Egypt sets inauguration date of $1 bn Pyramids Museum for Nov 1

Egypt sets inauguration date of $1 bn Pyramids Museum for Nov 1
————————————-
Egypt announced on Wednesday that the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Pyramids of Giza, will officially open on November 1 after multiple delays. The $1-billion museum, which houses over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun, is set to become the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, covering 50 hectares (124 acres).

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly confirmed in a cabinet meeting that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi approved the new opening date. The Prime Minister described the event as “exceptional,” emphasizing its role in showcasing Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and attracting global visitors.

Originally scheduled to open on July 3, the launch was postponed due to regional instability following Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, which led to a 12-day war and airspace closures in the Middle East. The project has also faced setbacks from political unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Authorities expect the museum to attract five million visitors annually, significantly boosting Egypt’s tourism sector, a vital source of foreign exchange for the country.