Protocol of Cooperation Signed Between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Real Estate Tax Authority

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Accountant Ahmed El-Sadeq, Head of the Real Estate Tax Authority, signed a cooperation protocol between the two entities regarding the collection of fees for encroachments on archaeological lands on behalf of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled emphasized that this protocol marks an important step toward strengthening institutional cooperation and coordination between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Real Estate Tax Authority, ensuring greater discipline in collecting the state’s dues related to infringements on archaeological lands. He noted that the agreement aims to enable the Council to maximize the use of its resources and support its developmental plans.

The Secretary-General explained that this protocol aligns with Egypt’s comprehensive national development strategy and the Presidential directives to optimize the use of public assets and promote integration among state institutions to achieve the best possible return for the public good. He added that it also reflects the essential role of the Real Estate Tax Authority in surveying state-owned properties, assessing usage fees, and ensuring financial and administrative discipline in the collection of public revenues.

Dr. Hesham El-Leithy, Head of the Department of Documentation and Registration of Egyptian Antiquities at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that among the key provisions of the protocol is the collection by the Real Estate Tax Authority of usage fees for archaeological lands occupied or used—even without legal authorization—on behalf of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, in accordance with the rates determined by the Council.

He added that the protocol also stipulates the formation of a joint technical, financial, and legal committee (technical secretariat) responsible for following up on the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, setting priorities, and finding suitable solutions to any obstacles that may arise during implementation, thereby ensuring the protocol’s objectives are achieved efficiently and transparently.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, and Mr. Saber Ghazi, Director-General of the Encroachments Department at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as well as Mr. Fouad Abu El-Hadid Mohamed Ayyoub, Director-General of the Collection, Seizure, and Receivables Department at the Real Estate Tax Authority.