The Grand Egyptian Museum Launches the GEM Talks Series with a Keynote by Dr. Ismail Serageldin
GEM Talks is designed as a dynamic platform for cultural and intellectual engagement, offering a range of interactive formats — from discussions and panels to debates and workshops. Through this initiative, the GEM aims to create a vibrant space for important conversations around heritage, creativity, and innovation, inspiring diverse audiences and celebrating the richness of culture in all its forms.
Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority, commented: 'The launch of GEM Talks represents a new chapter in our continuous efforts to make the Grand Egyptian Museum not only an extraordinary showcase of our history, but also a vital space for cultural and historical dialogue. Through this series, we are opening new horizons for conversations on diverse topics rooted in our shared legacy. It aims to create an open platform where diverse audiences can come together to engage, reflect, and be inspired by the richness of culture and heritage in all its forms.'
The inaugural session, led by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, explored the role of creativity in shaping human progress, the power of museums in fostering awareness, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on artistic expression. Dr. Serageldin also discussed the development of innovative digital solutions that enhance visitor engagement within cultural institutions, offering new ways to experience and interact with heritage.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
a day ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Tourism Minister visits Bosnia to boost tourist arrivals
Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, has met with officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss ways to increase tourist traffic from the Balkan country to Egypt, the ministry said in a statement. Fathy held an expanded professional meeting in Sarajevo with senior officials from the Bosnian tourism sector, including representatives from tourism entities and cities, heads of tourism companies, hotels, and airports. During the meeting, the minister emphasised the importance of direct communication with tour operators as a key element in supporting inbound tourism to Egypt. He stated that the government is focused on creating infrastructure, improving the investment climate, and running promotional campaigns in targeted international markets. Fathy outlined the ministry's strategy, which focuses on promoting Egypt as a top global destination due to its diverse offerings, including cultural, beach, spiritual, and Nile tourism. He added that expanding hotel capacity is a current priority, with the goal of doubling the number of hotel rooms by 2030. This year, 18,000 new rooms are expected to be added, with 6,000 already in service since the beginning of the year. The minister also highlighted Egypt's hosting of international events and concerts in cities like New Alamein, Sharm El-Sheikh, and the Giza Pyramids area. He also suggested organising familiarisation trips for tourism company representatives and influencers from both countries, as well as tourism roadshows and workshops. Fathy's visit is the first official visit by an Egyptian minister to Sarajevo in 15 years. He began his trip by meeting with Bosnian Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. During that meeting, Fathy reviewed the positive performance of Egypt's tourism sector in 2024, which saw 15.8 million tourists, a 6% increase from 2023. He also mentioned the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled for November 1. The two ministers expressed their readiness to advance cooperation, including promoting joint tourism investments, facilitating visa procedures, and increasing the number of direct flights. They also discussed potential cooperation in archaeology, leveraging Egyptian expertise in monument restoration and museum management.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- CairoScene
Beyond the Natural Stone of the Grand Egyptian Museum
This is how Cairo-based Hossam Zeitoun Contractors coated the highly anticipated museum with natural beauty. Originally Published on Sep 13, 2023 The Grand Egyptian Museum's (GEM) opening is Egypt's most anticipated event of the year, if not the decade. The largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation has the world on the edge of its cosmic seat to view the incomprehensible wealth of Egyptian heritage under one roof. Much like the artefacts contained within, the museum's slanted ceiling was made of locally-sourced natural stone - although in this case, it has been sliced with (quite literally) cutting-edge technology by Cairo-based marble manufacturers Hossam Zeitoun Natural Stone Contractors. Also known as Marble Art Egypt and El Sarh, Hossam Zeitoun Contractors is managed by architect Hossam and engineer Faten Zeitoun. With two manufacturing plants, the marble manufacturers offer custom fabrication and installation in Egypt, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as Italy, Greece, Singapore, USA and China, amongst others. 'Our aim is to create an everlasting culture of natural stone appreciation,' Mariam Zeitoun, Creative Director and Managing Partner, tells SceneHome. 'The world of natural stone is vast and wondrous. We take pride in constantly adapting to meet technological advances that help produce a wonderful stone-clad world.' Dedicated to natural stone design, supply and installation since 1979, Hossam Zeitoun has been developing state-of-the-art solutions in the industry, both locally and globally. Hossam Zeitoun sources their materials from all over the globe, from Argentina and Italy to the Philippines. But when it came to the Grand Egyptian Museum, they went back to the roots. 'This is a monument of Egyptian heritage. We were keen on using locally sourced materials to ensure authenticity and sustainability,' Zeitoun says, pointing to the materials used to clad the stiletto (slanted ceiling) that hovers over the museum, as well as the Temple Garden pavement, ripple benches, retaining walls, restaurant flooring and facade cladding. Approximately 25,000 sqm of surfaces were covered with their natural stone. The Grand Egyptian Museum was, understandably, highly sought after by the world's most prominent marble manufacturers. 'We were officially chosen after presenting a technique developed in-house called 'Slim Panelling',' Zeitoun says. The state-of-the-art technology slices the blocks into slabs of stone as thin as 5-6mm, fused to sandwich panels. 'It saves cost and is extremely efficient in creating the effect desired by the architects in the main facade,' she adds, referring to the Heneghan Peng Architects design. Initially, the design's facades were completely onyx backlit. This was narrowed down to a more simplified solution; only the pyramid-shaped entrances were to have the feature, with Egyptian limestone cladding the rest of the facade. The same technique was used for the challenging stiletto ceiling. Slim stone panels are ultra-thin and light sheets of natural stone; a fusion between thin stone slabs and durable reinforcement panels. The panels used in GEM possess an unmatched stiffness-density ratio when used in sandwich construction. The result is an efficient, consistent, lightweight structure. 'They assist in envisioning designers' creations into reality, making stone more reliable and flexible,' Zeitoun says. 'The stiletto ceiling, which is slanted and hovers over the museum, requires lightweight tiles that are perfectly fixed.' Hossam Zeitoun managed to reduce marble thickness to a minimum, achieving a light weight which was reinforced with aluminum honeycomb to ensure its durability. 'We strive to look for nature's beautiful harvests and bring them home,' Zeitoun says. Amber onyx was used for the backlit pyramid-shaped entrances. Egyptian limestone, also known as Trieste limestone, was used on the facade, while Egyptian granite was used for the monument pedestals. 'Amber onyx and alabaster have always been used in ancient Egyptian artifacts. The gold colour of the stone reflects warmth and richness, glowing vibrantly when backlit as the sun sets,' Zeitoun says, describing the feature that allows the museum to appear as a landmark from a distance. Floorings and claddings are made of the famous Trieste limestone, sourced from various Egyptian quarries. 'The beige colour helps it blend with the surrounding environment. Earthy colours reflect Egyptian colour palettes, blending with the Great Pyramids of Giza, which are seen from the museum,' Zeitoun explains. 'Seeing how in awe everyone feels of the museum's grandeur is very satisfying. It's a proud moment to realise that we've taken part in accomplishing a valuable addition to modern and ancient Egyptian heritage.' Hossam Zeitoun has made it common practice to participate in national projects that often attract global attention to Egypt's wealth of heritage. From their contributions to international airports such as Luxor International Airport and Cairo International Airport to the New Administrative Capital's Opera House and the Marriott Zamalek Gardens and the renovation of Moez St. But those are stories for another day. Photography Credit: Nour El Refai
Economic Key
4 days ago
- Economic Key
Aqari Al Youm Launches Major Expansion in Pyramids Gardens Backed by 20 Years of Expertise
Aqari Al youm Development Company, announced its strong business plan that aims to implement in West Cairo during the coming period, within a project portfolio exceeds one billion Egyptian pounds, especially in the presence of the remarkable growth in client's investment tendency in this district recently, based on the comprehensive urban renaissance witnessed there and focusing on developing it to become Egypt's tourism capital, besides its extensive experience that exceeds 20 years in developing distinctive projects. Youssif Adel Al Ebaidy, Aqari Al youm Chairman, said that the company has a strong projects portfolio in Pyramids Gardens district and plans to launch 8 separate projects in this area soon, especially following the decision to enabling building permits in this area, assuring the presence of strong demand from local and Foreign clients to invest in this district due to the presence of a number of unique advantages that distinguished Pyramids Gardens. He added that these advantages include the unique strategic location of Pyramids Gardens, as it is located just minutes from the Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau, which gives it a high investment and tourism value, in addition to its proximity to a network of major roads and axes, such as the Ring Road, Mansouriya Axis, and Fayoum Axis, which facilitates access from various parts of Cairo. He pointed that the district boasts a strong infrastructure and is currently undergoing development and upgrading of many facilities and services, enhancing its attractiveness as a residential and investment destination, noting that prices remain competitive compared to other nearby areas, which represents an ideal opportunity for investors seeking high returns in the medium and long term. He confirmed that his company prioritizes offering units that suit various client segments, concentrating on quality construction, diverse designs, and flexible payment systems, pointing that the company aims to be a major player in reshaping the real estate scene in West Cairo in general and in Pyramids Gardens in particular. He explained that Aqari Al youm began its operations as a contracting company and managed to support numerous companies and individuals in constructing and finishing buildings of various spaces and specifications inside and outside Pyramids Gardens, and also successfully implemented projects for both the government and the private sector, which gained it in return a strong reputation and a distinguished track record, enabling the company to launch powerfully into the field of real estate development. He noted the company has succeeded over the past 20 years in becoming one of the strongest companies in implementing and developing projects in Pyramids Gardens specifically, as it successfully completed and delivered more than 254 existing and inhabited residential buildings, including thousands of residential apartments, along with a large number of administrative offices and commercial shops, besides the company decided to continue developing its business. تم نسخ الرابط
