The much-anticipated inauguration of Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has once again been postponed, this time due to heightened regional tensions, authorities announced on Saturday.
The massive archaeological complex, located near the Giza Pyramids and touted as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation, was due to open on July 3. However, the Egyptian tourism and antiquities ministry confirmed the event has been delayed in light of the ongoing instability in the Middle East.
“In view of the ongoing regional developments, it was decided to postpone the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum,” the ministry said in a statement, referring to fears surrounding the escalating confrontation between Iran and Israel.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told reporters that the new target for the grand opening would be in the final quarter of 2025, adding that such a major event should take place in a context where it could receive “the appropriate global momentum.”
The GEM has faced numerous setbacks since construction began in 2002, with delays attributed to political upheaval, financial challenges, the Covid-19 pandemic, and now regional conflict.
Spanning over 120 acres, the museum dwarfs other world-famous institutions including the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its director has described it as a cultural and architectural landmark designed to showcase the splendour of ancient Egypt.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has championed the project as a symbol of national pride and heritage, calling it the largest museum ever devoted to a single civilisation.
The July opening was set to welcome world dignitaries including former US President Joe Biden and Spain’s King Felipe VI. Their invitations now remain on hold as Egypt, like many nations in the region, watches the deepening Iran-Israel hostilities with concern.
