Egypt Inaugurates Series of Galleries at GEM

Egypt has inaugurated a number of galleries to the public at its premier new museum as of Tuesday; however, the renowned King Tutankhamun collection and the solar boats interred with the Pyramid of Khufu remain undisclosed, awaiting a long-postponed grand inauguration.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which has been under construction for over two decades and is situated adjacent to the Giza pyramids, was originally slated for a 2012 opening. However, the launch has faced numerous delays due to budget overruns and political instability.

Speaking to Reuters, Ali Abu Deshish, a representative of the Egyptian Archaeologists Union, who was present at the inauguration of nearly a dozen galleries on Tuesday, said that the preliminary operation of the expansive museum demonstrated Egypt's capability to showcase its antiquities. 

He added: "This includes items being repatriated from Western nations and institutions."

Abu Deshish emphasized that it conveys a significant message regarding Egypt's ability to reclaim its cultural heritage, which is dispersed across numerous countries globally."

Last week, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced a "trial opening" in anticipation of a formal inauguration. Egyptian officials have reported that several world leaders have shown interest in attending the official opening, although no specific date has been provided.

The museum's main entrance hall, featuring a staircase adorned with Pharaonic statues, along with a commercial shopping annex, was opened to the public in February 2023.

Russian tourist Kseniia Muse expressed her delight, stating, "We are so happy to be here, to have visited these beautiful sculptures... It is very modern and at the same time you can touch the ancient."

Tourism plays a crucial role in generating foreign currency for Egypt. The government is actively working to boost tourist numbers following a prolonged foreign currency shortage that has been worsened by external factors.