LONDON – Mr. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, officially inaugurated the world-renowned exhibition "Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs" at the NEON Gallery, located in the iconic Battersea Power Station in the British capital.
The high-profile opening was attended by H.E. Ashraf Swelam, Egypt’s Ambassador to the UK, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority. The ceremony also saw a significant presence of British government officials, representatives from Buckingham Palace, members of the Houses of Commons and Lords, and leaders of major British private firms operating in Egypt, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and the Egyptian community.
A Model of Cultural Diplomacy
In his keynote address, Minister Sherif Fathy characterized the exhibition as a successful model of Egyptian cultural diplomacy. He noted that the global fascination with ancient Egyptian civilization serves as a bridge, inspiring people across generations and borders.
"The overwhelming turnout at the exhibition’s previous international stops reflects Egypt's exceptional global standing," the Minister stated. He expressed confidence that the London leg—the exhibition's seventh stop—would further strengthen cultural ties between Egypt and the United Kingdom.
Minister Fathy emphasized that international temporary exhibitions are a cornerstone of the Ministry’s innovative strategy to promote Egypt as a premier tourist destination. "These events are more than just displays of artifacts; they are an open invitation for the world to visit Egypt and experience its treasures firsthand, especially as we witness a comprehensive overhaul of our tourism infrastructure, headlined by the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)," he added.
Economic Growth and Sector Strategy
The Minister highlighted the positive performance indicators for Egypt's tourism sector, noting significant growth throughout 2025 that has continued into early 2026. He identified the British market as one of the most vital contributors to Egypt's tourism arrivals.
Key pillars of the national strategy include:
Diversification: Promoting cultural, beach, environmental, safari, and spiritual tourism (including the Holy Family Trail).
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with the private sector to enhance visitor services at archaeological sites, with revenues reinvested directly into conservation and restoration.
New Discoveries: Announcing that nearly 300 archaeological missions (Egyptian and foreign) are currently active, with major new discoveries expected to be unveiled soon.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Ambassador Ashraf Swelam praised the exhibition as a "symbolic message," bridging thousands of years of history with the modern world. He remarked that Egypt is moving steadily as a dynamic, modern state that invests heavily in its cultural infrastructure. "The partnership between Egypt and the UK is deep and evolving, spanning political, economic, and educational sectors," the Ambassador noted.
The Golden Age of Ramses II
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, spoke on the historical significance of Ramses II, a ruler who blended military prowess with architectural vision.
The exhibition features 180 rare artifacts, including:
The Sarcophagus of King Ramses II (on loan from the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization).
Golden treasures from Tanis and rare royal pieces.
Recent discoveries from the Saqqara region (Bubasteion).
A diverse collection of statues, jewelry, cosmetic tools, and intricately carved stone blocks spanning from the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period.
Dr. El-Leithy assured that all artifacts are transported and displayed under the highest international standards of security and preservation. He also highlighted ongoing projects, such as the reconstruction of the first pylon of the Temple of Millions of Years of Ramses II in Luxor, in collaboration with South Korean partners.
Collaborative Success
Ron Tan, CEO of NEON, and John Norman, Creative Director, expressed their gratitude to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. They highlighted the successful partnership that extends beyond exhibitions to active conservation efforts, including the restoration of the Tomb of Ramses II in the Valley of the Kings.
Follow the latest news on Google News
