The Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage held its first annual Iftar banquet at the historic Prince Taz Palace in Cairo. The event was attended by world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, along with a distinguished gathering of over 300 guests, including senior officials, ministers, archaeologists, and prominent media figures.
The evening served as a premier platform, bridging Egypt’s rich history with contemporary leaders across politics, archaeology, and civil society, all within a traditional Ramadan atmosphere that reflects authentic Egyptian identity.
The Iftar was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, led by Dr. Mamdouh El-Damaty, former Minister of Antiquities; Ambassador Nabila Makram, former Minister of Emigration and Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work; Dr. Mohamed Ismail, former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities; and Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Maqsoud, also former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Representing the Foundation’s leadership were Mr. Ali Abu Deshish, Director of the Zahi Hawass Foundation; Dr. Ibrahim Darwish, renowned archaeologist and head of the Foundation’s Alexandria branch; and Dr. Mohamed Hassan, Director of Public Relations. Also in attendance from the Ministry of Social Solidarity were Mr. Amr Taha Barour, General Manager of Association Affairs, and Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Azim Tawfik, Senior Auditor.
The event saw significant participation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, including Dr. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resources; Dr. Mohamed Shaaban, Assistant Minister for Digital Services; Dr. Gamal Mustafa, Advisor to the Secretary-General for Islamic Antiquities; Dr. Diaa Zahran, Head of the Islamic Antiquities Sector; and Ms. Lamia Yehia, Director of Cultural Relations. Other notable attendees included Dr. Khaled Hassan, Deputy Director of the Grand Egyptian Museum; Mr. Ahmed Siam, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art; and Ms. Gihan Atef, Director of the Coptic Museum.
The presence of heads of foreign archaeological institutes in Egypt, alongside intellectual and media icons, added an international dimension to the evening. Notable guests included tourism experts Mr. Walid El-Batouty and Mr. Magdy Sadek, as well as veteran sports critic Mr. Mahmoud Maarouf. Prominent businessmen, including Eng. Mahmoud Manna, Eng. Ali Salem, and Mr. Mahmoud Abdo, also attended, joined by a wide array of journalists and media representatives.
This inaugural annual Iftar marks the launch of a series of initiatives by the Foundation aimed at strengthening ties between the heritage sector and the community. By celebrating Egyptian identity at one of Cairo's most magnificent Mamluk palaces, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to raising archaeological awareness and preserving national heritage.
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