Mahmoud Hegazi denies assault allegations

In a new development in the crisis that has sparked widespread controversy on social media, Egyptian actor Mahmoud Hegazi categorically denied accusations of assaulting and verbally abusing his ex-wife, Rana Tarek. Hegazi asserted that the complaint filed against him is baseless, considering it a tactic to pressure a court decision concerning their only son.

Explanatory statement and respect for the son's privacy

In an official statement posted on his Instagram account, Mahmoud Hegazi explained that he initially chose to remain silent out of respect for his son Youssef's feelings and to avoid involving him in personal disputes. He indicated that the core of the crisis lies in his ex-wife's attempt to obtain a court order allowing her to travel abroad with their son, a move opposed by Hegazi, who obtained a travel ban preventing his son from leaving the country. He asserted that the complaint was an attempt to force him to rescind this ban.

The legal context of child custody disputes in Egypt

This case highlights a crucial aspect of Egyptian personal status law, where child custody and travel bans are among the most complex disputes following separation. According to the law, either parent has the right to obtain a court order preventing a child from traveling abroad without their consent, ostensibly to ensure the other parent is not deprived of their visitation and guardianship rights. These legal proceedings often become a battleground for settling personal scores between separated spouses, with children bearing the brunt of the consequences.

Details of the complaint filed against Hegazi

For her part, Rana Tarek Abdel Sattar filed an official police report at a station in 6th of October City, accusing her ex-husband of assaulting her. In her statement, she said the incident stemmed from previous family disputes and resulted in bruises and various physical injuries. She added that she underwent a medical examination to document these injuries and submit them as evidence with her report. The report was referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.

Impact on public image and career path

Such cases generate significant public interest in Egypt and the Arab world, given that the parties involved are public figures. Artist Mahmoud Hegazy faces a major challenge in managing this crisis, as it could negatively impact his public image and artistic career. In his statement, Hegazy emphasized that he will not disclose any further details except through legal channels, denying any intention to tarnish the other party's image. He affirmed that his sole objective is to clarify the facts for the public, concluding his statement with, "God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.".

Heritage and authenticity enthusiasts will turn their attention tomorrow, Saturday, to the historic Janadriyah Square in Riyadh, where the first competitions of the "Mazayin" races for the (individual Mafarid - Bakar) category will kick off, as part of the activities of the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026. This major event is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - and will continue for 10 days, offering huge cash prizes totaling more than 75 million riyals, making it one of the most prominent and valuable festivals of its kind in the world.

According to the festival's schedule, Friday saw the entry of the camels participating in the beauty contests, paving the way for the official competitions to begin on Saturday. These competitions will focus on the "Sha'al" and "Shaqah" colors, which are highly valued and beloved by camel owners. The beauty contests, or camel beauty competitions, are an integral part of the festival, where participating camels are evaluated based on precise aesthetic criteria related to head size, neck length, back curvature, and other characteristics that reflect the breed's purity and beauty.

Historical context and importance of camels in Saudi culture

Camels hold a profound symbolic place in the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula. They are more than just animals; they were the lifeblood of nomadic Bedouins and a symbol of wealth, resilience, and beauty. Camel festivals, such as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival, are part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 efforts to preserve and promote this rich cultural heritage. By organizing these events, authentic traditions are revived, new generations are connected to their ancestors' history, and camel racing is established as a living national heritage passed down through generations.

Economic impact and international dimension of the festival

The festival's impact extends beyond the cultural sphere, serving as a significant economic driver. The event generates substantial economic activity, benefiting camel owners, trainers, and local communities through the buying and selling of camels, with prices reaching millions of riyals. It also stimulates the hospitality, transportation, and logistics sectors. Internationally, the festival has successfully attracted participants from across the Gulf and the Arab world, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a global destination for camel racing and heritage. This international presence fosters cultural exchange and presents a positive image of Saudi Arabia's rich heritage to the world, thus supporting the tourism sector and reflecting the Kingdom's deep-rooted cultural history.