Saudi Minister of Culture Represents Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Grand Egyptian Museum Opening
Cairo, The Gulf Observer: On behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah attended the historic inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo on Saturday.
During the event, Prince Badr conveyed the Crown Prince’s greetings and best wishes to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, expressing that it was an “honor” to participate in this landmark cultural occasion.
The long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum — recognized as the world’s largest archaeological museum — was unveiled in a grand ceremony attended by 79 international delegations, including 39 heads of state and numerous distinguished guests.
The high-profile attendees included Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Queen Rania of Jordan, accompanied by Princess Salma; Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham of Oman; Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain; Princess Akiko of Japan; Prince Albert of Monaco; Queen Mary of Denmark; King Philippe of Belgium; Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand; King Felipe VI of Spain; and Prince Carlo of Bourbon-Two Sicilies with Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro.
Prominent Egyptian and international celebrities, including Ahmed Malek, Huda El Mufti, Ahmed Ghozzi, Salma Abudeif, Yasmina El Abd, and Sherihan, were also present at the event.
The ceremony featured breathtaking visual displays, with drones illuminating the night sky to recreate iconic ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the Great Sphinx of Giza.
President El-Sisi described the museum’s opening as a “new chapter” for Egypt, emphasizing its role in preserving and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. The museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun — exhibited together for the first time since their discovery in 1922.
Located near the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum represents Egypt’s largest cultural project in modern history. Spanning 500,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art complex includes 12 expansive exhibition halls, 120,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, and panoramic views of the Giza Pyramids.
The museum’s exhibitions trace the evolution of Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the Ptolemaic era, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through the country’s ancient legacy.
Among the highlights are the Grand Hall, featuring the Hanging Obelisk and a monumental statue of King Ramses II; the Grand Staircase, lined with statues of pharaohs arranged chronologically; and the Khufu Boat Museum, which showcases the solar boats relocated in one of the world’s most complex archaeological transport operations in 2021.
The museum’s opening has also reignited discussions among Egyptologists calling for the repatriation of significant Egyptian artifacts held abroad, including the Rosetta Stone, currently displayed at the British Museum.
