Egyptian President to unveil Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo with record global delegations in attendance
Located near the Giza Pyramids, the GEM offers a panoramic view of the iconic ancient wonders and showcases artifacts spanning over 30 dynasties and 5,000 years of Pharaonic civilization. Its modern design features vast, high-ceilinged halls and state-of-the-art facilities, the culmination of more than 20 years of planning and construction at a cost exceeding $1 billion. The museum is expected to attract five million visitors annually, many encountering artifacts displayed for the first time.
After decades of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to officially open its doors this Saturday evening, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi presiding over the landmark inauguration. The historic event will feature the participation of 79 official delegations, including 39 led by kings, princes, and heads of state and government, marking it as one of the most significant cultural openings in recent history.
Described by the Egyptian Presidency as “an exceptional event in the history of culture and human civilization,” the museum embodies global fascination with Egypt’s ancient legacy and underscores the country’s unique role in cultural preservation and humanitarian outreach.
Located near the Giza Pyramids, the GEM offers a panoramic view of the iconic ancient wonders and showcases artifacts spanning over 30 dynasties and 5,000 years of Pharaonic civilization. Its modern design features vast, high-ceilinged halls and state-of-the-art facilities, the culmination of more than 20 years of planning and construction at a cost exceeding $1 billion. The museum is expected to attract five million visitors annually, many encountering artifacts displayed for the first time.
Ambassador H.E. Mohamed El Shenawy, official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, highlighted the scope of international participation. Royalty from Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Japan, and Thailand will be present, along with presidents from Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Portugal, Armenia, Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Eritrea.
Additionally, leaders from Libya and Yemen, prime ministers from Kuwait, Greece, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and Uganda, and ministerial delegations from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Qatar, Morocco, and Tunisia will attend.
Further delegations are arriving from Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, the Vatican, Malta, Romania, Russia, Ireland, Serbia, Turkey, Italy, Singapore, India, Kyrgyzstan, China, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
The ceremony will also welcome parliamentarians and ministers from African nations including Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, South Africa, Gabon, Chad, Kenya, Rwanda, and Togo, as well as representatives from the Americas, notably Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
The GEM represents a milestone for Egypt’s tourism sector, reinforcing the country’s status as a global cultural hub. Its opening follows extensive preparations, numerous delays, and a vision to provide a world-class museum experience that blends history, education, and innovation.
Designed to accommodate the largest artifacts in Egyptian history, the museum’s collection includes the complete Tutankhamun treasures, massive statues, and ceremonial items, offering both scholarly insight and an immersive experience for visitors.
Egyptian authorities have positioned the museum as a cultural beacon for international diplomacy, evident in the unprecedented scale of participation from global leaders and royal families. The opening ceremony underscores Egypt’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange, tourism, and international collaboration.
In addition to the inaugural event, the museum plans a series of exhibitions, educational programs, and global partnerships aimed at promoting Egypt’s rich heritage and supporting the country’s economy through cultural tourism.
The GEM’s completion marks a defining achievement for Egypt’s leadership and symbolizes the nation’s ambition to cement its legacy as a center of civilization and cultural innovation in the 21st century.
As the world turns its attention to Cairo this weekend, the Grand Egyptian Museum is poised to become a global landmark, drawing historians, tourists, and dignitaries alike to celebrate millennia of Pharaonic heritage under one roof.
