Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily New
On the edge of the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids cast their timeless shadows, Egypt is preparing to open the doors of one of the most ambitious cultural projects ever undertaken, the Grand Egyptian Museum. After two decades of design, construction, and anticipation, the vast complex will be inaugurated today, November 1 in a ceremony attended by dozens of world leaders and dignitaries.
Stretching across nearly half a million square meters, the Grand Egyptian Museum known simply as GEM, has been described as Egypt’s “gift to the world.” Designed to bridge five millennia of history with twenty-first century innovation, it will house more than 57,000 artifacts tracing the rise and evolution of ancient Egyptian civilization. At its entrance, the colossal statue of Ramses II greets visitors beneath soaring glass walls that filter desert sunlight into a soft golden hue. Beyond lies the Great Staircase, a monumental six-story ascent lined with statues of pharaohs and gods, leading toward the main galleries.
The museum’s crown jewel is the complete collection of treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, more than 5,000 artifacts displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922. The king’s gilded chariot, his funerary bed, and the iconic golden mask will be presented in a dedicated wing that offers a rare, immersive glimpse into the opulence of Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty.
The project’s cost has exceeded one billion dollars, though experts estimate that if built today, the figure would approach five billion. For Egypt, it is a national investment in both heritage and future prosperity. Tourism revenues reached $14.4 billion in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, and officials hope the museum’s opening will push visitor numbers to record highs, potentially surpassing 18 million tourists in 2025 and 22 million the following year.
Preparations for the opening have been meticulous. Since mid-October, the museum has been temporarily closed to complete final technical installations. The Egyptian Space Agency even released a time-lapse video documenting the evolution of the site from its sandy beginnings in 2002 to its completion in 2025, using high-resolution satellite imagery captured by the MisrSat system.
The ceremony itself promises to be a spectacle worthy of Egypt’s legacy. The event will extend beyond the museum walls to include a synchronized light and sound show across the Giza Pyramids, blending modern projection technology with ancient motifs. Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who has overseen some of Egypt’s most famous excavations, said that “around 60 world leaders and monarchs will attend the opening,” calling it “an event that will astonish the world.”
The museum is also making history as the first certified “green museum” in Africa and the Middle East. Built with sustainable materials and advanced cooling systems, it has achieved international recognition for reducing energy use by 62 percent, water consumption by 34 percent, and carbon emissions by nearly 60 percent. Natural light floods the galleries through precision-engineered glass panels, while solar energy and smart management systems help minimize the museum’s environmental footprint, a modern echo of the ancient Egyptians’ harmony with their environment.
Social media has already buzzed with images of the official invitations sent to guests. One, addressed to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, came inside an illuminated box containing a miniature model of the museum and a papyrus scroll bearing hieroglyphic motifs in gold and silver, a symbolic blend of tradition and modern craftsmanship.
Behind the museum’s design lies careful curation. The Supreme Council of Antiquities formed a specialized Display Scenario Committee to decide how Egypt’s vast archaeological treasures would be presented. Among the highlights are the reconstructed solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, composed of 1,799 wooden pieces; the world’s first hanging obelisk; and monumental sculptures from across the Nile Valley. Each gallery was designed not simply to display artifacts, but to tell a story a sequence of human innovation, faith, and art unfolding through the centuries.
For Egypt, the Grand Egyptian Museum is more than a building. It is a statement of continuity a reminder that a civilization which once built in stone now builds in vision and light. As the world gathers in Giza for its unveiling, the museum stands as both a tribute to the past and a declaration of Egypt’s enduring place at the heart of human history.
Egypt Announces Unprecedented Global Attendance at Grand Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum
In a statement on his official Facebook page, Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy described the inauguration as “an extraordinary event in the history of human culture and civilization.” He confirmed that 79 official delegations would participate in the opening ceremony, including 39 led by kings, princes, presidents, and heads of government. “This unprecedented international presence reflects the world’s deep interest in Egypt’s rich heritage and the unique cultural and humanitarian role Egypt continues to play,” El-Shenawy said.
The ceremony will see the participation of royal figures from across the globe, including members of the monarchies of Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Japan, and Thailand.
In addition, heads of state from countries such as Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Portugal, Armenia, Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Eritrea, as well as the Grand Masters of Malta, Libya’s Presidential Council, and Yemen’s Leadership Council, will attend.
The opening will also host numerous prime ministers, including those of Greece, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and Uganda, alongside senior ministers and parliamentary delegations from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, the Vatican, Malta, Romania, Russia, Ireland, Serbia, Turkey, Italy, Singapore, India, Kyrgyzstan, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, South Africa, Gabon, Chad, Kenya, Rwanda, Togo, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
High-ranking representatives from key regional and international organizations will also attend, including the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, the President of the Arab Parliament, the head of Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and leaders from several global corporations.
El-Shenawy emphasized that the unparalleled level of international participation underscores the world’s recognition of Egypt’s vision to bridge its illustrious past with modern innovation and future prosperity. “The Grand Egyptian Museum stands not only as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization but also as a testament to Egypt’s unique role as a cultural bridge connecting nations and peoples who value heritage, knowledge, and peace,” he concluded.
