Despite the global situation and the inability to travel in recent years, Egypt has remained hopeful.  Several events, inaugurations, and festivals have taken place in the last two years in an ambitious attempt to promote Egypt’s reopening and a quick recovery. 

The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade

On 3 April 2021, twenty-two mummies belonging to the Kings and Queens of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt were moved from the Egyptian Museum to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in a historical parade. The twenty-two mummies that were moved were discovered in Luxor at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Over the years, due to the increasing number of archaeological discoveries, the Egyptian Museum started to lose its ability to fully show the artifacts placed in it, which led the government to plan new museums including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) which is due to open in late 2022.

National Museum of Egyptian civilization (The new home for the Golden Mummies)

The NMEC is the first of its kind in Egypt and the Arab world. It presents the full range of the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages. From the pre-dynastic period into the pharaonic, followed by the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods, up until today. The museum encompasses an array of different time spans and ‘civilizations’ that contributed to Egypt’s rich history.

Avenue of Sphinxes between Luxor & Karnak Temples

On 25 November 2021 the world’s eyes were turned to Egypt celebrating the reopening of the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor. The Avenue of Sphinxes is a 2.7-kilometer road that connects the two huge temple complexes in the area, the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak. The event included a re-enactment of the Opet Festival, an annual ancient celebration, and a carnival held by Egyptian dynasties in the presence of kings to celebrate the River Nile and fertility. The Egyptian President attended the festivities, which featured a march, an orchestra, and dancers in pharaonic dress exhibiting ancient practices during the Opet Festival.

Opening of the luxury St. Regis hotel Cairo

Last year, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, marked its Egyptian debut. The hotel group opened St. Regis Cairo in the most coveted address overlooking the Nile River in Cairo. The hotel is set to elevate the benchmark of luxury hospitality. It boasts world-renowned bespoke accommodation, signature butler service, iconic rituals, and exquisite culinary offerings. The 36-story St. Regis Cairo draws guests to the heart of Egypt’s timeless metropolis. It weaves a powerful new story of luxury in the region with unprecedented local heritage and outstanding views of the Nile and Old Cairo.

New Royal Venues

Baron Empain’s Palace (built 1911), Kobba Palace (built 1872), Abdeen Palace (built 1874), and a few others were recently authorized by the government to be used for private events. This is considered a great advantage and privilege in our MICE industry.

Learn more about Egypt’s reopening here.