EGYPT NEWS
Obama's Visit to Egypt
During US President stay in Cairo where he gave his speech to the world’s Muslims, Barak Obama visited the Sultan Hassan Mosque and toured the great Pyramids of Giza.
At the Mosque, The U.S. President was accompanied by secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton, and guided by Mrs. Iman Abdel Fattah, who explained to Obama and his entourage the Mosques’ history.
Sultan Hassan Mosque is considered one of the masterpieces of the Mameluk architecture. It is known as the most compact and unified Islamic monument in Cairo. The building was commissioned by Sultan Hassan bin Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun in 1356 AD as a mosque and religious school for all four juristic branches of Sunni Islam. The Construction started in 1356 AD and ended seven years later in 1363 AD. Admiring the mosque’s architecture , Obama exceeded the 30 minutes planned visit duration.
After delivering his speech to the Islamic world, Obama visited the Great Pyramids of Giza, which he labeled “awe-inspiring”. Dr. Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the supreme council of antiquities, accompanied The U.S. President in his tour which took 80 minutes . Hawass guided Obama in and around the pyramids, the sphinx, the solar boat and the tomb of Qar who Hawass described as a well known priest, judge in ancient Egypt. On the wall of the tomb was the hieroglyphic sign “ Hr” engraved in the stone representing a thin man’s head with big ears. Obama noticed the large ears on either side of the face and commented that it looked like him. Obama described the tour as the best experience of his presidency so far.
Six Senses Spa opened at InterContinental Hotels Group in Port Ghalib - Egypt
Egypt’s first Six Senses Spa has opened at InterContinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort, in Marsa Alam, Egypt. The Six Senses Spa will service the three resorts located at Port Ghalib Resort.
The uniquely designed spa at Port Ghalib occupies 1,700 square metres, comprising sixteen treatment areas including two Thai treatment rooms, and one wet treatment room with classically designed stone beds. The spa includes a sauna, steam room, changing rooms, fully equipped gym, and traditional hammams. A separate wet room offers a steam room and shower, plus a state-of-the-art ice room.
The Six Senses Spa at Port Ghalib is located just five minutes from Marsa Alam International Airport on the Red Sea and is only two and a half hours by road, from the Valley of the Kings. It is an ideal destination for guests looking for a unique and enriching wellness experience to balance the senses, ensuring a positive impact on their well-being.
Non smoking lobbyPalace marriott
THE CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL HOSTS YOU IN A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT!
“Welcome to a smoke free environment” this is the new salutation you will receive walking into the first hotel in town to conserve the environment through restricting smoking…. the Cairo Marriott Hotel! Introducing the idea is a revolutionary initiative of a hotel that has always been a pioneer in the field of environment and energy preservation! The first phase of implementation will include the hotel’s lobby in addition to the ground and first floors as well as the entrances of the Gezira and Zamalek towers where smoking will be not be allowed!
Designated areas for smoking would still be available to ensure the guests’ convenience. The project is the outcome of the hotel’s eagerness to leap on the path of becoming environmentally friendly in all possible ways. Not to mention conserving the treasures of the historical Palace that includes state of the art antiques dating back to centuries ago; making the hotel a true vivid museum!
Luxor Heritage Center: New Tourist Night at Luxor
Luxor Heritage Center is considered one of the recent touristic establishments in Luxor and includes:
1.Culturama-Cultural panorama:
Culturama is a large panoramic display that surrounds the audience in a curved shape. It is based on projection technology where 9 projectors connected to a single workstation project a seamless image on 9 flat screens.Through Culturama, the different Egyptian civilizations would be displayed, commencing with the ancient to the Coptic and Islamic, until finally displaying the latest achievements in modern history.
2.Star Riders:
A display of Astrolabe models of machines showing Islamic and Arabic civilization's contribution towards astronomy.
3. Three-dimension shows:
A display of selected archeological excavations representing different eras of the Egyptian civilization: Pharoanic, Coptic and Islamic.Visitors will be able to view ’s treasures in 3-dimensional photographs The Panoramic tour takes around 60 minutes in three languages: Arabic, English, Japanese and soon in French. Prices for tickets are Euros 10 for foreigners.
For more information and reservations:
Tel: + (2) (095) 237 3086
Tel: + (2) (012) 455 0022
Email: culturamaluxor@mcit.gov.eg
www.cultnat.org
www.eternalegypt.org
ww.egyptmemory.com
Address: Luxor Heritage Center, Inside Mubarak Public Library, Karnak Temple Street Luxor,Egypt
Egypt Retrieves 454 Ancient Artifacts From Myers Museum
Egyptian authorities have recovered 454 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including pharaonic pottery and bronze coins, from the U.K ’s Myers Museum. They had been removed from the country more than 30 years ago.
The items included 12 bronze coins, four scarabs, 94 beaded necklaces, 99 fragments of pottery with colored drawings and 109 funerary figures, 60 pieces of pharaonic fabrics, 4 pottery pieces and pottery and stones statues.
Dr. Hawass , secretary –general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities said the pieces belonged to the family of Ron Davey who offered them to the museum.The recovered artifacts were taken out of the country between 1972 and 1988 after Unesco banned antiquities trafficking in 1970. Since 2002,as recovered some 5,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts that were taken out of the country.
New Kingdom Temple Discovered in the Sinai
An archaeological mission sponsored by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has discovered the remains of a large New Kingdom temple in the area of Tell Hebua in the Sinai. Excavators have found inscriptions in the temple dating to the reign of Thutmose II (ca.1516-1504 BC) through that of Ramesses II (1304-1237 BC).
Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the SCA, described the discovery as one of the most important ever made in the Sinai. It is the largest temple known in the region. It is built of mud brick, and surrounded by a 4 meter-thick wall. It consists of four rectangular halls containing a total of 34 columns decorated with images of ancient Egyptian deities, including Horus, Hathor, Tefnut, Montu, and Renenutet. The temple also contains images of Thutmose II and Ramesses II.
Early studies of the temple indicate that it was an important religious center for Egypt’s eastern border region. Its walls were brightly painted, and it housed three limestone purification basins along with a number of chapels. The team found two groups of storehouses consisting of 13 rooms each. These storehouses probably date to the reigns of kings Seti I (ca. 1314-1304 BC), Ramsess II and Seti II (ca. 1315-1215 BC).
Rare discoveries at Fayoum
A necropolis consisting of 53 rock-cut tombs dating to the Middle (ca. 2061-1786 BC) and New (ca. 1569-1081 BC) Kingdoms and the 22nd Dynasty (ca. 931-725 BC) has been discovered by an Egyptian archaeological mission. The necropolis lies in the southeastern part of the pyramid field of Illahun in Egypt’s Faiyum region.
The tombs vary in their designs. Some have a single burial shaft, while others have a shaft leading to an upper chamber, from which an additional shaft leads to a second, lower chamber. The excavations revealed wooden coffins containing linen-wrapped mummies.
The charred remains of a number of coffins were also recovered. They were probably burned during the Coptic Period. The team found 15 painted masks, along with amulets and clay pots. A Middle Kingdom funerary chapel with an offering table was also found. Preliminary study revealed that the chapel was reused in subsequent periods, perhaps as late as the Roman era (30 BC-337 AD). Clay coffins and bronze and copper jewelry dating to the Roman era, as well as a collection of well-preserved faience amulets, were also recovered.
The Giza Pyramids, which has hosted incredible events up to this day, now adds one more:Red Bull X-Fighters Exhibition Tour
Over three continents, six different countries and with 1.130 jumps in front of 200.000 people, Red Bull X-Fighters was the number one event of 2008.
In 2009, Red Bull X-Fighters, which will take place in Mexico, Canada, USA, Spain and the UK, has also decided to visit the Giza Pyramids.
World known FMX pilots, Morgan Carlson (Sweden), Nick DeWit (South Africa), Jimmy Verburgh (Belgium), Chris Birch (England) will come to Egypt with the support of Ministry of Tourism, Egyptian tourism Authority to display their skills for the Egyptians on April 10, 2009. Friday at 8 pm in Front of the Giza Pyramids.
A unique event in Abu Simbel
The festival of Abu Simbel, in February, is a fabulous period for those who can visit Abu Simbel and luckily admire in the meantime the incredible sunrise over the temple.
Abu Simbel is a splendid temple built on a strict east – west axis so that the morning sun actually goes through the heart of the temple for 60 meters to reach the innermost sanctuary at dawn, illuminating the statues of Amon, Ramses II and Ra-Horakhty twice a year on Oct. 22nd
and Feb. 22nd.
This phenomenon is known as the “Perpendicular of the Sun on Abu Simbel”. It lasts for about 20 minutes . Outside the site, the magic will last for a fair and music demonstration.
It is a unique phenomenon of the Temple that shows the architectural creativity of the ancient Egyptian architects, who wished to show and ensure the relationship between the temple and the Sun.
Saqqara
New Pyramid found in Egypt
Dr. Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities has announced the discovery of a 4300 year-old pyramid in Saqqara, the sprawling necropolis and burial site of the rulers of ancient Memphis.
The new discovered pyramid is said to belong to Queen Sesheshet , the mother of King Teti , first King and founder of the 6th Dynasty of Egypt.
The pyramid dates to over four millennium ago and is five meters high although it must have been about 14 meters originally.
The archaeologists stated that the discovery of the pyramid will further enrich our understanding of the pyramids of the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
El Gouna Red SeaEl Gouna Red Sea
Egypt on the way to a sustainable destination
Egyptian Ministry of Tourism hosts an international conference on sustainable tourism under the banner of “Egypt on the way to a sustainable destination”.
Egyptian ministry of tourism and the Green Star Hotel initiative have invited key players in the regional and worldwide tourism industry to an international conference on December 17th - 19th in El Gouna -Egypt’s most environmentally friendly destination.
The conference will discuss standards for sustainable tourism development in the Middle East. The collaboration is for implementing an environmentally friendly sustainable management system in Egypt’s hotel industry. The goal of the initiative is to create an ecolabel for hotels and resorts in destination throughout Egypt and the Middle East.
The aim of the conference is to give a platform to international and local experts to exchange ideas on the main challenges , existing standards and practical initiatives for making tourism more sustainable.
The conference is expected to be attended by representatives from the tourism ministries of Egypt, Jordan ,Oman ,and Tunisia as well as from the UN Environment Program ,the UN World Tourism Organization ,the International Hotel Association, the World Travel Organization, and the International Federation of Tour Operators.
For more information log into: www.greenstarhotel.net
New Discovery in Egypt
The Supreme Council of Antiquities mission has discovered two ancient citadels; the first one is in Tal Hebwa on the ancient military road "Horus" which dates back to the Pharaonic era (18 & 19 dynasty), the second one is in Tal El Kedwa which goes back to the Persian era.
Dr. Zahi Hawas, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities announced that the new discovery is located 30 kilometers east of the Suez Canal and the first citadel has inscriptions of King "Sity I". The ancient Egyptian papyrus indicates that these citadels were built to secure Egypt's eastern borders.
It is worth mentioning that the inscriptions of the ancient Horus Road carved on the walls of El Karnak temple in Luxor is the oldest topographic map in the world that outlines 11 military citadels on the eastern borders.
Alexandria to Recover the Lost Treasures of Queen Cleopatra
The palace of Queen Cleopatra, laid under the Eastern Alexandrian harbor water, will be explored to reveal the mysteries of the famous queen's life. The plans to drain the water are expected to be completed by November 2008, after which archaeologists will begin to excavate the "Sunken City". This challenging and exciting project should enable the discover of the hidden treasures within the place of Cleopatra's love story with Mark Anthony and to restore the palace to its timeless historical glory.
There have already been numerous discoveries since the project got underway. A 120 meter long underground tunnel, with a number of rooms, has been found and also gold coins with the face of Queen Cleopatra in the water surrounding her temple. These discoveries have led Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, and other archeologists to believe that the project will lead to the discovery of Cleopatra & Mark Anthony tombs. The belief that the two historical figures are hidden in this palace is based on a strong conviction that the two were buried in the temple of Tabusiris Magna, which archeologists believe is the submerged building in this harbor area.
The Wonders Of The World Peace Pilgrimage: From Giza Pyramids to Petra
Running for its third year, the annual yoga festival, entitled this year “The Wonders of the World Peace Pilgrimage: From Giza to Petra”, will start on May 30th in Egypt ending on Jun 7 in Petra, Jordan. The festival will begin in Giza at the pyramids area where a special ceremony at Cheops (Khufu) pyramid will take place alongside the festivals regular yoga activities and sessions. The yoga festival will spend two days in Egypt before moving on to the Dead Sea and Jordan.
The daily schedule will offer a variety of yoga classes and sessions, lectures and daily workshops, as well as health and beauty tips from internationally renowned members of the yoga community. Other than promoting spirituality and the ancient teachings of yoga, the festival is designed to dissolve away the stresses of modern life. The festival offers special programs and classes for women and children and also accommodates those with special needs.
For further information on the event visit:
http://www.globalyogafestival.com/englishhome.shtml
The International Pyramids Rally
For the third year running, Siag and Emeco Travel Agencies are organizing the International Pyramids Rally in Egypt for motorcycles, quads, cars and trucks. The rally started at El Alamein on 30 April 2008 and will pass by el Baharia, El Farafra, El Kharga Oases and the Sand Sea in the Western desert. Forty-nine participants from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Britain and Germany along with 32 Egyptians are taking part in this Rally, which will last for ten days and finish by May 9.
For more information please visit: www.siagtravelegypt.com
Sham El Nassim Celebrations
Celebrated across Egypt on 28 April this year, Sham El-Nassim is a public holiday which Egyptians and their families all over the country take part in. The festival – which today is more a celebration of the season of spring – has been around for 4500 years and is one of the oldest festivals still celebrated today. The day is generally for families to spend time together and Egyptians spend the day outdoors in parks, the zoo or in other open-air areas where they picnic with their children.
The festival comes originally from the Pharaonic celebration of the harvest season, which was known as Shamo, from which the festival Sham El Nassims name was derived. The ancients would offer salted fish, lettuce and onions to the Gods to ensure a successful harvest season. Today many of the same foods are still eaten by Egyptian families. Each food has a symbolic significance. Lettuce and “Malana” a leafy green plant similar to lettuce, symbolize the hope that the beginning of spring brings. Salted fish called “feseekh” and “ringa” were believed to promote fertility and welfare, and are eaten with pickled onions. Children colour eggs, painting them in different designs. This practice is thought to have been started by the Pharaohs; the egg symbolizes the renewal of life.
The Mystery of KV60 Tomb Finally Unveiled
Hatshepsut, like Cleopatra, has always been the most famous queen of Egypt. Discovered in 1903, her mummy has yet never been categorically identified. The royal like position of this corpulent mummy, bent arms and fists across her chest, has led a few archaeologists to think that the missing corpse of KV60 tomb was that of the Lady of the Nile. Nevertheless, it only became certain after a scientific examination consisting of a 3D Scanner performed on the mummy.
Dr. Zahi Hawass, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, said "The discovery of the Hatshepsut mummy is one of the most important finds in the history of Egypt. Our hope this mummy will help shedding light on this mystery and on the mysterious nature of her death."
The tomb where the body was found, called KV60, was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor by Howard Carter in 1903. Egyptologists have suggested over the years that one of the mummies from KV60 could be that of the queen. Dr Hawass has now found the tooth “fits exactly” into the jaw socket and broken root of the mummy of an obese woman originally found in KV60. Further CT scans led physicians to conclude that the woman died when she was about 50. She was overweight and had bad teeth. She probably had diabetes and appears to have died of bone cancer, which had spread through her body.
This major discovery of Egyptian archaeological history opens the way to more frequent use of scanner technology. A room in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo will be dedicated to review unidentified mummies which may certainly unveil numerous additional secrets.
"I think the face is quite royal, and believe that anyone who sees it will have the same reaction," said Dr. Hawass.
Czech President in Egypt
The Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt and the Czech Institute of Antiquities will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Czech exploratory missions in Egypt on 7 April 2008. The president of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus, will inaugurate the Exhibition of the Egyptian Antiquities entitled "The Discovery of Ancient Egypt – 50 years of Czech Explorations in Egypt". The Exhibition will contain 114 pieces of monuments and will be held at the Egyptian Museum.
El Sokhna to Become New Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Destination on the Red Sea
A new Mövenpick Resort is scheduled to open in El Sokhna in June 2008. After new luxury cruisers on the Nile and Lake Nasser, two projects were recently announced in Sharm El Sheikh. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement for a 5-star holiday resort in El Sokhna on the shores of the Red Sea.
The Mövenpick Resort El Sokhna is an integral part of the 62 acre El Ein Resort Village with its own private beach of fine sand and crystal clear water. This new hotel, located 55 km south of the Suez Canal, 90 minutes by car from Cairo, is planned to appeal not just to guests from all over the world, but also to groups in Egypt.
The hotel’s 162 rooms and suites are contemporary in design and each has a sea view. Spacious swimming pools, a whole range of sporting activities, a health club and a variety of boutiques (including a Gourmet Shop) create a comprehensive offer of leisure and entertainment facilities. The various lounges and restaurants (the most unique one among them is located on a small island in the sea and offers fresh seafood and grilled delicacies) will ensure that guests enjoy the very best culinary choice around the clock. Premises that can host up to 160 persons cater for conferences and banquets. All kinds of events for up to 1,000 guests can be celebrated outdoors.
The hotel is looking forward to treating the guests in El Soukhna to the unique brand of genuine Swiss hospitality.
The Pharaohs, kings of African football
For a record sixth time, Egypt’s football squad raised high the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday 10 February 2008 in Accra, the capital of Ghana. After 77 minutes of suspense, the Pharaohs scored against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and succeeded in keeping their 1-0 lead until the final whistle. President Hosni Mubarak congratulated the Pharaohs and Egypt for wining the most prestigious continental trophy for the sixth time.
Egypt is still the most titled nation since its first victory during the first Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 1957. The victory reserved the Pharaohs’ place in 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be held in South Africa.
For classical Music Lovers
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the New Cairo Opera House, the world-renowned, leading classical music orchestra; the British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is returning to Egypt to perform three more concerts. After its three sold-out concerts in January 2007 in Egypt, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing three more concerts at the Alexandria Opera House on 25 March and at the Cairo Opera House on 26 and 27 March 2008.
The Cairo Opera House and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are honoured that the three concerts will take place under the auspices of H.E Ms Suzanne Mubarek, Their Excellencies the Ministers of Culture and Tourism, and H.E Honourable Dominic Asquith, the British Ambassador to Egypt. The proceeds from the concert will be donated to the New Children’s Cancer Hospital and Abo El-Reesh Children’s Hospital.
Don’t miss the golden opportunity to enjoy the beautiful music of the past, come enrich your soul and spirit with the exquisite tunes of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Best in Online Advertising Award for ETA Website
The Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) was awarded for the "Best in Online Advertising" on 7 March 2008 in Berlin during the ITB exhibition. Mr Hesham Zaazou, First Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, received the award during the ceremony held by the International Committee for Tourist Advertising. 78 countries were competing for the prizes; the selected jury of experts met in the span of three days. Being aware of the importance of the internet as a promotional factor, Mr Amr El Ezaby – the Chairman of ETA – was keen to add distinctive patterns and materials to assist in promoting Egypt online. Egypt was chosen in part because it included an advertising film for the country on the website in several languages. The film reviews the advantages of the Egyptian Tourism and the most important developments taking place.
Mutual Cultural Bonds between Egypt and Spain Will Last Forever
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia arrived in Egypt on 4th February 2008. They attended the Closing Ceremony held on the occasion of celebrating the 6th Centennial Jubilee of Ibn Khaldun’s memorial, the famous pioneer in Sociology. Farouk Hosni , the Minister of Culture gave a speech during the ceremony at Prince Taz Palace , in which he said that there had always been cultural exchange between Egypt and Spain through different means as art exhibitions , concerts and others ; while Mrs. Suzan Mubarak inaugurated the Exhibition which contained 51 pieces of Ibn Khaldun’s belongings.
Dr. Zahi Hawass , the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Antiquities had accompanied Queen Sofia during her visit to Saqqara Area and her tour inside the Step Pyramid. Queen Sofia was interested in learning about the recent discoveries at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and said that she would visit the area in the near future.
Charles Aznavour enchanted by Egypt
"Egypt is a great country. Whenever I come to visit her, I learn a lot. I am happy to be here in Egypt and I feel that I have returned to my roots as my grandfathers lived here once..." These were Aznavour’s words at the press conference held on 4 January 2008 at Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. Aznavour gave a concert at the Cairo Opera House in the evening of the same day. The revenue of the concert was allocated for developing "Ezbet Khair Allah" in the Old Cairo District. He also gave another concert at Alexandria Opera House on 6 January.
When Aznavour visited Luxor, he said that there was no more wonderful place in the world as Luxor Temple and that he was willing to give a concert there at the temple amid history and civilization. It was his first visit to Luxor, but he assured that it would not be the last!
Discover the mysterious relation between Egypt and the Foreign Golf Tournament
Taba Heights Golf Resort in Egypt will host the finals of Matchplay Championship of Golf from 19-26 April 2008. This British championship is one of Europe's largest amateur golf tournaments, open to all golf clubs and players in UK. Egypt will host 40 players and referees through the finals of this tournament next April. It is worth mentioning that Egypt has a role in holding foreign golf tournament finals on its land, as it had hosted the Italian Golf Tournament in last November. If you wonder why Egypt is always chosen, come and see the country and its people yourself!
Ancient Egypt through Japan snow
The opening ceremony of the 59th Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan took place on 5 February on the stage of the "Ancient Egypt Site" major snow sculpture. This week-long festival, one of Japan's largest winter events, attracts about two million people to the city of Sapporo every year. People from Japan and abroad come to see numerous sculptures created for the beautiful Snow Sculpture Contest.
This year, the Sphinx, Great Pyramid of Giza and a pair of sitting statues of Ramesses II were created in HBC Square in the Odori Park, the main festival site.
More information on Snow Festival Website: http://www.snowfes.com/english
Navigate Whales World in Egypt
Wadi al-Hitan or Whale Valley was inaugurated on 10 February 2008 by HE the First Lady of Egypt Suzanne Mubarak. This natural site, located in the Western Desert, is the first on UNESCO's World Heritage List in Egypt and the Arab Area. The Minister of Environment has completed operations to develop the area to be a unique open museum.
Wadi Al-Hitan is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of the iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth: the evolution of whales that lived 40 million years ago. It vividly portrays their form and mode of life during their transition from land animal to a marine existence. It exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of number, concentration, quality of its fossils, accessibility and setting in an attractive protected landscape.
More information on UNESCO website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1186
Luxor, the City of the Elite
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York arrived in Luxor on 10 January 2008 with his daughter for a two day visit. He was fascinated by the historic and cultural sites in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian architecture and the fascinating inscriptions in the tombs of the Pharaohs . He said that he had come to see Luxor after hearing about how the area had developed and to enjoy its warm weather which is rather different from that of England.
Catch the Opportunity of Visiting the Young King
It is Tutankhamen Tomb, at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor with its walls of rare scenes and paintings, which are not found in any other ancient tombs.
Quickly! catch this opportunity and visit this wonderful tomb, since the Supreme Council of Antiquities arranged as of December 1st, 2007 to close the tomb daily for an hour from 12:00 – 1:00 pm and to eliminate the number of visitors to be in total of 400 visitor each day divided to 200 visitors in the morning and 200 visitors in the evening.
In a positive step towards preserving of these murals, the Supreme Council of Antiquities decided to start a restoration project to preserve these murals in May 1st, 2008 accordingly it will be closed for one year.
Cairo, capital of Arabic literature
The 40th Cairo International Book Fair will take place from January 23 to February 4 in Cairo Fair Grounds. This leading cultural activity in the Middle East is the biggest in the world after Frankfurt. First held in 1969, to narrow the gap between Arabic and foreign language books, the annual Cairo International Book Fair is a great opportunity for over three million international visitors per year to learn about new books being published with a particular focus on Arab-language titles. In addition to 3000 exhibitors of literature, science and intellectual book collections, there are arts events, seminars, music and discussions with world-famous guest speakers.
Best children songs on the Nile
The International Nile Children's Song Festival will take place from January 29 to February 4 at the Cairo International Conference Centre. This annual festival for children and teenager is organised by the Egyptian Society of Children's Culture and Arts under the auspices of H.E first lady of Egypt. Children compete by age group for generous cash prizes, they are judged on their writing, singing and composing performances. All genres are allowed, though the songs must be new and unheard before. International musicians, performers and singers from around the world participate to several charity concerts and exhibitions.
Le Meridien Dahab Resort
Le Meridien Dahab Resort is located in the heart of Sinai, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, only one hour drive from Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The hotel's contemporary, elegant design and array of leisure facilities combined with its located make for an ideal getaway guests will have a choice of leisure facilities including five swimming pools, children club, dive and windsurfing centers, Jacuzzi, Steam and Sauna, beautifully landscaped gardens and tennis court. Attraction such as St. Catherine's monastery, the Sinai Oasis and Mount Moses, Ras Mohammed national park and blue hotel (diving spot) are only few miles away from this resort.
"Piano Seven" in the 20th Jubilee of the Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House will be celebrating its 20th jubilee on 13 January 2008. The official jubilee program will be opened by the concert of Francois Lindemann's seven grand pianos orchestra, "Piano Seven" which will be performed by the seven pianists: Francois Lindemann, Michel Bastet, Olivier Rogg, Pierre-Luc Vallet, Valentin Peiry, Marc Perrenoud and Fabrizio Chiovetta. As always, "Piano Seven" has invited special guests: the young percussionist levon and violinist Stephanie Decaillet who will perform for the first time in Egypt. The concert is the Swiss present to the Cairo Opera House on its 20th jubilee.
Luxor Wished Sarkozy and Blair a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The French President Sarkozy and his fiancé Carla Brune arrived at Luxor on 25 December 2007 to spend Christmas and new year holidays in Egypt . They visited the Valley of the King, the Valley of the Queens and the Ramesseum. The inscriptions and paintings of the pharaonic tombs and especially those of Nefertari’s tomb fascinated President Sarkozy.
Two days later, Ex Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived as well at Luxor. The moment he arrived he was overwhelmed by Egypt warm weather. With his 7 years old son, Leo he visited Luxor and El Karnak temples, Luxor museum and the Mummification museum.It was a good chance for Leo to visit the historical sites of Luxor as he has just begun studying the Ancient Egyptian Civilization.
It is Always Sharm El-Sheik “The World's Leading Dive Destination”
The World Travel Awards awarded Sharm El-Sheikh as the World's Leading Dive Destination in its annual gala ceremony held on 12 December 2007 at the Caribbean Island of the Turks and Caicos. Its worth mentioning that it is the world’s most comprehensive travel awards ceremony, with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry.
The Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh also came as the world’s leading Diving Resort.
Thousands of votes each year are registered online at the official World Travel Awards website, with most of the leading travel internet sites offering additional online voting facilities. This year the number of votes reached 167.000 of those involved in the travel industry from about 190 countries from all over the world.
But that was not all for Egypt as the Giza Pyramids were awarded as the World’s Leading Attraction, Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort was awarded as Africa’s Leading Family Resort, Luxor Suit at Intercontinental Citystars Cairo was awarded as Africa’s Leading Suit and Queen Cleopatra Villas Savoy Sharm El Sheikh was awarded as Africa’s Leading Villa.
Glamorous Opening Ceremony for the 31st Cairo International Film Festival
Magnificent Matt Dillon, fascinating Harvey Keitel, amazing Aimee Mullins, lovely Laura Harring and British director Hugh Hudson all at the opening ceremony of the 31st CIFF.
The opening ceremony of the 31st Cairo International Film Festival was an unforgettable night for all the stars and guests who attended the last night's ceremony.
Comedian Ahmed Helmi, gave an auto-sarcastic joyful one man show before introducing Honorary President Omar Sharif, who welcomed all the guests and foreign guests to Egypt and wished them a splendid stay. He asked them to convey their enjoyable trip to their friends and family back home. He said that Egyptians are a friendly warm nation, they "hug" everyone with their warmth and love.
The British Comedy "Death at a Funeral" was the opening film.
The Festival ends on 7 December 2007, with the participation of 54 countries.
For more information, please visit: cairofilmfest.org
The QTA in Egypt
A press conference was held on 9 October 2007 in Berlin to announce the annual conference of the Quality Travel Alliance (QTA) in Cairo to be held from 29 November to 2 December 2007. This Alliance was established in 2002 and is considered the biggest travel Alliance in Europe.
This choice of Egypt to hold the meeting confirms the importance of Egypt as a major tourism destination for the most important Tour Operators in Germany.
International Seminar on therapeutic Tourism potential in Egypt to be held on December 11th 2007
The ministry of Tourism, the European Union and the Egyptian Tourist Authority are organizing, an international seminar on wellness tourism in Egypt at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza on December 11th 2007.
This seminar which is entitled "therapeutic tourism potential in Egypt" is culmination of a year work by an EU sponsored international team of wellness tourism experts, in collaboration with a counterpart team from the Egyptian Tourist Authority led by the chairman of the ETA, Mr. Amr EL-Ezabi.
The seminar will be held under the patronage of H.E.Mr.Zoheir Garranah, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and H.E.Ambassador Dr.Klaus Ebermann, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt and will be chaired by Mr. Amr EL-Ezabi, chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority.
Nine international speakers from Germany, Austria, Sweden and Tunisia will address the seminar, which will discuss the various aspects of this fast growing sector of international tourism, Egypt’s potential as a therapeutic tourism destination will also be addressed.
Wellness tourism seminar reinforces current efforts to diversity Egypt's tourism product and increase Egypt's share of international tourism.
Discover New Sites in Egypt "Port Ghalib"
Port Ghalib is located along the Southern Red Sea Coast of Egypt. This integrated development spans 3.5km of pristine beachfront, with a total area of 8 million sqm .enjoying magnificent panoramic views of rugged desert mountains and turquoise blue water. The area offers a virgin site of breath-taking natural beauty, with its rolling hills, sand dunes, wadis, natural flora and fauna,un-spoilt desert terrain, and of course, world-famous underwater coral reefs of the Red Sea. Port Ghalib represents a new generation of environmentally sensitive resorts. Designed and master-planned by some of the World's leading companies, Port Ghalib includes nine uniquely themed villages featuring; an international marina, 23 distinctive hotels, golf course, yacht club, residential & luxury properties, retail outlets, entertainment facilities and services.
Port Ghalib will comprise nine villages, featuring:
- 23 Hotels.
- Conference Center.
- International Marina.
- 18-hole Golf Course.
- Yacht Club.
- Retail and Commercial Outlets.
- Residential and Luxury Prosperities.
- Entertainment Facilities and Services.
Since Port Ghalib has such features, it attracts a lot of tourists interested in Egypt: family holidaymakers, yachtsmen, mariners, sports enthusiasts, golfers, tennis players, and fitness tourists, as well as the business traveler, eco-tourist, and adventure seeker. Port Ghalib will attract these individuals through its uniquely beautiful coral reefs, its desert oasis, its mountains with fauna and flora, and the ancient monuments in the local area and adjacent Nile Valley.
After 54 years, the Arab Tournament of Sports is back in Egypt
The 11Th Arab Tournament of sports was launched on last Sunday 11 November 2007 in Cairo, under the patronage of president Moubarak. The tournament which will last for two weeks brings together 7000 players from 22 Arab countries. Different governorates in Egypt will host the competitions and the matches of this tournament.
For further information, please visit www.Egypt2007.com.eg
French singer Charles Aznavour to visit Egypt
In January 2008, famous French singer Charles Aznavour will visit Egypt to give two exclusive charity concerts. The first performance will take place in Cairo Opera House on the 3rd of January, the second one in Alexandria on the 7th of January. The French channels “France 24” and “Channel 2” will broadcast Charles Aznavour’s concerts.
The French singer may be soon involved in a new project linked with Egypt: his idea of narrating a movie about the pyramids is being considered.
Date: January 3rd
Place: Cairo
Date: January 7th
Place: Alexandria
Egypt hosts the Italian Golf Championship Final
For the second year, The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and The Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) are sponsoring the Italian Golf Championship Final which takes place in El Gouna from the 28 October to 4 November 2007.
According to Mr. Donato Ala, famous Italian journalist and coordinator of the Championship, Egypt has been chosen once again because of last year unequalled success in El Ain El Soukhna.
This sporting event, well-covered in Italy attracts an increasing number of participants. This year, 48 players will meet on the golf course.
Period : October 28 to November 4 2007
Place : El Gouna
Tutankhamun’s mummy uncovered
The mummy of the golden Pharaoh “Tut Ankh Amon” will be uncovered for the first time out of its coffin to be exhibited to tourists inside its tomb in the Valley of the Kings, in Luxor. Dr. Zahi Hawas, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced a world-watched celebration for this event on 4 November 2007.
Date: November 4 2007
Place: Valley of the Kings
Egypt Power Boat Rally
Egypt is organizing the world sporting and tourist festival “Egypt Rally of Power Boats” for the second year along the Red Sea coast, with the cooperation of the English Royal Yachting Association. This competition will be held from 26 October to 4 November 2007. The rally is recorded in the agenda of the international maritime rallies of the Union International Motonautigue.
The rally'sprize will reach 100,000 euros. 45 yachts and 350 competitors from all over the world will participate in this rally.
For more information, visit www. redsearibrally.com
Period: October 26 to November 4
Place: Red Sea (detail of the course places : www. redsearibrally.com)
World Powerboating Championship in Porto Marina
Porto Marina will host the 5th race of the "Class 1" World Powerboat Championship from 25 to 27 October 2007. According to Mr. Saeed Hareb, Chairman of World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA), the amenities and the services offered by this leading destination the Mediterranean Coast has prompted its choice as host for this sporting event from 2007 to 2011.
"Class 1" has become the leading event in the world of powerboating over the past 25 years. With seven races every year, the competition will come from Greece to Egypt before heading to Qatar and Dubai. Seven participating teams from eight different countries will meet in eleven boats using the world's most advanced technologies. This Championship will be covered live by 142 international channels.
About Porto Marina:
Porto Marina is one of the largest resort complexes on the Mediterranean and offers some of Egypt’s most exclusive 5 star hotels, catering to up to 800,000 tourists yearly. The complex houses the North Coast’s first ever 18 hole golf course, a luxurious spa complex, a shopping mall, international restaurants, private beaches and swimming pool, kids club and number of major sports facilities.
Period: October 25 to 27
Place: Porto Marina
A unique event in Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a splendid temple built on a strict east – west axis so that the morning sun actually goes through the heart of the temple for 60 meters to reach the innermost sanctuary at dawn, illuminating the statues of Amon, Ramses II and Ra-Horakhty twice a year on Oct. 22nd and Feb. 22nd.
This phenomenon is known as the “Perpendicular of the Sun on Abu Simbel”. It lasts for about 20 minutes and has no relation with the dates of birth or coronation of Ramses II as was wrongly thought. It is a unique phenomenon of the Temple that shows the architectural creativity of the ancient Egyptian architects, who wished to show and ensure the relationship between the temple and the Sun.
Tutankhamun, London's VIP guest
35 years after the successful Tutankhamun exhibition, London is getting ready to once again welcome the treasures of the world’s most famous pharaoh for 9 months. Weeks before the 15 November 2007, opening day of the “Tutankhamun and the golden age of the pharaohs” exhibition in the O2, London already celebrates Egypt in town.
The 1 October a statue of the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis, sailed down the River Thames en-route to Trafalgar Square where he shall watch over the preparation for Tutankhamun’s arrival. The 5 July, the Pyramid Project, an art initiative conducted by international pop artist Romero Britto, brought together hundreds of school children from Europe and Egypt around the painting of panels for large scale pyramids. The 25ft and 45ft pyramids will be erected the 30 October 2007 in Hyde Park and outside the host venue for the Tutankhamun Exhibition.
More information:
Tutankhamun exhibition : http://www.visitlondon.com/tutankhamun - http://www.kingtut.org/home
The Pyramid Project : http://www.pyramidproject.co.uk
Opening of Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria
The new Four Seasons Hotel San Stefano in Alexandria, with all the glamour of Cleopatra’s ancient Mediterranean home, is a haven of luxury. You will enjoy the airiness of the largest decorated rooms in all Alexandria with one or more private balconies that have breathtaking views of the turquoise sea or the glittering city. Guests and outside visitors will be spoiled with the nine fine restaurants offering a wide range of international and Egyptian cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to pamper yourself with a visit to the Spa and Fitness Center or a relaxing moment at the sunny, poolside deck with its water music. Or you can lounge on the private beach and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the flawless, personalized service that is the hallmark of Four Seasons Hotels throughout the world.
www.fourseasons.com
Arab pop singers in Cairo for two exclusive concerts
In July and August, Intercontinental Hotel in City Star is presenting a host of famous Arab Pop singers in two exclusive concerts. On the program: Myriam Fares, Asala, Saber al-Ribai, Wael Kafoury and Hayfa Wahba.
Open-air concerts at the Cairo Opera House
In summer, the open-air theatre at the Cairo Opera House hosts musicians from different backgrounds: oriental, jazz, rock, classical Arabic music, and traditional songs. www.cairooperahouse.org
Music all summer long at the cultural center el Sakia
Located on Zamalek island, by the Nile, the cultural center el Sakia offers concerts, theatrical perforomances, and exhibitions all summer long. El Sakia is the ancient water wheel for land irrigation. The whole programme is available on http://www.culturewheel.com
Music at the Citadel in the summer
Concerts are held in the Cairo Citadel all summer long. This is an opportunity to visit the place by night and admire the view of the “city of the thousand minarets”.
World top archaeological discovery of 2006 is in Egypt
The American periodical “Archeaology” named Valley of the Kings Tomb KV63 world top archaeological discovery of 2006. It is the first tomb to be excavated in the Valley of the Kings since Tutankhamun's in 1922.
Two new seaside resorts in Egypt
Almaza Bay, first international seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast, hosts already six hotels, 2,500 villas, a golf court, a marina and sports complex. On the Red Sea, Port Ghalib’s new resort, 250 km south of Hurghada and accessible by Marsa Alam international airport, offers high quality tourist services.
Egyptian antiquities back home
Two antiquities, auctioned on the international market, have been finally restituted to Egypt. The Middle Empire alabaster duck-shaped boxes had been found in Dahshur, on the Amenemhat III’s pyramid site, some thirty years ago.
Opening of the Meridien Resort in Dahab
At the end of July, the international hotel company Meridien is opening a new resort in Dahab, located at the heart of Aqaba Gulf, just a 45-minute drive from Sharm el-Sheikh. The hotel was designed by architect Alain Jaouen. The rooms have spectacular sea views. All facilities are available: spa, shopping gallery, sailing and diving centre, five swimming pools, an artificial lagoon and a Penguin Club for children.
Islamic Cairo restored : al-Muezz street becomes an open-air museum
First step of restoration in Islamic Cairo has been achieved. Al-Muezz street has become an open-air museum which holds around forty Islamic monuments: mosque, schools and fountains. The street links Bab al-Futuh in the north and Bab al-Zwayla in the south, the two gates of the medieval city.
Ramses II’s stolen hair, back to Egypt
In November 2006, a French man auctioned on Internet a hair from Ramses’s mummy, stolen when it had been restored in the 50’s. The hair has been finally given back to Egypt.
Temple of Edfu now opened for visitors at night
Horus’ temple of Edfu is now opened at night. Visitors arrive from the Nile, where a special anchorage for tourists’ boats has been set up. New and sophisticated lighting illuminates the temple.
A new Egyptian site to apply the Unesco World Heritage list
Unesco is considering inscribing the Qatrani Mount, located in the Fayoum oasis, on the natural and cultural world heritage list. This site holds prehistorical treasures, but also the most ancient road in the world, the ruins of a Ptolemaic town and a Coptic monastery. In the same region, Unesco registered in 2005 the Whales Valley (wady al-Hitane) as natural world heritage site. The Theban necropolis in Luxor and the Guiza Pyramids were the first sites to be inscribed in 1979 by the international cultural agency.
Cairo celebrates the Festival of Music on 21 June
The citadel of Saladin will light up on 21 June to play host to the Festival of Music. The line-up includes Latino-American music, oriental jazz with the Egyptian group El Door El Awal, traditional Egyptian music from the national ensemble of popular music, and exclusively, the Franco-Algerian singer Soad Massi, the Maghreb’s equivalent to Tracy Chapman.
International Festival of Contemporary Dance, Cairo Opera
The Cairo Opera will be hosting the International Festival of Contemporary Dance from 5 to 22 June, which will be co-ordinated by Walid Aouni, pioneering choreographer of contemporary dance in Egypt and in the Arab world
Protecting the White Desert
Local associations and officials from the Egyptian Agency for the Environment Affairs launched for five days in May a campaign for collecting garbage in the White Desert protected park, located between the Western oasis of Farafra and Bahariya. About 200 volunteers, foreigners and Egyptians participated in the campaign.
First international boat exhibition in El Gouna, Red Sea
From 6 to 10 June 2007, El Gouna, in the Red Sea, is hosting the first international boat exhibition.
http://www.egyptboatshow.com
Camel festival in Sharm el-Sheikh
Around 250 camels and 15 Bedouin tribes will gather in May in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Djoser’s pyramids in restoration
The Egyptian Supreme Council for the Antiquity has launched in April an ambitious restoration plan of the oldest pyramid in Egypt. The pyramid was built in Saqqarah by architect Imhotep to the glory of king Djoser (2667-2648 BC).
EGYPT THRILLS SHAKIRA AS SHE SINGS AT THE PYRAMIDS
(Cairo) –Shakira shimmied her hips at the Great Pyramids in Cairo – the latest in a series of concerts featuring idols like the Pussycat Dolls, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Craig David, Sting, and Sean Paul. Shakira told Al Ahram. “I can feel the greatness of Egyptian civilization. Here under the Pyramids, I feel my heart dance." In traditional costume Shakira enthralled to a song by Egyptian singer Om Kalthoum. Belly-dancing is part of the half-Lebanese singer’s roots. She brings Middle Eastern traditions under the spotlight and her show attracted thousands of young people.
Three sarcophagus discovered in Saqqara Necropolis
Japanese archaeologists discovered three 4,000 year-old sarcophagus in Saqqara Necropolis, south of Cairo. Saqqara is notably renown for its steps pyramid built by Imhotep for King Djoser, around 2,700 BC
Underwater archaeological museum in Alexandria
Archaeological treasures in Alexandria bay will be exhibited in a futuristic underwater museum, facing the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in the heart of the antique city.
Stele discovery in Karnak
Egyptian team of archaeologists discovered a stele which should shed light on the history of Karnak temple.
« Fire of Anatolia » is performing in Egypt in March
Turkish ballet “Fire of Anatolia”, on world tour, will perform in Cairo at the Guiza pyramids (25-26 March), in Sharm el-Sheikh (28-29 March) and in Alexandria (31 March).
http://www.fireofanatolia.com
Pharaonic cemetery discovered in Luxor
The Egyptian-French archeological mission has discovered a Pharaonic cemetery inside the ancient Ramsis Temple in Luxor.
Luxor, rediscovering the Theban Necropolis
People living in the Theban Necropolis agreed to evacuate the antique site which has been inhabited for several generations. Tourists and archaeologists will soon access the 1,000 tombs of the ancient necropolis.
TRANSFORMATION OF LUXOR INTO AN 'OPEN MUSEUM'
Egypt's Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosni, has announced that he has agreed to carry out a project with the City of Luxor to enhance the cultural and historical riches of the ancient city of Thebes. This project, which will cost 250 million Egyptian pounds, will transform the city into a panorama of classical ancient monuments. Some of the key highlights of this project include lighting along the banks of the Nile and the reopening of the Rameses Road. The project will be carried out in several stages and got under way at the end of last May.
NEW SOUK IN CAIRO
The Souk El-Fustat is located in Old Cairo, between the Amr Ibn Al-As mosque, Egypt's first Mosque, the Church Al-Muallaqa, the 'Hanging Church', a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the recently restored Ben Ezra synagogue. This souk offers traditional hand-made items like embroidered robes, oriental lamps, wooden toys and fabric dolls. The potters working here continue to produce ceramics using ancient techniques. Certain boutiques play host to craftsmen from particular communities, such as the craftsmen of Upper Egypt, or associations like the one for the protection of the environment. Be careful though; unlike the Souk Khan El-Khalili, prices at El-Fustat are fixed and it is impossible to barter.
