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Egypt signs deal with TikTok to livestream Grand Egyptian Museum opening - Tourism

Egypt signs deal with TikTok to livestream Grand Egyptian Museum opening - Tourism

Al-Ahram Weekly14 hours ago
Egypt has signed an agreement with TikTok, naming the global platform the official digital partner for the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
Under the deal, the event, slated for 1 November, will be streamed live on TikTok.
The partnership was signed by United Media Services (UMS)—a campaign partner of Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities—and the global video-sharing platform on Thursday.
In a statement, UMS said the partnership is designed to showcase Egypt's cultural heritage to a global audience through a series of innovative digital initiatives.
It added that the step underscores Egypt's growing emphasis on using digital platforms to promote cultural tourism and enhance its global profile.
In addition to the live broadcast, the collaboration will include interactive experiences such as Night at the Museum, which will see international content creators explore the GEM outside official working times, guided by experts, and share their tours with millions of followers in real time.
Other features include a customized GEM-themed filter, virtual gifts inspired by ancient Egyptian artefacts, and a CapCut template encouraging users to create content that presents Egypt's story in a modern, engaging format.
The statement noted that the initiatives aim to blend heritage with technology, ensuring the museum's opening resonates with younger, digitally native audiences across the globe.
Tarek Makhlouf, Managing Director of UMS, described the agreement as part of the company's broader effort to strengthen Egypt's cultural visibility on the world stage.
Egypt was recently ranked first globally for having the 'Richest History,' according to the 2025 US News Survey.
Largest Archaeological Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Giza Pyramids, is the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.
Spanning nearly 500,000 square metres, it is designed as Egypt's flagship cultural landmark for the 21st century and a global hub for heritage, education, and tourism.
The museum will showcase over 100,000 artefacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Greco-Roman period.
At its heart lies the complete collection of Tutankhamun's treasures—more than 5,000 items—presented together for the first time since their discovery in 1922.
Visitors will also encounter monumental statues, royal mummies, and objects that illustrate Egypt's rich contributions to science, art, and daily life across the ages, all anchored by the striking 3,200-year-old colossal statue of Ramses II that dominates the museum's central atrium.
The GEM is expected to welcome between 5 million visitors annually, once fully operational, reinforcing Egypt's position as a premier global cultural destination.
As part of a broader development plan for the Giza Plateau, the project is complemented by upgraded infrastructure and enhanced visitor services to create a seamless cultural and tourism experience.
Positioned as a "gift from Egypt to the world," the museum embodies the country's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing digital innovation and fostering international cultural diplomacy.
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