjoying the possibility of being heard and fully active in the latest revolt. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

The Rise of Algerian Youth

epa07515699 (02/20) Algerian youth take part in Friday protest against the then Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algiers, Algeria, 29 March 2019. In February 2019 and all Fridays since, Algerians have been coming out to protest. At first, they were asking Bouteflika to renounce his candidacy for a fifth term, but it grew into demanding a change in the whole regime and a new Constitution that would allow fresh figures to emerge who could fix an economy that has led to 30 percent youth unemployment. Young men with no regular employment spend their time hanging around the streets of Algiers, doing small jobs for pocket money. They all have demands to fulfill, so they joined the rallies. Algeria’s youth did not experience the War of Independence, the 1988 revolt nor the civil war. But they saw the fears their parents harbored over an uncertain future; few job prospects and a surge in emigration in search of a better future. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN ATTENTION: For the full PHOTO ESSAY text please see Advisory Notice epa07515696 and epa07515697

Young Saudi ballet instructor practices ballet

epa06660861 Young Saudi ballet instructor, Rana, practices ballet during a training session at the Jeddah Ballet Academy, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 22 February 2018 (issued 11 April 2018). Appearing (L, on mirror) California-born Mary Francis owner and teacher at Jeddah Ballet Academy. Rana is one of the very few Saudi ballet practitioners. She started Ballet eight years earlier when she was living in Riyadh. After moving to Jeddah with her family, she joined the Jeddah Ballet Academy which was opened by California-born Mary Francis, and started as ballet instructor course on top, she also offered ballet classes to children with Down syndrome in a bid to bring ballet to more people as part of her graduation project. She said that she was very lucky, as her family supported her from the beginning and although it is unusual and a challenge to be a ballet dancer in Saudi Arabia, she told epa reporter of the optimism she felt towards the changes that have started in the country within the 2030 project Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has announced in the past year. When asked what were the challenges she could see for being a ballerina in Saudi Arabia, Rana explains that the most obvious one is the lack in general of Islamic appropriate Tutu /dress to practice ballet for Hijab girls but that was also general about veiled dancers in other parts of the world. Watching a ballet show is not a usual cultural outing in the kingdom yet but that has not prevented her for taking part in ballet recitals with her schools and her students for the past eight years. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Jordanian Orthodox Christians Baptism site pilgrimage

epaselect epa08137056 Jordanian Orthodox Christians during a pilgrimage at the Baptism Site, Jordan Valley, some 60km Southwest of Amman, Jordan, 17 January 2020. Thousands of Jordanian Orthodox Christians gathered on 17 January on a pilgrimage at the baptism site to the place believed to be where John baptized Jesus Christ in the water of the Jordan River. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Al-Jandaria festival 2018

epa06537590 Portraits of Saudi Arabia kings decorate a wall of a house to visit at Al-Sharqiya (Eastern) Province pavilion during Al- Janadria festival near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 17 February 2018. Al-Janadria festival is the biggest cultural heritage festival held in Saudi Arabia, the 2018 edition opened on 07 February for 4 days to men only, then to families which translates to a mixed gender attendance. A few days after it opened though, the authorities announced it would last three weeks longer to enable Saudi people to enjoy visiting its government pavilions, cultural shows and exhibits and various entertainment representations present this year. The 2018 edition of the festival bore a fair atmosphere where Saudis get to have fun where it was frowned upon before, as part of the changes the countries has seen since 2017. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Al-Jandaria festival 2018

epa06537524 Saudi traditional dancers perform during an open air show at Al- Janadria festival near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 17 February 2018.Al-Janadria festival is the biggest cultural heritage festival held in Saudi Arabia, the 2018 edition opened on 07 February for 4 days to men only, then to families which translates to a mixed gender attendance. A few days after it opened though, the authorities announced it would last three weeks longer to enable Saudi people to enjoy visiting its government pavilions, cultural shows and exhibits and various entertainment representations present this year. The 2018 edition of the festival bore a fair atmosphere where Saudis get to have fun where it was frowned upon before, as part of the changes the countries has seen since 2017. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Al-Jandaria festival 2018

epa06534018 Saudi teenagers carrying a photograph of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pose for a photograph under green lighting (color of the Saudi national flag) during Al-Janadria festival near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 16 February 2018. Al-Janadria festival is the biggest cultural heritage festival held in Saudi Arabia, the 2018 edition opened on 07 February for 4 days to men only, then to families which translates to a mixed gender attendance. A few days after it opened though, the authorities announced it would last three weeks longer to enable Saudi people to enjoy visiting its government pavilions, cultural shows and exhibits and various entertainment representations present this year. The 2018 edition of the festival bore a fair atmosphere where Saudis get to have fun where it was frowned upon before, as part of the changes the countries has seen since 2017. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Palestinians and visitors in the Aqsa Mosque during President Trump visit

epa05981983 Palestinian Muslim men and visitors pray inside the Dome of the Rock mosque, one of Islam's holiest places, on the day US President is due to arrive in town, al-Aqsa Mosque, Old City of Jerusalem, 22 May 2017. After spending two days in Saudi Arabia, US President Trump arrived on 22 May in Israel, his first official visit to the area since his election. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Palestinians and visitors in the Aqsa Mosque during President Trump visit

epa05981977 Israeli boy take a peep at the Western Wall area that has been sealed in preparation for US President Trump visit, Old City of Jerusalem, 22 May 2017. After spending two days in Saudi Arabia, US President Trump arrived on 22 May in Israel, his first official visit to the area since his election. EPA/AMEL PAIN

US Vice President Pence visits Jordan

epa06460450 King Abdullah II (R) and Queen Rania of Jordan (2-R) during their meeting with US Vice President Michael Pence and his accompanying delegation (unseen) at the Royal Palace, Amman, Jordan, 21 January 2018. US Vice President pence arrived to Jordan on 20 January evening after traveling to Egypt, he is due to continue his middle east trip by visiting Israel after his meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Funeral mass for Christians killed in Coptic church attack

epa03918352 Egyptian Coptic Christians react as the coffins of those killed in an attack one day earlier, are brought for a funeral mass at the Coptic church of the Virgin, al-Waraa neighbourhood of Giza, near Cairo, Egypt, 21 October 2013. Egyptian authorities on 21 October arrested five men over a nighttime attack on a Cairo church that left four dead, security officials said. One man 'belonging to a terrorist organization' and four members of the Muslim Brotherhood had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack 20 October evening on wedding guests outside the church of the Virgin in Cairo's northern Warraq suburb, the officials said. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Prayers at Arafat

epa04944384 A Muslim pilgrims at prays at Mount Arafat, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 23 September 2015. Prophet Mohamed is said to have delivered his last sermon at the top of Mount Arafat, praying anywhere in the plan of Arafat is a most important part of the Hajj Muslim Pilgrimage. The Haj pilgrimage 2015 takes place between 22 and 26 September. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Egyptians celebrate 06 October War anniversary in Cairo

epa03899626 An Egyptian Tanoura folk dancer whirls past supporters of Egyptian Defense Minister be Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (seen on posters) during celebrations on the 40th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war at Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, 06 October 2013. Crowds supporting the Egyptian military gathered in central Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark Army Day on 06 October. Meanwhile an alliance led by Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood called on followers to march to Tahrir Square later the same day. According to media reports, fifteen people have been killed and 83 injured in clashes across Egypt on 06 October, the Health Ministry said. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Mount Noor

epaselect epa04939505 A Muslim pilgrims heads out of the Hira grotto where Prophet Mohamed is alleged to have received the first verses of Koran from the Angel Jibril (Gabriel), in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 19 September 2015. The visit to Hirat Grotto is not part of the Haj pilgrimage, but a tradition some pilgrims like to carry to deepen their spiritual experience. Haj pilgrimage 2015 takes place in Mecca from 22 to 26 September. The pilgrimage is one of Islam's five pillars, it has to be performed at least once in one's life if he or she can afford it. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Prayers at Arafat

epa04944379 Muslim pilgrims read the Koran and pray as the sun rises on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 23 September 2015. Prophet Mohamed is said to have delivered his last sermon at the top of Mount Arafat, praying anywhere in the plan of Arafat is a most important part of the Hajj Muslim Pilgrimage. The Haj pilgrimage 2015 takes place between 22 and 26 September. EPA/AMEL PAIN

The Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram Mosque

epa04941679 Muslim pilgrims touch the Kaaba door as they circumvent around it at the Masjid al-Haram Mosque, Islam's holiest site, two days before the Haj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 20 September 2015. The Haj pilgrimage 2015 takes place in Mecca from 22 to 26 September. The pilgrimage is one of Islam's five pillars, it has to be performed at least once in one's life if he or she can afford it. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Saudi Arabia defends haj handling amid criticism over deadly stampede

epa04949800 An aerial view of the Masjid al-Haram holy mosque and landmark clock tower overlooking it, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 25 September 2015. A leading Saudi Muslim cleric on 25 September defended his country's handling of the annual Muslim haj pilgrimage, a day after 717 pilgrims died in a stampede in the ritual's worst disaster in 25 years. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Iraqi Displaced people from near Kirkuk

epa05597847 A 26 years old Iraqi displaced woman, mother of five who did not want to be named and had fled from IS held town of Hawija near Kirkuk two days earlier, sits at a school building in the Debaka refugee camp, on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq, 22 October 2016. The woman said in an interview with epa that it took her and her family about 12 hours to leave the village and she hopes to be able to leave the camp and meet her relatives in Sulaimaniyah some 200km Southeast of Erbil. According to a local official in Debaka camp, the camp which was opened two years ago currently hosts 31 thousand people who fled from many villages near Mosul and lately Kirkuk due to the fighting between the Iraqi forces and Islamic State (IS) group. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces military operation against IS

epa05594463 Iraqi army soldiers drive towards a check point leading to the front line of Bartila , some 50 km West of Erbil, Capital of the region of Kurdistan, Iraq, 20 October 2016. The Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces started on 20 October 2016 a front towards the IS held town of Bashika, while the Iraqi army forces started combat in the town of Bartila. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Bartila town after liberation from IS Group

epaselect epa05599609 An Iraqi Army soldier looks on from an armored vehicle two days after the liberation of the formerly IS held town of Bartila, some 27 km East of Mosul, Iraq, 23 October 2016. Iraqi forces on 23 October allowed some journalists to enter one section of the town of Bartila after clearing its main streets of mines. While North of Mosul battles continues in nearby Qarqosh, Bashika, and some villages around Bartila. EPA journalists reported air strikes by F16 jets on various positions while sound of explosions of various IED (Improvised Explosive Device) kept roaring every now and then during the short visit to the ghost town. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Egyptians after the presidency handover in Egypt

epa03781935 Egyptians supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi hold his poster and a copy of the Koran as they protest near the Rabaa Adawiya mosque in Cairo, Egypt, 09 July 2013. The Muslim Brotherhood and its allies vowed to continue protests until ousted president Mohamed Morsi is brought back to power. The army forced him from office last week after mass street protests demanded the ouster of Egypt's first democratically elected president after one year in office. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Demonstrators storm militia bases in Benghazi

epa03406350 (FILE) A file photograph dated 07 July 2012, shows a Libyan army soldier from the Saaika Special Unit arriving to reinforce security at the High National Elections Commission headquarters at the end of the voting day in the National Congress elections at a polling station, in Benghazi, Libya. Media reports state that demonstrators stormed the headquarters of an Islamist militia in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi late on 21 September 2012 and evicted its members. The move against the premises of Ansar al-Sharia appeared to be part of coordinated raids by security forces and protestors on several militia offices, after a day of public demonstrations against armed groups. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Egyptians mark anti-Mubarak revolt anniversary

epaselect epa04041413 An Egyptian army helicopter flies over Egyptians supporting the army and its Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, as they continue to gather in bigger numbers to celebrate the anniversary of the 25th January 2011 revolution, at Tahrir square, Cairo, Egypt, 25 January 2014. Increased security was visible across Cairo as Egyptian officials prepared for rival political groups holding rallies to mark the third anniversary of the start of the 2011 uprising that forced out former president Hosni Mubarak. Security forces were deployed around major squares and outside key state installations, one day after a series of bomb attacks targeted police facilities in the Egyptian capital, killing six people and injuring more than 80. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Aswan traditional music concert at Makan in Cairo

epa03742036 A photograph made available on 12 June 2013, shows Egyptian musician from Aswan governorate Abu Youssef (L) and drummer Chazly (R) of the ensemble 'El-Jaafra', performing an adaptation of the Nameem poetry during a concert at the Egyptian Centre for Culture and Arts (ECCA) 'Makan', in Cairo Egypt, late 11 June 2013. Makan is a cultural centre located in down town Cairo, where are held traditional music concerts as well as more modern bands on a weekly basis, in a bid to preserve the Egyptian musical heitage.The Jaafra ensemble presented some Jaafra tribes traditional songs based on traditional poetic forms with voices, oud (luth) and doff (small drum). EPA/AMEL PAIN

Clashes in Tahrir square

epa03028134 YEARENDER 2011 NOVEMBER Egyptian protesters wounded during clashes with security forces are examined by medics at one of the field hospitals, as a protest goes on in Tahrir square, Cairo, Egypt, 22 November 2011. According to media reports, at least 30 people were injured in renewed clashes between security forces and protesters on 22 November in central Cairo. The clashes took place on Mohamed Mahmoud Street that links Tahrir Square to the heavily guarded Interior Ministry. Security forces fired tear gas while protesters threw stones. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Anti-military rally in Tahrir

epa03277633 Egyptian young women stand in an area protected by men next to them, as they take part in a demonstration against the delay of the Egyptian presidential results and the military rulers, in Tahrir square, Cairo, Egypt, 22 June 2012. Egyptians were rallying on 22 June in central Cairo to demand that the ruling military council expedites the handover of power and abolishes the interim constitution that effectively tightens its grip on power. The Muslim Brotherhood and several other Islamist groups are supporting the rally in Tahrir Square, the focal point of a popular uprising that forced Hosni Mubarak from power in February 2011. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Day one of the Hajj 2011

epa02992322 A pigeon prepares to fly above the Haram Sharif Great Mosque with the holy Kaaba at its center during the Friday prayer, on the first day of the Muslim's Haj 2011 pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 04 November 2011. Millions of Muslims arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform their Hajj. The Hajj 2011 is due to take place from 04 to 09 November. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Egyptians vote in presidential elections

epa03231582 Egyptian women check their names in the voters list before casting their votes in the first round of the presidential elections at a polling station in Cairo, Egypt, 23 May 2012. Egyptian voters, on 23 May, queued at polling stations for the first Presidential election since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. The first round vote is on 23 and 24 May. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Egyptians mark anti-Mubarak revolt anniversary

epaselect epa04041089 Egyptians supporting the army and its Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, celebrate the anniversary of the 25th January 2011 revolution, at Tahrir square, Cairo, Egypt, 25 January 2014. Increased security was visible across Cairo as Egyptian officials prepared for rival political groups holding rallies to mark the third anniversary of the start of the 2011 uprising that forced out former president Hosni Mubarak. Security forces were deployed around major squares and outside key state installations, one day after a series of bomb attacks targeted police facilities in the Egyptian capital, killing six people and injuring more than 80. EPA/AMEL PAIN

5th Cairo Jazz Festival - Gilberto Gil

epa03635709 A picture made available on 22 March 2013 shows Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil (L) and his son Bem Gil performing during the Cairo Jazz Festival, at Al-Azhar park, in Cairo, Egypt, 21 March 2013. The fifth Cairo Jazz Festival runs from 21 to 23 March. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Al-Muizz street on a Friday night

Egyptians on Al-Muizz Street, two days after Eid Al-Adha celebrations in Cairo, Egypt

Clashes in Tahrir square

epa02801009 An Egyptian injured during clashes with security forces is being evacuated from the site in Tahrir square, in Cairo, Egypt, 29 June 2011. Egyptian protesters carry an injured man taking him to a secure area during clashes with police forces in Tharir square, in Cairo, Egypt, 29 June 2011. According to media reports, security forces continued to use tear gas, rocks, and batons to attempt to disperse protesters in Cairo's Tahrir square on 29 June, after over 12 hours of overnight clashes. Over 200 people were injured and 12 remained in hospital since the violence began the night earlier. The demonstrators were demanding faster and more transparent trials of officials responsible for the deaths of over 800 protesters during the 18 days of national uprising which led to the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak. Police and central security forces clashed with the protesters in the square and at the nearby Ministry of Interior building. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Fatha Bouzdi performing during Le Caire mon amour 2nd opening night

epa02729084 A photograph made available on 12 May 2011, shows French Algerian graphic designer and performer Fatiha Bouzidi presenting a dance piece mixing modern and oriental moves during the 2nd opening night of 'le Caire mon amour' (Cairo my love) event held in Cairo, Egypt, 11 May 2011. Le Caire mon amour is an event gathering various foreign artists long term residents of Cairo, who present through various art forms set in an old style apartment of the city, their love and attachement to Cairo. The event is held in three opening nights featuring different artists. The third opening is due to take place on 15 May. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Refugees at Tunisia Libya border

epa02684703 Egyptians who had fled unrest in Libya few days earlier carry their belongings towards a bus to return to their country, at the UAE (United Arab Emirates) Red Crescent refugee camp near the border crossing with Libya at Ras Jdir, Tunisia, 12 April 2011. As unrest continues in Libya hundreds of thousands of refugees are still staying at different camps in the area near the border, awaiting either evacuation to their homelands, or to new countries who accept to receive them if they come from a conflict torn region with the help of the UNHCR ( United Nations High Commission for Refugees) and other organizations. EPA/AMEL PAIN

US Secretary of State Clinton in Cairo

epa02635591 US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks on during a joint press conference with Egypt's Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby (not pictured) following their meeting in Cairo, Egypt, 15 March 2011. Clinton arrived on 15 March for a two-day official visit during which she is due to meet with Egyptian authorities. EPA/AMEL PAIN

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dies at the age of 92

epa08246221 (FILE) - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak looking on during his meeting with his Yemeni counterpart Ali Abdullah Saleh (not pictured) in Cairo, Egypt, 29 June 2010 (reissued 25 February 2020). According to media reports on 25 February 2020, Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has died aged 92. Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt from October 1981 till January 2011, and stepped down of the presidency after the 18-days Egyptian revolution of 2011. EPA-EFE/AMEL PAIN

Egyptian anti government protesters celebrate

epa02576943 Egyptian women ululate in celebration after the anouncement of the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak from his post at Tahrir square, in Cairo, Egypt, 11 February 2011. It was announced by vice president Omar Suleiman 11 February that Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak had resigned. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, 82, ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years. EPA/AMEL PAIN