Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Egypt inaugurated its Grand Egyptian Museum, which had been delayed for nearly two decades, making it the world's largest museum dedicated to an ancient civilization, and a boost to the country's struggling tourism and economic sectors. According to a report by the European news network Euronews in Brussels, the museum, located near the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, houses more than 50,000 artifacts documenting the lives of ancient Egyptians. The museum is distinguished by its display of the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time since its discovery in 1922. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of world leaders, including kings, heads of state, and heads of government, in an event described by the office of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as "exceptional in the history of culture and human civilization." Sisi stated that the museum will combine "the genius of the ancient Egyptians with the creativity of contemporary Egyptians, to enhance global culture and art through a new landmark that will attract all who appreciate civilization and knowledge." In a press conference prior to the opening, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the event as "unique and exceptional," emphasizing that a long-held dream of the Egyptian people had become a reality. He explained that the museum presents Egypt as a gift to the world, from a country with a history spanning more than 7,000 years. For his part, Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO of the group, said... Talaat Moustafa stated that hotel room rates in Cairo and Aswan have reached unprecedented levels in the past 20 to 30 years.

The museum is one of the major projects launched by President Sisi since assuming office.

The museum is expected to attract around 5 million visitors annually, according to Egyptian businessman Mohamed Mansour, a member of the board of trustees, placing it among the world's most popular museums. This would place it among the top museums globally, compared to the Louvre in Paris (8.7 million visitors), the British Museum (6.5 million), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (5.7 million visitors) by 2024. The Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad reported that, in the presence of dozens of prominent figures, the Grand Egyptian Museum was officially opened in Cairo on Saturday. This majestic building, located just steps from the Giza Pyramids, houses the largest collection dedicated to a single civilization and was designed by the Belgian construction company Besix.

The newspaper highlighted the Egyptian president's speech, in which he said, "We are writing a new chapter in the history of the present and the future, in the name of this ancient nation." President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared, "I invite you..." To make this museum a platform for dialogue, a destination for knowledge, and a meeting place for humanity.”

The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to receive 5 million visitors annually, across its 50 hectares.

The Egyptian government declared this day a paid holiday and spared no expense. A lavish ceremony was held, featuring dancers in colorful and gilded pharaonic costumes. Fireworks were launched above the building, and drones formed images of ancient Egyptian deities, while the pyramids in the background were illuminated with colored lights.
More than 80 official delegations traveled to Egypt for the opening ceremony of the prestigious museum. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously announced that half of the delegations were headed by “kings, princes, and heads of state or government.”

Talk of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been circulating for nearly thirty years. The foundation stone was laid in 2002, but construction took another three years. Construction then faced further delays, including the 2011 revolution. This prestigious project only reached its culmination in the last seven or eight years.