
Alexandria museums, archeological sites offer free entry on 24 July for National Day - Tourism
Although the celebration will take place on 24 July, Alexandria's National Day is annually observed on 26 July, commemorating the 1954 withdrawal of British forces from the city.
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city after Cairo.
The Graeco-Roman Museum, Royal Jewellery Museum, and Alexandria National Museum will all be open to the public free of charge, offering a chance to explore the city's rich heritage.
The Graeco-Roman Museum, located along El-Horeya road, features 30 galleries showcasing artefacts from the Greco-Roman period.
Graeco-Roman Museum. Al-Ahram.
The museum, built in 1892, was inaugurated by Khedive Abbas Helmy II in 1895 to house discoveries from archaeological sites across Alexandria.
In 1983, the museum was added to Egypt's heritage list for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish antiquities.
The Royal Jewellery Museum, located in the upscale Zizinia area, is housed in a palace that once served as the residence of Fatma Al-Zahraa, the daughter of Prince Ali Haider, a descendant of Muhammad Ali Pasha.
Royal Jewellery Museum. Al-Ahram.
The museum houses lavish possessions and exquisite jewellery owned by the royal family of Mohamed Ali that ruled Egypt from 1804 to 1953.
The Alexandria National Museum, located on El-Horriya Road, was built in 1928 by an Alexandrian merchant adopting an Italian style.
Inaugurated on 1 September 2003, it features around 1,800 artefacts that narrate Egypt's history across Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods.
Alexandria National Museum. Alexandria's official website.
As one of Egypt's most prominent coastal and historic cities, Alexandria offers visitors an opportunity to connect with a legacy that spans centuries through its museums and archaeological sites.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the move reflects Egypt's commitment to supporting national, cultural, and local celebrations that highlight its historical and civilizational depth.
It also aims to boost archaeological and tourism awareness, especially among younger generations, it added.
By promoting domestic tourism, the ministry seeks to encourage more people to discover the city's unique archaeological and cultural attractions.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
An early Coptic city unveiled in Egypt's Western Desert - Coptic
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic period. Located in the Ain al-Kharab archaeological site within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone, the city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition from paganism to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, as well as a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. "This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt and highlights the values of tolerance and cultural diversity deeply rooted in our history," he said. He reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support for archaeological missions nationwide and commended the achievements of Egyptian teams working to enhance Egypt's global standing as a cultural tourism destination. "This discovery is considered as a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt," asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. He emphasised the importance of the find in shedding light on the beginnings of the Coptic era in Egypt. "Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods, and this discovery further confirms its significance," Khaled stated. He explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas equipped with daily-use ovens, and storage spaces containing large, fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings lying to its south. The second church is smaller, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. Ismail added that findings from previous excavation seasons indicate that the site was used continuously across several historical eras. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era — a testament to the region's long-standing role as a centre of life and continuity. This latest discovery further cements Egypt's Western Oases' status as historical treasures and reinforces the country's enduring significance in the region's religious and cultural narrative. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Tourist numbers up - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt ranked 10th in the world for increasing tourist arrivals during the first three months of this year. In a strong start to the year, Egypt's tourism sector has recorded impressive growth, earning the country a place among the top 20 global performers for the first quarter of 2025. The achievement comes as a result of targeted marketing campaigns, the expansion of airline connections and the aviation incentive programme, improved infrastructure, and enhanced visitor experiences across cultural and coastal destinations, according to tourism experts. According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer issued by UN Tourism, Egypt ranked 10th among the world's top 20 best-performing countries in tourist arrivals, recording a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 40 per cent rise over the pre-pandemic year of 2019. In mid-June this year, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlighted Egypt's exceptional performance in its latest Economic Impact Research Report, reporting record-breaking figures for the sector. In 2024, Egypt's travel and tourism sector reached an unprecedented milestone, contributing LE1.4 trillion to national GDP, equivalent to 8.5 per cent of the economy, the highest share ever recorded. This figure does not only include tourism revenues but also the spending of tourists, the job opportunities the sector created through the year, and investments in the sector. 'Looking ahead, the momentum is set to continue,' the report said, adding that projections for 2025 indicate a further 4.9 per cent growth in the sector, with its contribution to GDP forecast to rise to 8.6 per cent, setting yet another all-time high. 'Egypt's travel and tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country's growth,' Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, was quoted as saying in a statement. She added that with its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government's focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off. Sherif Fathy, minister of tourism and antiquities, confirmed that the country had recorded an increase ranging between 23 and 24 per cent in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2025, reaching 8.7 million visitors, compared to the same period in 2024, with 22 per cent growth recorded in June alone. He added that the country is targeting a 14 per cent increase in inbound tourist traffic, aiming to attract between 17.5 to 18 million visitors by the end of 2025. 'This goal reflects the government's strategic commitment to expanding and strengthening the tourism sector as a major pillar of national economic growth,' he said. Fathy emphasised that the ministry is intensifying efforts to enhance Egypt's tourism environment through large-scale infrastructure upgrades and expanded global promotional campaigns. According to data from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), tourism revenues reached a record $15.3 billion in 2024, marking a nine per cent increase over the previous year. These figures underscore the success of government policies designed to position Egypt as a premier destination for international travellers. The Red Sea resorts and Nile cruises were among the strongest performers, with a 25 per cent increase in tourist numbers during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, receiving 3.9 million visitors. 'Egypt's rising appeal as a global tourism destination is being driven by a combination of security, political stability, economic competitiveness, and strategic marketing efforts to targeted markets,' Fathy said. The security conditions in Egypt have positioned it as a preferred destination for travellers from Europe, the Gulf region, and beyond. Last Saturday, the US and the UK announced updated travel advisories for Egypt, reflecting improved safety conditions. Egypt has been reclassified by the US Department of State under Level Two: Exercise Increased Caution, placing it in the same category as countries such as France and Germany. Egypt was previously under Level Three: Reconsider Travel. Another major factor fuelling this growth is the relatively cheap Egyptian pound when compared to currencies used by Gulf and European tourists, making the destination attractive for leisure travel, business, and longer stays. As part of its strategy to expand its global reach, the government has rolled out several digital campaigns targeting key regional markets, under the slogan: 'Egypt… Unmatched Diversity.' 'We are actively working to diversify Egypt's tourism products to unlock the full potential of our heritage, nature, and beaches, transforming them into marketable, world-class experiences that speak to today's global traveller,' Fathi said, elaborating that the ministry's goal is to position the country as the world's most dynamic and diverse tourist destination. New destinations such as the Siwa Oasis, Alamein, and South Sinai are being introduced to both local and international markets. These emerging regions offer unique experiences in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and medical tourism, reflecting the government's broader strategy to attract a more diverse and sustainability-minded traveller base. The country, in cooperation with the global travel platform WEGO has recently launches an initiative to attract one million Arab tourists by mid-2026. The campaign utilises multilingual digital marketing tools, particularly in Arabic and English, to engage a wider audience and promote Egypt as a dynamic and accessible destination. Global travel demand has remained strong and resilient, according to the UN Tourism May 2025's Barometer. Around 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2025, about 14 million more than in 2024. International tourist arrivals increased by five per cent in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, and three per cent above the pre-pandemic year 2019. Despite global uncertainty, travel demand is expected to remain resilient. UN Tourism's January projection of three to five per cent growth in international arrivals for 2025 remains unchanged. * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


CairoScene
3 days ago
- CairoScene
People & Places Launches The Beach Clubhouse at The Med Ras El Hekma
People & Places Launches The Beach Clubhouse at The Med Ras El Hekma The Med by People & Places introduces Egypt's first open-air wellness zone, coastal dining by Sage, beachside training by LA7, a clubhouse for kids by Al Zomra, and curated events by the sea. The Med has opened its doors once again for the summer, inviting guests to step into a new pace of life along the shores of Ras El Hekma. This year, People & Places introduces The Beach Clubhouse, a multisensory hub that provides both weekday wellness and weekend events with market leaders like LA7, The Sage Experience and Al Zomra. At the centre of this experience is Sensations, the North Coast's first open-air wellness zone. Built for contrast and connection, it takes guests through heat and cold, a seaside sauna, rain showers, bucket splash, and ice plunge, all set against uninterrupted Mediterranean views. Along the shoreline, multi-level sunbeds fan out across the sand, surrounding a new beach bar that shifts in energy throughout the day. The Sage Experience anchors the culinary offering, a coastal menu built around seasonal ingredients, served in a setting designed for long lunches, shared plates, and end-of-day wind-downs. Fitness takes a front seat with outdoor sessions led by LA7's coaches, blending performance with place. While The Beach Clubhouse is for the whole family, Clubhouse Jr., run by Al Zomra, offers a dedicated space for exploration, creativity and supervised play especially for the younger guests. To open the season, The Med hosted a live performance by Naika, alongside a set by local favourite That Girl Sherry K, and a rotating lineup of DJs through sunset, the first of many gatherings planned across the summer. With more collaborations and curated moments to come, The Med continues to carve out a new kind of coastal culture, reflecting the energy of its people and the landscape that holds them.