20,000 riyals per month - this is the amount that eligible families can receive after the Citizen Account Program decided to open registration doors to all eligible categories. This remarkable government announcement represents the largest social support initiative witnessed by the Kingdom, placing the fate of millions of Saudi families in their hands with a golden chance to achieve financial stability.
This revolutionary system covers eleven diverse categories of Saudi society, making it the widest in scope in history.
The Suez Canal: A Historical Overview
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Historically,the Suez Canal represents a pivotal point in global trade and geopolitical strategy. Constructed during the mid-19th century, its origins lie in ancient canals connecting the Red Sea and the Nile River. Formal planning for a modern, sea-level canal began in 1859 under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat.Construction, largely utilizing forced labor from Egyptian citizens, took approximately ten years.
Early Operations and British Influence (1869-1956)
The canal officially opened in 1869, dramatically shortening the sea route between Europe and Asia. Prior to its existence, ships had to circumnavigate Africa, adding significant time and cost to voyages. Initially, the canal was operated by the suez Canal Company, a French-Egyptian enterprise. Though, the United Kingdom quickly recognized its strategic importance and, in 1875, acquired a significant shareholding in the company. British control solidified over the following decades, becoming a crucial artery for trade and military transport, particularly to and from India and its other colonial possessions.
The Suez Crisis and Egyptian Control (1956-Present)
The Suez Crisis of 1956 marked a turning point. Egyptian President Gamal abdel Nasser nationalized the canal, leading to a military intervention by Israel, France, and the United Kingdom. International pressure,particularly from the United States and the Soviet Union,forced the withdrawal of these forces,and egypt gained full control of the canal.
Following nationalization, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) was established to manage the canal. Significant investments have been made over the years to deepen and widen the waterway, increasing its capacity to accommodate larger vessels. In 2015, a major expansion project, the New Suez Canal, was completed, further enhancing its throughput.
Economic and Geopolitical Importance in 2026
As of early 2026, the Suez Canal remains one of the world’s most significant and busiest waterways. Approximately 12% of global trade volume transits the canal annually, including a significant portion of oil and liquefied natural gas. Its economic impact extends beyond Egypt, influencing shipping costs and global supply chains. Geopolitically, the canal continues to be a strategically vital asset, subject to potential disruptions from political instability, security threats, and incidents like the 2021 Ever Given blockage. Ongoing modernization efforts, including digital change initiatives by the SCA, aim to improve efficiency and resilience.
the canal’s future is tied to global trade patterns, the size of container ships, and the development of option routes, such as the Northern Sea Route. However, its central location and established infrastructure ensure its continued relevance for the foreseeable future.
