Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Postponed Due to Regional Tensions

The official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), considered the largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, has been postponed again, this time due to the worsening tensions in the Middle East. The event, originally scheduled for July 3, will be rescheduled for the last quarter of the year, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. "Following recent regional developments, it has been decided to postpone the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum,” the authorities said.

• A symbol of Egyptian heritage

Located near the pyramids of Giza, GEM is a museum institution of colossal proportions, housing over 50,000 artifacts, including the entire Treasure of Tutankhamun, exhibited in its entirety for the first time. The construction of the museum has been marked by several delays in recent years, caused by political instability, economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said in a press conference that the decision was taken to ensure that a ceremony of the desired symbolic and international level was held: "We considered it appropriate to postpone this great celebration until it enjoys the global scale it deserves and is held under appropriate conditions.”

• Tense regional context

The postponement comes in the context of serious military escalations in the region, including a large-scale Israeli attack on Iran, which targeted nuclear facilities and residential areas. In response, Egypt has strongly condemned any violation of the sovereignty of states and has taken measures to protect its own economic and energy interests. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum has activated an energy emergency plan, which involves temporarily reducing gas supplies to certain industries and partially restarting diesel-fired power plants. The measure is intended to ensure the stability of the national energy grid in the context of the cessation of gas imports from the east.

• Partially open to the public

Although the official inauguration has been postponed, the Grand Egyptian Museum is already partially open to visitors, with some galleries accessible to the general public. However, a full visit remains reserved for the festive launch moment, when Egyptian authorities hope to welcome international leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Spanish King Felipe VI. President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi described the museum as "the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a civilization," reiterating its strategic importance for Egyptian tourism and cultural diplomacy.