Russian Consul Praises Hurghada Culture Palace and Its Tourism Role

Consul General Maxim Litvinov, Russia’s Consul General in Hurghada, extended his congratulations to the leadership of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture on the reopening of the Hurghada Culture Palace, affirming that Egypt’s rich history, arts, and folklore are undoubtedly among its most distinctive features, contributing to raising tourism awareness and attracting visitors, particularly Russian tourists.

Litvinov noted that the Red Sea Governorate—and Egypt in general—has recently witnessed a qualitative leap in integrating culture with tourism. He explained that cultural performances in Hurghada embody authentic Egyptian flavor and highlight the value of Egyptian art and heritage for Russian visitors, adding depth to the tourist experience.

The Consul General expressed confidence that the opening of a new cultural center in the governorate’s capital represents another important step toward improving the tourism climate by adding a strong cultural dimension. He also extended his thanks to Major General Amr Hanafy, Governor of the Red Sea, and the Hurghada Municipality, headed by Yasser Hamaya, for their fruitful cooperation and for providing the opportunity for Russian participation in this unique cultural event.

Litvinov emphasized the aspiration to support the Red Sea Governorate and the city of Hurghada, in cooperation with Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Hanno—whom he had the honor of meeting on the sidelines of the event—in implementing a number of joint cultural cooperation projects in Hurghada. He pointed out that the city is home to many artistic groups for children and youth from Egyptian-Russian mixed families. Among them are the “Elite” Studios, the “Classical Dance Academy,” “Indigo,” the “Sabirowa Dance Center,” “Star Dance E & I,” and the “Royal Victory Dance School,” which have won numerous awards in Russian music and dance competitions, in addition to artists who perform famous songs in both Russian and Arabic.

He added that this cultural cooperation is expected to form a cultural bridge between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Russian Federation, strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The event was attended by Nikita Belousov, attache, Head of Protocol at the Consulate General of Russia in Hurghada; Ekaterina Markova, Head of the Russian Association in Hurghada “Slavyanka”; and Elena Malikova, Head of Elite Studio and a member of the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots in Egypt, along with a large number of members of the Russian community in the Red Sea Governorate.

The reopening ceremony of the Hurghada Culture Palace took place in the presence of the Minister of Culture, the Governor of the Red Sea, Minister of Labor Mohamed Gibran, and Major General Khaled El-Labban, Head of the General Authority of Cultural Palaces. This followed the completion of comprehensive renovation, replacement, and development works that included the administrative building, activity buildings, the main theater, and the hotel annexed to the cultural center, in accordance with the latest technical and artistic systems. Located in the heart of Hurghada, the palace spans an area of 9,000 square meters and consists of the main palace building, a branch building, a children’s palace, a theater building, a hotel building, a public library, a literary club, a music room, rehearsal halls, a fine arts hall, a children’s library, an information technology club, and a drawing hall.