Latest news with #MinistryofTourismandAntiquities
Al-Ahram Weekly
8 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt launches photography competition to promote underwater cultural heritage - Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has launched a photography competition to raise public awareness of Egypt's rich underwater cultural heritage. The competition, which begins Friday, 1 August, invites participants to capture artistic images of artefacts that emerged from the Mediterranean Sea and are currently on display at the Graeco-Roman Museum and the Alexandria National Museum in Alexandria. It comes in light of Egypt's efforts to highlight its submerged archaeological treasures aligning with its commitment to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. 'The competition is part of broader efforts to engage the public with Egypt's diverse heritage and to promote appreciation for historical finds recovered from beneath the Mediterranean,' said Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy. He added that this initiative reflects the ministry's ongoing dedication to enhancing awareness and appreciation of underwater cultural heritage and to showcasing Egypt's unique archaeological assets to the world. According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the competition is one of several cultural events planned by the ministry to shed light on submerged heritage sites and artefacts. Full competition details and updates will be published on the ministry's official social media platforms. He continued that the photographers in Egypt and abroad are eligible to participate, with a photography window open from August 1 to 10 August, during the official operating hours of both museums in Alexandria. Submissions must be sent to [email protected] by Thursday, 14 August, and must include the photograph along with a short biography of the participant. Photos will be evaluated by a specialized jury comprising university professors and experts in photography and archaeology. The panel will operate under the supervision of the competition's technical secretariat. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resources Development and Head of the Central Training Unit, explained that evaluation criteria will focus on technical quality, creativity, and the ability to highlight the aesthetic and historical value of the featured artefacts. The names of the winners will be announced on 18 August, with an official award ceremony scheduled for 21 August. The ministry has extended an open invitation to both Egyptian and international photography enthusiasts to take part in this unique cultural initiative, which blends art, history, and heritage preservation. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
8 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Launches Photography Competition to Highlight Underwater Cultural Heritage
Ali abo deshish To shed light on Egypt's underwater cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is launching a photography competition for amateur photographers starting Friday, August 1, 2025. The competition aims to select the best photograph showcasing one of the underwater archaeological artifacts recovered from the Mediterranean Sea, currently displayed at either the Graeco-Roman Museum or the Alexandria National Museum. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E. Sherif Fathy, emphasized that this initiative reflects the Ministry's commitment to raising awareness about the importance of submerged cultural heritage and highlighting Egypt's unique archaeological treasures discovered beneath the Mediterranean. He added that the competition is aligned with Egypt's obligations under the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the competition is one of several upcoming events organized by the Ministry to spotlight this exceptional heritage. Details of the competition will be announced via the official social media pages of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The competition is open to photographers from Egypt and abroad, who are invited to photograph the submerged artifacts on display at the Graeco-Roman Museum and Alexandria National Museum during official opening hours between August 1 and August 10, 2025. Participants must submit their photographs along with a brief CV to the following email address: [email protected] , no later than Thursday, August 14, 2025. A specialized jury composed of university professors and experts in photography and archaeology will evaluate the submissions, under the supervision of the competition's technical secretariat. Dr. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resource Development and Head of the Central Training Unit, noted that judging will focus on artistic quality, visual creativity, and the ability to highlight the fine details and aesthetic appeal of the artifacts. Winners will be announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, and will be honored at an official award ceremony on Thursday, August 21, 2025. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
CairoScene
a day ago
- Business
- CairoScene
8.7 Million Tourists Visited Egypt in the First Half of 2025
Tourism revenues reached USD 12.5 billion from July 2024 to March 2025, reflecting a 15.4 percent increase from the previous year. Jul 31, 2025 Egypt welcomed 8.7 million tourists between January and June 2025, a 24% jump on the same period last year. From January to May alone, arrivals rose 26 percent year‑on‑year, with the first quarter accounting for 3.9 million visitors. Riding that momentum, officials are now targeting 17.5‑18 million arrivals for all of 2025, buoyed by strong demand from European and Arab markets, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Tourism revenue reached USD 15.3 billion in 2024. Between July 2024 and March 2025, the sector generated USD 12.5 billion, up 15.4 percent year‑on‑year. The surge is driven by longer stays and higher spending per visitor, according to the ministry's statement.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
3,500-year-old Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead' discovered in untouched tomb
Representative Image- Book of the dead Egypt has always been a place surrounded by myths and legendary tales, with its beliefs about the afterlife, elaborate burial rituals, and iconic artifacts found through archaeological evidence during excavations. Recently, archaeologists working in central Egypt uncovered a burial ground from the New Kingdom era, dating roughly 3,500 years ago, that seems to carry secrets yet untold. A rare papyrus was found in a New Kingdom cemetery In Egypt's Tuna al‑Gebel or Al‑Ghuraifa region, archaeologists discovered a cemetery dating to the New Kingdom, which was circa 1550–1070 BC. Among the grave findings was a papyrus scroll, estimated at 43 to 49 feet long, and it is believed to contain part of the Book of the Dead. This is the first complete papyrus found in that area and is described as being in notably good condition, according to Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, who said this in a translated Arabic statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Why is this scroll important? Finding pieces or shorter versions of the Book of the Dead isn't unusual for archaeologists, but discovering a full scroll still resting in the same grave where it was buried thousands of years ago? That's very rare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo According to Live Science, Foy Scalf, an Egyptologist from the University of Chicago, said this detail is especially important because it's not often you find one in its original burial spot. Lara Weiss from the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum also praised the discovery, calling it 'certainly a great and interesting find,' especially because of how long and well-preserved the scroll is. Representative Image- Book of the dead What is the Book of the Dead The Book of the Dead, more commonly called The Book of Going Forth by Day, was like a spiritual guidebook for ancient Egyptians. It was filled with spells, prayers, and pictures meant to help someone's soul find its way through the afterlife, to safely reach Osiris, the god of the dead, and join him in the next world. Egyptians started using these texts around 1550 BC, during the New Kingdom, and they stayed important for centuries, even into the Ptolemaic period, long after. Other important discoveries at the site Representative Image- Book of the dead The site had more than just the scroll. Archaeologists also found mummies within wooden and stone coffins, over 25,000 ushabti statues or Mini servant statues buried to help in the afterlife, canopic jars, and thousands of amulets and ornaments. Among them was also the coffin of Ta‑de‑Isa, daughter of a high priest, accompanied by her canopic vessels and complete ushabti set. What this could reveal about ancient Egypt Because Book of the Dead manuscripts evolved over centuries and varied from one copy to another, this scroll could provide fresh information about funerary beliefs, variations in spells, and personal expressions of faith.
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
6% Decline in Number of Jordanians Traveling Abroad for Tourism - Jordan News
Tourism experts have emphasized the importance of supporting domestic tourism amid a decline in the number of Jordanians traveling abroad for tourism. According to preliminary official data published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and based on Central Bank figures, the number of Jordanians who traveled abroad during the first half of this year reached 806,970, marking a 5.8% decrease compared to the same period last year. اضافة اعلان Experts stressed the need to provide suitable tourism infrastructure to encourage locals to explore domestic destinations. They also recommended expanding the 'Our Jordan is Paradise' program ('Urdunna Jannah') to include more destinations with a variety of affordable hotel options, along with promotional offers tailored for local tourists. According to the data: In 2023, the number of Jordanians traveling abroad during the first half of the year totaled 856,776, with monthly breakdowns as follows: January: 136,538 February: 132,495 March: 116,756 April: 125,535 May: 118,152 June: 227,300 In 2024, the number totaled 806,970, with monthly figures as: January: 159,085 February: 129,749 March: 126,032 April: 113,692 May: 118,957 June: 159,455 Causes of Decline Experts agree that the reduction in low-cost flight options to and from Jordan amid regional tensions has contributed significantly to the drop in Jordanian travelers. Additionally, rising travel costs to popular destinations like Turkey have made foreign tourism less attractive. Industry Insights Mohammad Al-Qassem, a member of the Jordan Hotels Association and tourism expert, confirmed that reduced low-cost flight frequencies and geopolitical developments, along with rising travel costs, have led to a drop in outbound tourism. He noted that a 5.8% decrease may not be dramatic, but it's an indicator that domestic tourism needs more support. Al-Qassem stressed that travel is important for exposure to new cultures and experiences, and shouldn't be heavily restricted, but encouraged alongside local tourism growth. He also pointed out that economic challenges and declining income have made it difficult for many to afford travel. Al-Qassem emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure in northern Jordan, and offering low-cost hotels to attract tourists, especially during summer, as alternatives to warmer destinations like the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Northern sites such as Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais, and Jerash offer attractive options. He also proposed comprehensive tour programs that include interaction with local communities, traditional meals, and cultural experiences, which would also boost the local economy. Al-Qassem called for an expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program, suggesting it should include more destinations and operate throughout the week, not just on weekends. He concluded that a successful tourism sector requires strong infrastructure, a complete tourism product, and public-private partnerships to manage and improve tourist sites without compromising heritage. Geopolitical Impact Nidal Malu Al-Ain, another tourism expert, said the decline in travel is mainly due to the halt of low-cost flights, which were heavily used for trips to Europe. He also cited economic constraints, income decline, and regional geopolitical instability as key factors. Al-Ain believes that many Jordanians are interested in domestic tourism and prefer spending their vacation days in Jordan—provided that affordable tourism facilities are available. He emphasized the need to establish a model of 'popular tourism' with comprehensive and budget-friendly services, especially for middle-income groups. He urged expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program or launching a new initiative aimed at encouraging domestic travel through promotional packages. Al-Ain also suggested supporting existing tourism facilities by reducing operational costs (e.g., energy bills) and offering deferred financial obligations to tourism businesses. He proposed that hotels offer promotions like free nights with bookings. 'Urdunna Jannah' Program Mahmoud Al-Khasawneh, another tourism specialist, said that regional instability is a major reason for the drop in outbound tourism. He emphasized that domestic tourism must be improved to reduce the number of Jordanians traveling abroad. He noted that while the government-run 'Urdunna Jannah' program plays an important role, a private-sector-driven counterpart should also be developed to offer exclusive packages, especially for Jordanian expatriates returning during the summer. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the program recorded 79,017 participants between April and July 2025. The program was temporarily suspended in December 2024, and resumed in April 2025. Participation figures since resumption are: April: 5,193 participants May: 36,991 participants June: 13,681 participants July (to date): 23,152 participants Previously, the Jordan Society of Travel and Tourism Agents stated that Turkey (Antalya, Trabzon, Istanbul) and Egypt (particularly Sharm El Sheikh) remain the top destinations for Jordanians traveling abroad.
