Grand Egyptian Museum opens with dignitaries and cultural celebrations - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum - The Grand Egyptian Museum has officially opened its doors, and leaders and dignitaries from across the world flew into Cairo to mark the occasion.
Representing the UAE was Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attending on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed. Regional royals and leaders were also present, including Queen Rania of Jordan with her daughter Princess Salma; Oman's Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham; Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa; and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah.
Queen Rania called the opening “a magnificent tribute to Egypt’s rich ancient history.” The ceremony was held in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and his wife, Entissar Amer El Sisi. In his remarks the president said the museum marks “a new chapter” for Egypt’s future, with representatives from around the world attending.
The evening started with a group photograph of the visiting delegations, followed by a musical symphony and a drone and light show that linked the museum’s design with the nearby Pyramids of Giza. Egyptian composer Hesham Nazih debuted a piece written for the opening.
Many international royals attended, and there were performances by beloved Egyptian artists. Actress Sherihan appeared on stage with dancers in gold dresses, and several Egyptian actors performed in pharaonic costume, celebrating the country’s long cultural heritage.
The Grand Egyptian Museum will fully open to the public soon. It houses an enormous collection of ancient artefacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun shown together for the first time since his tomb was found in 1922. With over 100,000 items in the collection - about half intended for display - the museum is one of the world’s largest dedicated to a single civilisation, and it sits on a vast site overlooking the Giza Pyramids with grand halls and landscaped gardens.
May Allah bless efforts to preserve and share this rich heritage, and may visitors benefit from the knowledge and beauty on display.
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