People of the Nile | Al Jazeera World

The Nile's delta and waters nourish 11 North African countries and the river has long inspired ancient myths, poetry and the curiosity of travellers.
This film takes an intimate look at the everyday lives of two families living on the Nile. Salama Saeed left school when he was 12 years old to become a fisherman. Back then, fishing was a profitable job; now, it is a hand-to-mouth existence, as fish stocks have steadily depleted. Saeed, his wife and three children live on a boat near Giza.
Every day, he takes his two young sons to the shore so they can go to school. Saeed is now trying to save money for his younger daughter's dowry.
Sayed al-Sayed was born on the Nile and lives on a boat with his wife and two little daughters. His parents also live on a boat. Unlike Saeed, Sayed does not have an identity card. Being unregistered means it is difficult for him to seek medical treatment for him and his family.
The families are sometimes questioned by the river police who monitor the illegal use of electrofishing, a method of catching fish by stunning them, and must avoid the territorial gangs who control some parts of the Nile.
For Saeed and Sayed's families who live, eat, work and sleep on small boats, life is a daily struggle and the families dream of a better life on dry land.
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[@LifeinAmerica2022]

This video moved me. In March 2016, I will be going to Cairo for my nephew's wedding. My itinerary will now include a visit to the Nile and to try to meet Salama Al-Sayyed. I will pay falouka, a boat, to help me locate him and his family. I am so impressed with his goal of letting his two boys go to school. I value education over anything else. If I find them, I will take the boys to the market,mall and buy them what they need in school. Maybe I can buy them a functioning laptop here that costs around $300 so they can use it for their studies. I hope I will find them there in Cairo. Just a small act of love I want to offer them.

[@asmanazeerahmad]

very nice thought. if u find them please help them Allah will reward you for this insha Allah. ameen.

[@LifeinAmerica2022]

I went there in April 2016 but I didn't find them. I realized that the Nile is too vast. Looking for those two boys were like finding a needle in a haystack. I still wish to meet them next time I go to Cairo.

[@LifeinAmerica2022]

If the two boys will see this, please find me on facebook Aminah SG is my profile name.

[@obedan3990]

You are one of the few people who kindly wanted to help them. May Allah Bless you. Definitely these families must be helped by the Egyptian government. I guess news from you @SuperAdmirerOf OmKalthoum is the latest update infos about this families. Somebody in Egypt please act on it!!!

[@internationaldirector2917]

May God bless you brother. I am very far from Egypt how can I share my home in Philippines to this two families? I can help them with prayers that somebody they will have a descent home to stay.

[@juliobarra8064]

“Poor people are most often generous” i loved it when he invited a man from the other boat for some tea.. he’s heart is so rich God bless them🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@abdulraheem415]

You are exactly right.. I've been to Egypt and those people will give you whatever they have. They will allow you to live and eat with them....I've never seen more kind people in my life! When I came back to America I immediately recognized the difference. The Egyptians rarely use bad language, they rarely curse one another out. I noticed that the children respect their elders. Children would call me uncle even if they didn't know me. I can't tell you how many time was escorted home by a stranger because I was lost in another part of the city....May God protect them!

[@captaincash1035]

The Somalis are also generous people to live with

[@shamenkingful]

i've watched many documentaries but this one touches my heart so much. i hope these people have their own houses by now.

[@sarahsarah5445]

The cost of one channel or versace bag can buy them a better boat ...and a designer dress can buy then a one room house as they said they needed ....Some people have a bigger shower then that boat ....people need to appreciate what they have ..After watching this I feel even more humbled and grateful ..alhamdulilah ... its really sad seeing people buy expensive makeup and designer bags and fancy unwanted decorations for the house when 5 people live on space smaller than my washroom .....If I ever want to do anything is to help people like this ..may Allah bless them and protect them ...

[@mohammedniaz8083]

Amin

[@tarantala111]

So hard to keep one's spirits up when one knows one is doomed. My heart goes out to these good people.

[@salahuddeen1000]

shirley leah this is because of zionist western stooge governments in our lands,islam very strictly does not allow the wealth of a land to be abused thoroughly this way,it is given out equally to all citizens

[@Zaid0611]

I feel so sad to see how these people struggle in there life, those kids without a roof over there head, not allowed to have ID card just because they born on the boat, they are citizens of Egypt like all Egyptians, even though those people going thru this hardship they still manage to smile.. Gov need to help these people, at least provide them with basics needs, when they ill they can at least have access to healthcare. Egypt is a rich country with so much resources where all these money going. I sincerely hope that Al Jazeera had paid them to do this documentary.

[@MrMakeovergirl123]

i hope these beautiful people can get some help to get them an apartment or house to live in. this breaks my heart to see people with children living like this !!

[@sunskyjoy]

They are such good and courageous people! They earn an honest living, without harming anyone. Their kids are happy and treated well. These people need help from the government, their good hearts is what we need on this earth.

[@clusterguard]

Thank you (Shukran) for this beautiful documentary. It is my hope (InshAllah) that the river recovers through scientific counter-measures and the fish populations recover so that fisherman families can earn their livelihood. I for one believe it is fantastic the effort the children do going to school and doing their homework on the boat. All the best from Greenland.

[@geocam01]

As usual you guys came through with another award winner. Thank You for allowing the world to view.

[@mrpapparappa]

I will say this; as an Ethiopian, I couldn't be happier that my people and our brothers and sisters in the beautiful country of Egypt have finally reached an accord, vis-a-vis, The Nile :)!!! That having been said, however, I believe Aljazeera is a bit biased on certain topics. Case in point; the last piece they had about "bloggers" in Ethiopia couldn't have been any more warped. So happy I'm subscribed so I can be more involved and keep up the good work, otherwise :D!!!

[@aljazeeraenglish]

mrpapparappa, your comment has been highlighted in our 'Your View' section: www.aljazeera.com/review/

[@mail2pradeepbabu]

mrpapparappa when i first saw this documentary title"people of the nile" I felt like aj making some propaganda video on ethiopia's underconstruction dam. but after watching full video i was proved to be incorrect, may be aj is not as biased as we generally think..what say??

[@81144emy]

+Al Jazeera English , can you give a contact number or something so we can reach those people to help them, i will really appreciate that. Thanks

[@consueloperez7578]

+iman fetiha INDEED ! ...these people need help...how can we help? is there a number to reach them?

[@obedan3990]

@iman fetiha, I think you must personally contact Al Jazeera via its website email to contact Al Jazeera officers. I wonder what happen to them now in 2016? If these happened in my country, obviously we immediately help them. Providing charity house close to the river (since they are used to fishing life), schooling for their kids, Medical aids here are free and many more...MashAllah here we can help them if these family are here. I am terribly sad for their living condition. May Egypt government alert about them via this video and people of Egypt who are watching this video. May Allah save them....

[@15lastone]

One of the Best Documentary i have ever seen, breathing. Well done Aljazira

[@daljit318]

very good documentary we always complain about life but people that have nothing just work more harder

[@abishiktaa]

Thank you very much for this doco beautifully filmed and My heart goes out to these good people.

[@karencaboverde404]

It made me tears.....May Allah continue to bless you with abundant grace from sea .may he always .protect this family from any danger!!!!😭😭😭😭

[@OzzieOzzieOzzieOyOyOy]

I want to help these families. I don't have much, but I can send them a few dollars sometimes, that's for sure. How can I do this?

[@5eek3r0fknowl3dg3]

go see them

[@bbbccbbc365]

Oz Lang You can send me, i can transport them

[@marck.1610]

can't bring myself continue watching its really break my heart,this is what I teach my kids everything or nothing always be thankful,humble,kind,sharing especially always put God first. #TYL

[@marck.1610]

my heart and prayers goes to these families

[@madambutterflymadambutterf2571]

WTF MYOB you are kind hearted.

[@Mandydailyblog]

wow amazing I lived in Egypt for almost 5 years. . I remember the mosquitos in summer. . bless and keep them safe..

[@KrishLius]

i wish i could help these people somehow

[@lisabester3220]

🙏

[@consueloperez7578]

Very Touching Documentary...Thank you How can the world help?

[@tarantala111]

Congratulations to Sherif Helal - this doco beautifully filmed.

[@SherifDP]

shirley leah Thank you very much Shirley

[@jhonjohnjonjondoe5011]

+sherif Helal you filmed this? I really enjoyed this.

[@Sarke2]

So nice but heartbreaking documentary, Nile is amazing river, i have crossed it from Luxor to Aswan. I will never forget, one of the most beautiful moments in my whole life.

[@davidgeri]

some people have too little n some have too much only if we share the much we have, i believe nobody will starve or struggle .. i feel for them..

[@silverdash1]

I feel so sad for these people they ask for very little just to be able to give their family a decent life i love Egypt and the people

[@fafafais]

Sherif Helal This is one of the most touching documentry i have seen. I wanna ask the crew that make this documentry. When did you filmed this story and how are the families living today? Thank you very much.

[@jaxplata3882]

We Americans need to do something to help these people!!!!! Let's come together and we can make difference for these people

[@seliatoyindamola6682]

Really!?

[@nigerdeltamirrortv9311]

Jax Plata Don't u have poor, homeless people in America? Mind your business, leave Africa alone

[@Mostafaxcclu]

Very simple quite hard life I love Egypt insha’allah one day visit Egypt

[@germaalem4213]

I cry i lough heart warming. A beautiful documentary. I loved it . what a beautiful family we all.learn.a lot from.this beautiful kind families Thank you.

[@engkibuukainnocent1191]

i pray to GOD to bless my projects, i must travel to Egypt, look for these people & help at least one family to get a permanent house & a small business (mini-market)

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

Eng Kibuuka Innocent Yes. Thank you for that. I hope you do and you can. ♥

[@talalmehmood4994]

ALLAH ALMIGHTY always protects them from all evil and gives them happiness and prosperity in their life Ameen🥺🤲

[@alabtv4879]

such a heart mobing documentary of Al Jazeera. Kudos to Al Jazeera.

[@ZaheerAk786]

Honestly I’m heartbroken 😔 after watching this documentary We take things for granted and never look around us for people like these are going through in they life’s

[@Kidraver555]

Awesome documentary, Al Jazeera seems to be the only msm with heart and integrity, the plight of the permanently poor is heartbreaking.

[@jacekpooninski1856]

God bless these people, and shame to this world that let people live in poverty and starving while other have too much

[@aktarhussain2356]

salute to u guys.... fr bringing out such stories to us..

[@brianlama3845]

I wish I could help them for better Home,food and better education for their children's.and every people's in this world need to help them .

[@ladycharsw]

I watches this 2-3 weeks ago. I can't understand why the father can't see some of the other people he might know to help get him a cover. they cant be like that in the winter rain. Must be someone could help. thanks

[@brazilbiba6671]

All life is on the Nile, ideally witnessed from a cruise boat. Lovely experience

[@abidurrehman89]

They are struggling for Life. very brave people. UN should help them.

[@moadam9160]

This is the most heartbreak scene I have ever saw. what a destitute life is this.! hope that God's help has reached them, God blessed and put his merciful upon you.

[@remolaki9087]

ya allah tera lakh lakh shukar hai...hum bohat achi halat mein hein...ya allah in ki madad farma ameen

[@cadiah81]

I cannot believe that the government let these people live in this horrible way ! Please help these people !!!

[@zoroo3000abg]

Actually .. This makes me very sad as an Egyptian .. but we are cursed with Tyrants along with stupidity and Ignorance over 60 years ... even the sacrifices we made in our revolution have gone in vain ... I don't know how I will meet the people who scarified their souls to make this country a better place .. what will I say ... yet u see them smiling and try to live ... how selfish we have become to reach this point ... but eventually everyone will pay his debts to this country and its poor people ....

[@ashokp1027]

Mostafa Ahmed feeling sad for those people as well .The whole Middle east excluding some rich fellows suffers like that. This made me to say that ,what is the point of fighting in the name of religion when people are starving in Sirya,Iraq and Egypt..... the answer is nothing.. only fools do that and some wicked minded person made them do that..

[@zoroo3000abg]

couldn't agree more ,, but to clear things out, In Egypt the fight is for power and money only .. not in the name of religion .. a few rich people who empower corruption to maintain draining Egypt resources over the expense of the entire nation ... that is Egypt for over 60 years and until now

[@mail2pradeepbabu]

Breda Jake In this religion there are poor.. during those religion there were only poor..except for few.. how did you come to this conclusion(junk religion) for that matter, every religion is junk.

[@zoroo3000abg]

I don't want to start an argument about Islam because it's not related to the topic .. and I'm a proud muslem and your words means nothing regarding that matter .. end of discussion

[@tw3ist]

It's quite a display of ignorance that these bigots are blaming Islam ,yet Islam is not even being used as the system of governance in Egypt .History shows us when Islam was fully applied as a governing system in the Ottoman Empire ,poverty was eliminated ,the problem is not Islam ,the problem is capatilism which makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.

[@needmoreramsay]

It's amazing how deftly he controls the boat when reversing and maneuvering. I know people who've been driving for 30 years who can't control their car as well as this guy controls his boat. 10:00

[@saleemamod5014]

THE PLIGHT OF THESE PEOPLE IS REALLY HEART RENDING.WHAT'S DISTURBING IS THE UNISLAMIC DOWRY SYSTEM THAT ADDS TO THEIR MISERY. PAKISTANIS ALSO PRACTICE THIS OPPRESSION , BAGGAGE FROM HINDU INDIA.THEIR ULAMA ARE TO BLAME FOR THIS FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF A QURANIC INJUNCTION.

[@Saintfromthemedieval]

How much does a metal boat would cost in Egyptian pounds?

[@senasena1496]

do another one a video to see the updates of all the people in the documentary

[@whooshkaboomie]

I watch these documentaries and immediately quit feeling sorry of myself and my "somewhat miserable life". God Bless these people. I hope the younger generation works hard at school to get a good education then a job...and then be able to break the cycle of living on the river.

[@serenaDM]

Very moving documentary. despite their hardships the people were so dignified. how they managed to raise such beautiful children in such conditions amazes me. I so wish they're in their own apartments now.

[@asmanazeerahmad]

ya Allah.. speechless, Allah help them

[@Samridz1982]

Masha allah I love this people

[@Weapon.X.]

The guy in the beginning says we work hard but we haven't caught any fish no shit buddy look at the water its so dirty they have turned the nile into a landfill. I remember when people used to describe the nile back in the day they used to say the water is so clean you can basically drink from it.

[@ladycharsw]

I forgot what year this was, but I hope they have s bigger bost with s cover, or an apt. God Bless.🐎❤️🥰🙋

[@msihlpat717]

Very nice documentary

[@psquare9634]

This has moved me on i feel deeply hurted.

[@RedeyeRedeye-on7pc]

Love to see nail river so brave people respect from Afghanistan 🇦🇫

[@chazmaliasusuhusein1815]

After watching this 😌 Ya Allah forgive me if I ungrateful with what I have.

[@youssefhiggins.6945]

A man works all his life to accomplish a dream of renting an apartment for 13 dollars, and a film made about him making that dream possible for more money than he'll ever earn in his life.

[@unlisted4253]

What's your point?

[@chestersabajo8744]

yeah what's your point ?

[@LifeinAmerica2022]

I am sure they got paid, but with out this film, how would we know their situation there. I have been to Nile a couple of times, and honestly, I have never see one living in a boat. All I saw were those entertainment boats and Faloukas. Not a house boat. So I am thankful for this film, actually.

[@raymondbucher49]

He said that didn't he..But he also said he couldn't work construction as it was too demanding...I have worked construction when min. wage was $1.60 hour...12 hours a day. when i was his age...I am 68 yrs old now....Yep...Very demanding..

[@MrDaggash1]

While I pray and hope that their situation gets better, and I also admire their commitment to family, doing all they can to look after their family. The children's smile is always beautiful. I may be wrong/biased, but I just feel the parents could make better decisions on lifestyle choices. Salaam.

[@AI.855]

Born in Egypt and government refused ID card. What a bad system. They are poor but still smiling. God bless you.

[@denzelheden4256]

I am sorry, I didn't finish watching the video.....I am crying just by seeing this people living in this way.....I am an African studying in India.....sometimes I wish I could die or go to somewhere else......it is so so much sufering I am seeing......

[@user-nj1yk6jy2r]

Denzel Heden yet people think Africa is the only place with poor people, maybe they should see rich people in Africa

[@nuraishahbinteibrahimaltah3935]

Assalamualaikum, does anyone know how i can get in touch with the boat people. I went to Egypt but nevet knew such thing is happening to my brother and sister in Egypt. 😟 pls let me know, I'm from Singapore and would like to send helpm

[@ladycharsw]

I hooe by this time they have a bigger boat maybe and the kuds have what they need. Love you

[@loncuxaichanthichlonla432]

God bless for them ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ezz2393]

May Allah help and protect all of them.

[@nassufhassana5642]

Life is not easy honestly God bless those people inshalah

[@edwardladrera86]

How do they make children in this tiny boat? And Why would they make children when they live in a tiny boat?

[@JAchica11]

They like having sex. Kids are just a by product of the pleasure.

[@EliteKozarcan]

you do understand that human sexual desires and companionship cant be turned off, dont you?

[@abdiwahabfarah4568]

My heart goes out with this family. God help them

[@ladycharsw]

I was wondering if the man with his family in the open boat got a bigger boat or is in an Apt now

[@mohammedosman88]

hahaha, very polite police officer, I wonder if there were no camera how will he act.... hmmmm

[@lindamarie6574]

I WISH i were a millionaire, i would buy them the best boats, they are such hard working compassionate people, God Bless them

[@lovely1190]

I SOMEHOW FEEL THEY HAVE THE CREATIVITY & POWER TO DO SOMETHING BETTER WITH THEIR LIVES

[@covenawhite4855]

How. Who is going to employ them as workers when they have no job skills other than fishing.

[@EliteKozarcan]

@@covenawhite4855 many do, as long as your willing to be criminal, they refuse, thats the moral of the story einstein

[@covenawhite4855]

@@EliteKozarcan I hope they succeed

[@dleyba3199]

lovely family

[@shirazbangash2215]

It is really sad to see such condition of people in great country Egypt... living in Dubai having so many Egyptian friends hope they would watch this and would try to assist them to bring out in such living condition. Can any one let me know how can i help them by giving something from my own it seems my own family. Luv from Pakistan

[@wahidulislam4568]

This film more emotional than holiwood film

[@kobepower]

does anyone now how i can contact that guy in the boat. i dont mind sending him couple of dollars. so he can get good bread to eat.

[@douniaatiyah4519]

Kobe B hi thank you but believe me he well not accept he well refuse because of his dignity he works to provide for his family

[@sohaibfayyaz3303]

The most painful part was that when she said" i asked for ice from these tourist boats during Ramdhan but they refuse " and Sayed cant afford new dress for her little angels on Eid, Oh Allah bless them alot

[@ladycharsw]

The father and mother, and other relative with the 2 boys nice white clothes,at least the boys are in school. But where do they sleep, bathroom. ? It is too bad some friends could not help them get a plastic tarp to put on top of the boat or get a bigger boat. their legs Myst get cramped from sitting all day. Much love to them

[@NailaRose]

very sad stories I feel so sorry for them!

[@hnnmm1061]

If i watched it earlier might I could find ways how to help them even a bit of my blessings... one of our physicians live in Cairo and she just left yesterday. It breaks my heart but it shows me how to appreciate life, whatever it is. Alhamdullilah. Is there's any ways to reach 'em ?

[@islandvibes0514]

Please do a follow up story,would love to see if they leave the river

[@AngelineNgkittykat]

Does anyone have any updates on these 2 families?

[@luigibuscaglia564]

🇧🇷🤓Povo guerreiro ! QUE JESUS ABENÇOE TODOS ELES 🇧🇷🤓🤓🤓

[@rupokreza77]

uncertain destination! !

[@RaymondDavidzone1]

It’s the same serious situation with the underprivileged worldwide.

[@ianpennack]

Scum live high on the hog, while labor is exploited to the hilt. Did you catch that bit at 14.48 where he says they live on chicken legs while the well off eat the chicken meat he fillets.

[@fareedhassan952]

May Allah helps 🙏 the poor

[@lindamarie6574]

is there any way to find out how these families are doing now?

[@edgarsantillanes3602]

Do anyone know the name of the poetry from the documentary?

[@fafafais]

SuperAdmirerOf OmKalthoum Salamu Alaikum sister! If you find any one of them. Pls let us know. This beautiful and pride people make me question my self. We complain, and complain the evil times we live today but how many time do we actually do something* Thx.

[@ladycharsw]

did the family ever get an Apt on dry land? thanks

[@abdulrahmanabdulghani8833]

As a traveler I hv seen people living on boats in Cambodia. At TonLe Sap and also near Phnom Penh.Some of them are from Vietnam.

[@GeneralHensaleey]

Government must help those people as soon as possible

[@EliteKozarcan]

yes, dictators help people lol

[@johnsensserwadda9699]

Our African politicians are more of a curse to us,how on earth would you let your fellow country man go through such? May the almighty protect and provide for these families..This documentary is so heartbreaking,wish there was a way i could reach these people..Oh God.

[@traction9961]

They need to somehow figure a way to break the chain. They kids will suffer..

[@ladycharsw]

Did the 2 families and the one man's mother and father ever get a house or apt,? I hope the government had helped them. Where do the family all sleep? In the hold? I hope the families got off the water though. Can we hear how they are doing again? thanks

[@3bdo880]

When u have this amount of children u don't have anyone else to blame but urself

[@EliteKozarcan]

you do understand that human sexual desires and companionship cant be turned off, dont you?

[@3bdo880]

@@EliteKozarcan how come so people have 2 children only

[@EliteKozarcan]

@@3bdo880 they buy contraception

[@3bdo880]

@@EliteKozarcan also we arent dogs we are supposed to have discipline and not be animals

[@jetbecerra]

I am in tears - how can we help??

[@miekadegerness67]

I feel more for the Young Children , Children have so much Energy , And just planted on a Boat in water , Not sure how they manage to keep them sitting still .

[@1337nader]

Mieka Degerness I can’t understand why these people have children in the first place?

[@georgep1358]

saddens me and both families are so lovely and their children and good looking I pray they blessed with an education and that they get married ,I pray that someone can help thse poor fishermen as the Nile has not got much to offer them now