Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Chairs Supreme Council of Antiquities Board Meeting

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, held at the ministry’s headquarters in the Government District of the New Administrative Capital.

The meeting began with the ratification of the minutes from the previous session, followed by a review of the financial status of the Supreme Council of Antiquities for July 2025, marking the first month of the new fiscal year.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, presented the key achievements across the Council’s various sectors during July. These included the announcement of several significant archaeological discoveries, the completion of restoration works, and the reopening of several archaeological sites to the public. Among them were the domes of Yahya Al-Shabihi in the Khalifa area and Safi Al-Din Johar in the Imam Al-Shafi’i district. Restoration works at the Monastery of Baramos in Wadi El-Natrun reached approximately 90% completion. Additionally, notable progress was made in the chemical and mechanical cleaning and restoration of stone blocks in the Great Hypostyle Hall at the Temple of Hibis in the New Valley, as well as in the longitudinal hall of Tomb TT109 in Luxor, both nearing 90% completion.

Attention was also drawn to Egypt’s temporary exhibitions abroad, particularly the extension of the “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” exhibition in Tokyo, Japan, until January 2026.

The Secretary-General highlighted advances in archaeological documentation projects, digitization of the Council’s publications, and the re-publication of the Committee for the Preservation of Arab Antiquities bulletins. He also reviewed efforts to repatriate antiquities that were smuggled out of Egypt, including the recent recovery of a coffin and a wooden beard from Belgium.

During the session, the board approved several key items, most notably a draft joint statement between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities—represented by the Supreme Council of Antiquities—and the National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People’s Republic of China. This statement aims to enhance cooperation under the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation, with a focus on restoration, underwater cultural heritage preservation, museum collaboration, scientific research, and temporary exhibitions. It also supports combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property and establishing a cooperation network for restitution and protection.

The board also approved a cooperation agreement between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the British Museum in the fields of museology, including joint temporary exhibitions, research projects, educational and training programs, workshops, and artifact restoration.

Preliminary approval was granted for a proposed partnership with a technology company to introduce an interactive visitor experience via a smart robot offering a “papyrus drawing” service at select archaeological sites—including the Karnak and Luxor temples and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor—pending final approval from the Permanent Committee for Egyptian Antiquities. This initiative aims to connect visitors of all ages with museums and archaeological sites through engaging cultural and entertainment activities.

The board also approved several recommendations from the Evaluation and Negotiation Committee regarding the operation of visitor services at several archaeological sites and museums, ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Additionally, the council accepted a number of donations, including five air purifiers to be installed inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience at museums and heritage sites.

The meeting concluded with the ratification of resolutions by the Permanent Committees for Egyptian and Islamic Antiquities concerning the registration of newly excavated artifacts, regulation of archaeological missions, and the continuation of restoration work at the complex of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay—including the mosque, madrasa, and waterwheel—located in the City of the Dead.