In the newsroom, there was near consensus over who to vote in as person of the year. But just to make sure, Daily News Egypt did a small online survey, which surprisingly confirmed our choice. Naguib Sawiris, the 52-year-old business tycoon and father of four topped the list.Sawiris has had a busy year. Named by Forbes as the 62nd richest man in the world with a personal fortune of approximately $10 billion, the Orascom Telecom chief launched his own TV station OTV, swallowed up Greek telecom company TIM Hellas, and launched a private equity fund focused on investing in Egypt.Aside from his business ambitions, Sawiris has made no secret of his vision for Egypt. At a press conference for the launch of OTV, he said, “I believe there will be a very big fight between the liberals and intellectuals who believe that everyone is free to have their own opinion.and those who believe otherwise. We are on the side of freedom. Anyone offended by any of the content, he added, was “completely free not to tune in. Sawiris announced in November he would launch further satellites, but drew heavy criticism when he revealed they would aim to counter the high dosage of conservative religious programming. He added at a press conference some days later that the growing number of chadors – with face veils and long robes – on Egypt’s streets made him feel as if he was living in Iran or the Gulf, not Egypt. Still, Sawiris remains an immensely popular figure in Egypt where his dynamism, liberal attitude and reputation for partying is seen by many as a breath of fresh air amid growing conservatism. Naguib Sawiris symbolizes for many the best hope for the Egypt’s future. Honorable mention Although he didn’t appear as often as he should have in the local press, squash player Amr Shabana has soared to new heights this year.The trophy collection in the Shabana household enlarged considerably in 2007 when Shabana hit top form to take home six Pro Squash Association titles before being named world squash champion for the third time in his career, after winning the Bermuda Open in December. He became the first squash player since Pakistani legend Jansher Khan to win a third World Open. Throughout the game s 41-year history, only four players – Geoff Hunt, Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan and now Shabana – were able to win three World Opens. Shabana was Egypt’s first ever squash player to reach No.1 in the world rankings, is the country’s most successful individual sportsman ever, and is a gentleman to boot. After turning professional at just 15 years of age, Shabana’s career skyrocketed until he got to University, where his fondness of partying got the better of his game. In his final year, however, he knuckled down again, studying in between daily morning and evening training sessions. He hasn’t looked back since.Shabana is a practicing Muslim and cites his grandfather – who was an Imam and Al-Azhar scholar – along with Prophets Jesus and Mohamed as being sources of inspiration in his life. He also attributes much of his success to his wife who, he says, “has really balanced me out. When his playing days are over Shabana hopes to use his marketing degree to explore business opportunities in squash, though judging by his playing form, this won’t be anytime soon.
People of the Year
