Category: Travel

OMAN : Archaeological site of Salut: An Iron Age settlement of exceptional global significance

The archaeological oasis of Bisya and Salut, nestled between the banks of Wadi Saifam and Wadi Bahla in A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, constitutes an extraordinary cultural treasure, with archaeological evidence spanning from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age and into the Islamic era, representing an organized human settlement of profound historical importance.

Ibtisam Abdullah Al Maamari, Director of the World Heritage Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, told Oman News Agency that the Bisya and Salut site in the Wilayat of Bahla embodies criteria of outstanding universal value, representing a unique and exceptional global artistic masterpiece. The site eloquently expresses human creativity, reflects a significant exchange of human values, bears witness to enduring cultural traditions, and occupies a landscape of remarkable natural beauty encompassing environments rich in biodiversity.

She further elaborated that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, is actively working to enhance the representation of Oman’s historical sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The nation is currently in the advanced stages of preparing the nomination file for the Bisya and Salut site, to be submitted under the title “Salut: An Iron Age Settlement.” The designated expert tasked with preparing the dossier will concurrently develop a comprehensive site management plan to accompany the nomination submission. The endeavour is expected to require approximately two years of concerted effort and strategic planning until its culmination.

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Tamimi, Director of the Bisya and Salut Archaeological Site Department, affirmed the exceptional richness of the site, first documented in 1973. Archaeological missions have been conducting excavations since the early 1980s, with a succession of international teams contributing to its exploration. Presently, the Italian mission from the University of Milan is engaged in excavating the archaeological tombs at Bisya, seeking to unravel the mysteries enshrouding these ancient burial structures. Concurrently, a mission from the Sorbonne University in France is conducting excavations at the archaeological sites of “Fal” and “Al-Dhabi.” Both missions are diligently working to determine the chronology of the sites under investigation, complete previous excavation efforts, and develop a comprehensive vision and deeper understanding of these archaeological expanses, whose habitation traces back to the late fourth millennium BC.

Al Tamimi highlighted the ongoing endeavours of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, channelled through the Bisya and Salut Visitor Center, to introduce and promote this historical site. Since its inauguration in February 2023 until the close of December 2025, the site has welcomed over 16,400 visitors, encompassing citizens, residents, and international tourists.

Promotional initiatives include an annual programme of events executed in collaboration with the local community, with dedicated outdoor spaces allocated for hosting diverse activities. These include programs organized by Omani Women’s Association branches, sports teams affiliated with Bahla Club, civil society institutions, and community libraries. Among the events realized are poetry evenings, productive family exhibitions, children’s activities, and art exhibitions, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.

He further elaborated that the Visitor Center at the Bisya and Salut archaeological complex features comprehensive exhibition panels delineating the history of archaeological investigation in the region, diverse patterns of human settlement, typological classifications of ancient tombs, and the commercial networks that connected this civilization with neighboring polities. The center annually welcomes a cohort of scholars and researchers who independently visit the site to pursue scientific inquiry across multiple disciplines, thereby advancing the Ministry’s ongoing mandate of archaeological survey and documentation.

He added that the center incorporates a dedicated repository for archaeological artifacts, tasked with receiving and preserving objects from the moment of their discovery during excavation campaigns. These artifacts subsequently undergo systematic registration, archival documentation, and secure storage. Selected items proceed to conservation and restoration laboratories at either the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism headquarters or the on-site Visitor Center facilities, while others are designated for museum exhibition. Numerous significant finds from the Bisya and Salut excavations have been displayed at the National Museum and the Oman Across Ages Museum, underscoring the site’s national archaeological importance.

He affirmed that the site constitutes an exceptionally rich archaeological landscape, encompassing thousands of Bronze Age funerary monuments, the imposing Salut Fortress with its adjacent urban settlement, third-millennium BCE towers, extensive cemeteries spanning both Bronze and Iron Ages, and a remarkable corpus of rock art. The archaeological hinterland extends to the nearby villages of Al-Dhabi, Fal, and Al-Ma’mur, revealing a densely occupied cultural landscape. The settlement of Salut itself represents a particularly significant urban center, attesting to intensive occupation and human agency during the first millennium BCE. The fortress, serving as an administrative nucleus, confirms the existence of sophisticated governance structures and an economic foundation built upon agriculture and the aflaj irrigation systems.

Regarding ongoing research initiatives, he stated: “The Bisya and Salut Archaeological Site Department, operating through the Visitor Center, coordinates various research activities. We engage external researchers through collaborative projects as circumstances warrant. During the current year, 2026, we inaugurated a comprehensive project to inventory and document the rock art corpus distributed throughout the Bisya and Salut region, enlisting local community guides possessing intimate knowledge of the drawings’ locations across mountainous terrain, valleys, and rocky outcrops. Upon completion of this documentation phase, we will undertake analytical studies to establish chronological frameworks for these artistic expressions.”

Addressing site development initiatives launched with the February 2023 opening of the Visitor Center, he noted: “Visitor pathways have been upgraded and paved to provide access to principal archaeological features, including Salut Fortress, the Bronze and Iron Age necropolises, the ancient urban core of Salut, and the third-millennium tower. During the current year, we will enhance visitor stopping points with interpretive panels presenting scientific information in accessible formats. Since the second half of 2025, we have conducted comprehensive rehabilitation, maintenance, and restoration operations at multiple locations, continuing through February 2026 at Salut Fortress, along the visitor circuit, and within the urban precinct adjacent to the fortress. A local Omani enterprise is finalizing the design and production of multimedia installations for the Visitor Center’s display systems, scheduled for completion this month, February 2026. These technological enhancements will facilitate information dissemination and showcase previously unexhibited archaeological discoveries through interactive screens. Furthermore, a field classroom has been established within the palm grove situated within the site’s protected perimeter, designated for programs integrating theoretical instruction with practical field applications. Since the center’s inauguration through the conclusion of 2025, we have conducted 79 educational programs and cultural events, serving 6,230 participants spanning all age demographics.”

He further detailed the programs and events scheduled for implementation during 2026, including the UNESCO Associated Schools Forum, the second edition of the Salut Photography Forum, in addition to numerous community-engaged activities, training workshops, and artistic initiatives designed to promote the archaeological site, introduce the Visitor Center and its surrounding antiquities, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and explore diverse experiential methodologies.

It is noteworthy that archaeological discoveries unearthed at the Bisya and Salut site collectively attest to the profound civilizational interconnections between Oman and the ancient world. Among the most significant finds are seals bearing stylistic influences from the Indus Valley Civilization, serpent figurines, various anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta artifacts reflecting Indus Valley cultural traditions, and an assemblage of ceramic vessels. Particularly remarkable discoveries from the 2024/2025 excavation season include a collection of charred dates and date stones unearthed at the Al-Dhabi site, meticulously dated to the third millennium BCE, providing invaluable evidence of ancient agricultural practices and trade networks.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA : MAY 2026: 1.7m pilgrims performing Hajj this year, 2.04% more than last year

1,546,655 people travel from outside of the Kingdom to take part in the pilgrimage, 160,646 are citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia

388,694 benefit from Makkah Route Initiative, a service that lets them complete all entry procedures at point of departure, thereby avoiding long queues on arrival, 23.7% more than last year

More than 1.7 million pilgrims are performing Hajj this year, the majority of whom live outside of Saudi Arabia, according to authorities in the Kingdom.

The total number of 1,707,301 is an increase of of 34,071, or 2.04 percent, compared with the 1,673,230 who attended the 2025 Hajj.

This comes amid continuing efforts to streamline pilgrimage operations, expand facilities at entry points and enhance services, officials said, and reflects the steady demand for Hajj places despite evolving regional and global conditions.

The increased attendance also underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing focus on operational efficiency, they added, particularly through the digitalization of services, improved crowd-management systems, and enhanced coordination between security, health and logistical authorities.

Figures provided by the General Authority for Statistics reveal that 1,546,655 pilgrims traveled from outside of the Kingdom to perform Hajj, while 160,646 are citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia. The vast majority of those arriving from abroad, 1,485,729, traveled by air, 54,429 entered the country through land crossings, and 6,497 arrived by sea.

The number of pilgrims who benefited from the Makkah Route Initiative, a service that allows them to complete all entry, passport and customs procedures at the point of departure and transports them directly to their accommodation, thereby avoiding long queues at airports on arrival, increased to 388,694, compared with 314,337 last year, an increase of about 23.7 percent.

The total number of people working in support of Hajj operations increased to 441,049 from 420,070 last year. However, the number of volunteers decreased from 34,540 in 2025 to 26,701, a decline of 22.7 percent.

The General Authority for Statistics said its figures were based on administrative data provided by the Ministry of Interior as the primary source, in line with a statistical framework adopted during recent Hajj seasons to ensure accuracy and reliability. The full Hajj data and detailed reports are available on the authority’s website.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The increased attendance also underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing focus on operational efficiency. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

ABU DHABI, U.A.E. : Zayed National Museum recognised by TIME’s World’s Greatest Places for 2026

Abu Dhabi’s newest cultural landmark earns global recognition from TIME in 2026.

Abu Dhabi has added another standout to its cultural scene. The Zayed National Museum has been named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places for 2026, placing it among 100 destinations that offer something truly special for visitors.

Nestled within the growing Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum has quickly become a place people are curious about. It opened its doors in December 2025 and has since drawn attention for both its design and what it represents.

Rather than feeling like a traditional museum, it leans more towards a calm, reflective space where you can spend a few hours moving through stories of the UAE’s past.

Even before stepping inside, the building itself makes an impression. Designed by Norman Foster, the structure is inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight. The shape is striking but not over the top, and it ties back neatly to Emirati heritage.

Inside, the journey stretches back around 300,000 years, tracing human life in the region long before the country we know today. At the heart of it all is the story of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose life and values shape much of what you see. The galleries are not overwhelming, which makes it easy to take your time and actually absorb what is on display.

Some pieces naturally draw more attention than others. The Abu Dhabi Pearl, believed to be one of the oldest natural pearls ever discovered, is one of those quiet highlights.

Another is the Blue Qur’an, known for its deep colour and fine detail, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the Islamic world.

One of the more unexpected features is a full-scale reconstruction of an ancient Magan boat. It gives a sense of how people in this region once travelled and traded, long before modern borders existed. It is the kind of exhibit that makes history feel more real and less distant.

Places are selected through nominations from TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as an open application process.

With several major institutions now based in the same district, it is becoming a place where visitors can easily spend a full day, or even more, exploring art, history and ideas.

For residents, it is another reason to take a closer look at what is on their doorstep. For travellers, it adds one more stop to an already evolving map of must see places in the region.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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Mohamed Somji

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

EGYPT : Dr. Khaled El-Enany Elected UNESCO Director-General

Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, has been elected as the new Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), succeeding France’s Audrey Azoulay after securing a majority of votes in the organization’s Executive Board elections in Paris today, Monday, October 6, 2025, coinciding with the 52nd Anniversary of the Glorious October War Victory.

El-Enany won 55 votes against just two for his closest rival, Firmin Edouard Matoko of the Republic of Congo, the largest winning margin in UNESCO’s history. 

His victory marks a historic moment as El-Enany becomes the first Arab and only the second African to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since its establishment in 1945.

During his acceptance speech, El-Enany said: “I have visited 65 countries in 30 months and one day. I have conducted an inclusive campaign engaging all member countries.”

He added “During my first 100 days, I promise to work with all member states to modernize UNESCO, without discrimination or personal agenda.”

In his speech following his election, El-Enany extended heartfelt thanks to his homeland, Egypt, for entrusting him with this mission, as well as to his Arab family and the Arab League for their steadfast support, and to the African continent and African Union, which had embraced and endorsed his candidacy on three occasions.

He said: “I stand before you with humility and a heart full of gratitude,”  acknowledging the broad coalition of support that had propelled his historic victory.

He went on to express his appreciation to all countries that had backed his bid and placed their trust in him, asserting that their confidence in him was a gift that he would never take for granted.

He went on to express his appreciation to all countries that had backed his bid and placed their trust in him, asserting that their confidence in him was a gift that he would never take for granted.

Reflecting on his journey, El-Enany shared that over the past 30 months, his campaign had taken him to 65 countries across the world from the Pacific to the Caribbean and involved more than 400 meetings and dialogues that had helped shape his vision.

He described the experience as “the adventure of a lifetime”, expressing deep gratitude to his Egyptian team and colleagues who “stood by my side with passion and devotion to bring this dream to life.”

His message also carried a tone of unity and inclusivity. “I assure you that, if elected in November by the General Conference, I will serve all nations and peoples as a director-general for all, working together with you to build a UNESCO that is a true home for all humanity, a UNESCO for the People,” he said.

His remarks also paid tribute to the Egyptian team that had accompanied him throughout the 30-month long campaign to bring this project to life in “a dream in which we have deeply believed”.

El-Enany’s remarks were met with warm applause from the delegates gathered at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. Leading diplomats and prominent figures described the moment as both historic and deeply symbolic, not only for Egypt but also for the broader Arab and African communities that had rallied behind his candidacy.

About the elections

The elections for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the period 2025-2029 will begin on Monday, October 6, 2025. The elections are witnessing fierce competition between Egyptian candidates Dr. Khaled El-Enany, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Congolese Firmin Edouard Matoko, UNESCO’s Deputy Director-General for Africa and External Relations.

These elections are of great importance, as they determine who will lead this specialized UN agency, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Paris. Its mission is to promote shared human values ​​by strengthening education, science, and culture, setting standards and tools, and developing knowledge to find solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. UNESCO also supports a world of greater equality and peace. UNESCO works with its 194 Member States on a range of issues, including protecting biodiversity, addressing artificial intelligence, promoting quality education, preserving human heritage, and ensuring access to reliable information.

All eyes are on who will succeed Frenchwoman Audrey Azoulay, who has served two terms as president of this organization since 2017. Azoulay’s primary goal is to contribute to peace and security by enhancing cooperation among countries in the fields of education and culture.

Two strong candidates are vying for this high-profile position: Congolese Firmin Edouard Matoko and Egyptian Khaled El-Enany. These elections are of utmost importance to Egypt, which is strongly supporting its candidate for the prestigious position. Previous Egyptian candidates include Ambassador Moushira Khattab in 2017, Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni in 2009, and former Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Ismail Serageldin in 2001.

Egypt’s intensive efforts to support Dr. El-Enany

Egypt has intensified its efforts to garner support for Dr. El-Enany, both regionally and internationally, since the announcement of his candidacy. In April 2023, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly announced the Council’s endorsement of Dr. Khaled El-Enany, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, for the position of Director-General of UNESCO for the period 2025 to 2029, as Egypt’s candidate.

The League of Arab States adopted a summit-level resolution in May 2024 supporting and endorsing Dr. El-Enany’s candidacy as the only Arab candidate for the position. This marks the first time a candidate has received such broad Arab consensus. This reflects the aspirations of Arab countries for an effective role within the international organization and the importance of Arab leadership for UNESCO in the coming period.

Al-Anani also received the African Union’s endorsement in February 2024, July 2024, and July 2025, which confirms the official African alignment behind the Egyptian candidacy in appreciation of Al-Anani’s competence and ability and a reflection of the African continent’s confidence in Egypt to achieve the common aspirations of African countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met on Sunday, 5th September, 2025, with the permanent representatives of Turkey, Brazil, Bangladesh, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, and the UAE to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

This meeting took place during his visit to Paris as part of the intensive efforts made to support Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s candidate in the elections for the Director-General position, and to garner support from various countries.

El-Enany’s Biography

Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, born in 1971, is a leading figure recognized for his expertise and commitment across diverse fields including teaching, scientific research, culture, tourism, management, public service, and international relations.

A former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, El-Enany currently holds the position of Professor of Egyptology at Helwan University, where he has been a faculty member for over thirty years. His teaching, focused on the civilization, archaeology, and epigraphy of Ancient Egypt, is not only taught in Egypt but also at prestigious international institutions. As a mentor, he has enabled thousands of students and researchers, both Egyptian and international, to benefit from his in-depth knowledge and vast experience. Through his conferences and scientific engagements across twenty countries, he has shared his expertise, enriched academic discourse and encouraged access to knowledge, while promoting intercultural dialogue. His proficiency in Arabic, French, and English demonstrates his communication skills, a key asset for fostering international cooperation. He has served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Director of the Open Learning Center, and Head of the Tour Guide Department. He holds a PhD in Egyptology from Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University (France), where he has been a visiting Professor on several occasions. 

He directed the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (2014-2016) and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (2015-2016). From 2016 to 2022, he served as Minister of Antiquities and then Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

He is also a member of several international learned societies. In November 2024, he was appointed Special Ambassador for Cultural Tourism by the World Tourism Organization and, more recently, patron of the African World Heritage Fund. He holds several international distinctions. He speaks Arabic, French and English.

Achievements

El-Enany has wide-ranging academic, scientific, administrative, and executive experience in Egypt and abroad. Over the course of his career, he has developed a strong international network with governments, institutions, and organisations.

During his six-and-a-half-year tenure in government he supervised numerous major projects, boosting tourism and archaeology across Egypt. More than 20 museums, including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC), developed in collaboration with UNESCO, were opened, and work on the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest museums in the world, neared completion.

More than 50 restoration and development projects at archaeological sites were inaugurated, and more than 20 restoration projects of historical mosques, monasteries, and churches (including five locations on the Holy Family Trail), and the Eliahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, were opened.

He inaugurated five ground water-lowering projects at archaeological sites, and the number of archaeological missions, particularly Egyptian ones, increased significantly. He also secured the return of 7,000 smuggled artefacts from more than 20 countries.

El-Enany has played a key role in strengthening Egypt’s international relations through his cultural diplomacy skills, collaborating closely with many countries, academic institutions, and international organisations.

He oversaw the Pharaoh’s Golden Parade and Luxor: The Sphinx Avenue Parade and was instrumental in mitigating the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war on Egypt’s tourism sector.

Awards

Dr. Khaled El-Enany Anani has been decorated with several international honors. In 2025, France awarded him the insignia of the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, the official emblem awarded to recipients of France’s highest distinction for civil merit, and in 2015 he was awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters, naming him a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.

In 2020, he received the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, and in 2021 was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by Japan. In September 2024, El-Enany received an honorary doctorate from the University of Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 in France.

For complete biography visit the following link:

SKM_C4050i25031416220

https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2025/03/cv_khaled-ahmed-el-enany-ali-ezz_en.pdf

source/content: sis.gov.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA : Encyclopedia chronicles architectural evolution of Prophet’s Mosque

Landmark study bridges history and modern scholarship

Project highlights Kingdom’s preservation of Islamic heritage

A new scholarly encyclopedia documenting the architectural evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque has emerged as a major reference work, charting the development of one of Islam’s most significant landmarks across centuries.

Published by the Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Research and Studies Center, the project forms part of broader efforts to systematically record the mosque’s history and features through a rigorous academic framework enhanced by modern research tools, a review by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

The encyclopedia traces the mosque’s transformation from its foundation during the Prophetic era through successive expansions across Islamic history, culminating in large-scale Saudi-era developments that have expanded capacity while preserving its architectural and spiritual identity. 

Beyond historical documentation, the work provides analytical insight into key structural elements — such as arcades, domes, and minarets — examining their functional and aesthetic evolution, alongside associated landmarks that underscore the mosque’s enduring religious and civilizational role.

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and safeguarding Islamic heritage through specialized knowledge projects, the review said.

By preserving and systematizing the architectural memory of the Prophet’s Mosque, the encyclopedia is expected to fill a critical gap in scholarly research, offering a valuable resource for academics, students, and those interested in the cultural and human dimensions embedded in the mosque’s design, 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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General view of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA file photo)

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SAUDI ARABIA

ALGERIA : In Algeria, Pope to pay homage to forgotten home of Christian icon St Augustine

Leo XIV’s upcoming visit will honour Saint Augustine’s roots and a small Catholic community that shared the nation’s suffering.

For the first time in Catholic history, a pope will make an official visit to Algeria.

From 13 to 15 April, Pope Leo XIV will begin an African tour in the Maghreb country, which will then take him to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

His trip to Algeria will include two stops: the capital, Algiers, and Annaba, the city of Saint Augustine. The fourth century thinker is a key figure in the pope’s life and in the meaning given to this unprecedented visit.

“I am an Augustinian, a son of Saint Augustine, who once said: ‘With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop’,” Leo said in his first address as Pope to the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square in Rome in May last year to celebrate his election.

These words sparked enthusiasm in the Algerian media, which emphasised the new Pope’s attachment to the cleric and theologian born in 354 in Thagaste, an Amazigh-Roman city known today as Souk Ahras, in northeastern Algeria.

As bishop of Hippo, the ancient name for the city of Annaba, he profoundly influenced Christian thought.

“Saint Augustine is important to the Pope because he entered the Augustinian Order at a very young age,” Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, told Middle East Eye.

“From the age of 13, Leo attended a school in the United States [where he was born] run by the Augustinians,” he added.

After studying mathematics and philosophy in Philadelphia, the man then known as Robert Francis Prevost joined the Augustinian order at the age of 22 and rose through the ranks to become prior general of the order.

It was in this capacity that he made his first visit to Algeria, in 2001, to participate in the first international symposium on Saint Augustine at the University of Annaba.

Cardinal Vesco says he convinced the new Pope to visit Algeria in the early days of his pontificate.

On the agenda for his upcoming visit is a public address at the Martyrs’ Monument, erected on the heights of the capital in memory of those killed during the Algerian war of independence, followed by a meeting with the country’s highest authorities at the conference centre of the Great Mosque.

Augustine ‘was born here’

The Algerian authorities are attaching particular importance to this visit, the preparations for which are being personally overseen by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Annaba, in particular, has been transformed into a vast construction site, with asphalting, painting and cleaning of the streets along the road leading to the Basilica of Saint Augustine, which is also undergoing maintenance work.

‘Augustine is a figure rooted in North African geography and culture. Yet, this essential dimension has long been obscured’

– Abdenasser Smail, historian

For historian Abdenasser Smail, who recently published Saint-Augustin, un Nord-Africain universel (Saint Augustine, a Universal North African), the Pope is visiting Algeria and Annaba to pay homage to the philosopher of antiquity but also “because Augustine is not just a Christian figure.

A key element of Augustine’s thought was how he radically internalised the relationship with God in the depths of the self, what he calls the “inner trinity”: memory, intelligence and will.

“He is one of the major thinkers in the history of humanity. Europe embraced him. The Vatican drew inspiration from him. But he was born here,” Smail told MEE.

The pope’s visit, he added, is not only religious: “It is about historical memory.”

According to him, the tribute Leo is paying to Saint Augustine is a way of righting a historical wrong that has long obscured the theologian’s true origins.

“Augustine is a figure rooted in North African geography and culture. Yet, this essential dimension has long been obscured, both in Western representations and in contemporary Algerian national narratives,” Smail said.

In a country with an overwhelming Muslim majority, “an Algerian Muslim can be proud of this,” he added.

“Because being proud of one’s history doesn’t mean adopting another faith. It means recognising that this land has produced multiple great figures. To deny this is not to defend Islam. It is to impoverish our own memory,” he said.

An Algerian Church

Beyond the very symbolism of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Algeria is also a tribute to, and support for, the Algerian Church, “a very small Church in a Muslim world”, as Vesco described it.

“This is the church of that people, the Algerians,” added the archbishop of Algiers, who has lived in the country for nearly 20 years and was naturalised as an Algerian citizen in 2023.

The Catholic Church in Algeria is one of the smallest in the world: barely 4,200 faithful spread across four dioceses – Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Laghouat – out of a population of 46 million.

It has about 60 priests and 100 nuns and monks, primarily from Europe, Africa and Latin America. Its most striking characteristic is its composition: the faithful are overwhelmingly foreign and of sub-Saharan origin, a reality now visible in every parish.

Native Algerian Catholics number only a few hundred; no official figures are available. The number of faithful plummeted dramatically with Algeria’s independence in 1962 and the mass exodus of Europeans from the country.

“Of course, the Church returned to Algeria with [French] colonisation, because it had practically disappeared [after the Arab-Islamic conquest of North Africa in the 7th century],” Vesco said.

However, this Church has become Algerian, he explained, emphasising the essential role of the archbishop of Algiers from 1954 to 1988, Leon-Etienne Duval, in the process.

As early as 1955, a year after the start of the War of Independence that pitted Algerians against the French occupiers, Duval denounced the socio-economic injustices of the colonial system and the torture and massacres of Algerians committed by the French army, while supporting their self-determination.

Naturalised Algerian in 1964 and promoted to cardinal, Duval succeeded in transforming the church in Algeria from a colonial institution into a church officially recognised and supported by a newly independent state where Islam was proclaimed the state religion.

“Our church remains marked by Cardinal Duval’s appeal in 1962 to priests to stay in Algeria [at the end of the war],” Cardinal Vesco said.

‘It is a church that truly serves Algerian society’

– Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers

“This is how we kept schools, dispensaries, etc open from independence onward, because it is a church that truly serves Algerian society.”

The position defended by Duval, inherited from decades of struggle by liberal Catholics in Algeria, was supported by the Vatican and contributed to the Catholic Church’s dialogue with the Muslim world.

“By bringing the problems of the ‘Third World’ to the forefront, the Algerian experience also contributed to a profound shift in the Church’s theological and political stance toward Islam,” writes  researcher Uriel Gadessaud in the journal Outre-Mers.

“It was during the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) that the Holy See underwent a true aggiornamento, under the influence of the Algerian War,” he added, referring to the Vatican’s new opening to the world and other religions.

In addition to aspirations for independence, members of the Catholic Church in Algeria shared with local Muslims the sufferings of the “black decade”, the civil war that ravaged the country between 1992 and 2002.

Triggered by the army’s halt to the electoral process in January 1992 after the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) won the first round of parliamentary elections, the conflict between armed Islamist groups and security forces killed an estimated 200,000 people.

Among them were 19 Christian religious figures killed between 1994 and 1996, including the Bishop of Oran, Pierre Claverie, and the seven monks of Tibhirine, whose abduction and murder in 1996 remain shrouded in mystery.

Declared martyrs by former Pope Francis, they were beatified in December 2018 in Oran – the first beatification ceremony held in a Muslim country. During his upcoming visit to Algiers, Pope Leo is scheduled to pray in the chapel of these 19 “martyrs of Algeria”.

Calls to address human rights

Today, the small Catholic community lives in harmony with a predominantly Muslim Algerian society, and the faith is officially protected and recognised by the authorities, even if non-Muslim religious practices remain confined to specific spaces.

“I live my faith discreetly, as required by the fact that I live in a Muslim society, but I have never received a single derogatory remark,” Simon, an Ivorian student who has been living in Algiers for three years, told MEE.

Every Sunday, he attends mass at the Diocesan Centre in Hydra, an upscale neighbourhood of the capital.

‘I live my faith discreetly, as required by the fact that I live in a Muslim society, but I have never received a single derogatory remark’

– Simon, Ivorian student in Algiers

“Beyond prayer and communion, we meet to organise charitable activities, classes for disadvantaged Algerian children and book clubs,” added Simon, who said he is “proud and happy about the Pope’s visit”.

“It’s a gift, a grace, for our little flock here in Algeria.”

However, the Christian presence in Algeria also has a dark side: the restrictions targeting Protestant worship and its evangelical branch, although freedom of worship is enshrined in the constitution.

Since 2006, a decree “establishing the conditions and rules for the practice of religions other than Islam” requires authorisation for the creation of religious associations, their practices and their use of buildings.

While the Catholic Church in Algeria enjoys the status of an approved association, and its sermons are even broadcast on public radio, this is not the case for the Protestant Church of Algeria, officially recognised since 2011 but whose activities are only authorised within its main headquarters in Algiers.

There are no longer any legally open Protestant places of worship in the country. The authorities closed them because they suspect evangelicals of conducting conversions, which is prohibited by Algerian law. Some pastors are even facing legal action.

Several Christians contacted by MEE declined to express themselves for fear that the authorities would suspect them of being converted evangelicals.

This situation is regularly denounced in the US State Department’s report on religious freedom and by human rights groups.

On Tuesday, three international NGOs urged Pope Leo XIV to raise issues of human rights and religious freedom with the Algerian authorities during his visit to Algeria.

“We ask you to call on the authorities to end discrimination against religious minorities and to respect their right to freedom of religion or belief, including the right to practice their religion freely,” EuroMed Rights, Human Rights Watch and MENA Rights Group said in a letter addressed to the pontiff.

According to the groups, religious minorities “face discriminatory legal and administrative restrictions that limit their ability to practice, organise and express their faith openly”.

In addition to Protestants, they cite Ahmadis, followers of a faith originating in India who consider themselves Muslim but are regarded as heretics by the Sunni majority in Algeria.

The NGOs also urged the Pope to call on Algerian authorities to “release those arbitrarily detained for exercising their human rights”.

“Hundreds of protesters, activists, journalists and human rights defenders have been arbitrarily detained, unjustly prosecuted and sentenced to prison terms for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” they said.

source/content: middleeasteye.net (headline edited)

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A picture taken on October 19, 2013 shows a statue of Saint-Augustin in front of the Saint-Augustin basilica after its reopening in the Algeria’s eastern city of Annaba. The basilica, built in 1909 during the colonial period, fell into disrepair before being reopened after major restoration works. AFP PHOTO / FAROUK BATICHE (Photo by FAROUK BATICHE / AFP)

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ALGERIA

OMAN : Your Guide to Oman’s Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Thanks for highlighting Oman’s cultural wonders, UNESCO. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

As the oldest Arab state with over 100,000 years of human history, the Sultanate of Oman is home to a wealth of cultural and natural treasures that have captured the imagination of poets and travellers for centuries.

From the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the pristine shores of the Arabian Sea, this mesmerising country possesses a diverse collection of sites that have been recognized by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, or natural significance – all things we look for when we’re choosing our next global destination.

To be considered for inscription on the prestigious World Heritage List, sites must meet at least one of ten criteria, which include representing a masterpiece of human creative genius, exhibiting an important interchange of human values, bearing a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition, or containing outstanding examples of geological formations and/or habitats of significant biodiversity.

So, we figure if it’s good enough for UNESCO, it’s good enough for us. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the five Omani cultural sites that have been given UNESCO’s special designation, providing you with the information you need to dive into the rich history of this breathtaking Middle Eastern country.

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

Ad Dakhiliyah, Ash Sharqiyah South and Al Batinah South / 500 AD

Oman’s Aflaj Irrigation Systems are a feat of ancient engineering. These networks, which collect and transport water across the country using gravity, date back to 500 AD.

This revolutionary technology shaped the development of agriculture, particularly date palm cultivation, in arid Oman. There are more than 3,000 still-functioning aflaj water distribution systems in Oman, and UNESCO has highlighted five locations for their historical significance: Falaj Al Jeela, Falaj Muyasser, Falaj Daris, Falaj Malki, and Falaj Khatmein. Four of these sites are found in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar mountain range, and the fifth is located in the Sharqi mountains.

Ancient City of Qalhat

pix credit: whc-unesco.org/en


The remnants of this once-thriving port city are tucked into Oman’s rugged eastern coast, right by the Indian Ocean.

A bustling city centre of trade and commerce between the 11th and 16th centuries, Oman’s first capital – of which there is not much left – contains the remnants of necropolises, residences, workshops, and the tomb of an Omani queen, Bibi Maryam. Believed to have been commissioned in the 13th century by a local ruler in honour of his beloved wife, this mausoleum is the best-preserved monument in the historic city.

Those hoping to visit this site should be aware that, due to conservation efforts, it might not be open to the public.

Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn Archaeological Sites

Al Dhahira / 3rd Millennium BC

Dating back to the 3rd millennium B.C., the Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn provide a glimpse into the prehistoric settlements and burial grounds of Oman. These three sites cover 14 square kilometres and are situated within the rocky landscapes of the Al-Dhahirah Governorate.

A trip to these ancient sites gives travellers the opportunity to examine and explore the enigmatic ‘beehive tombs’ dotting the surrounding hills.

Older than the Pyramids of Giza, these tombs are free for anyone to visit.

Bahla Fort

Ad Dakhiliyah / 12th–15th century


The immense Bahla Fort can be found in a palm-filled oasis in the Omani desert.

The fort and settlement was the capital of the Banu Nebhan tribe, who dominated what is now central Oman from the 12th to the 15th century. An intricate irrigation system of wells and tunnels brings water from distant springs to this ancient settlement – a testament to the skills of mediaeval engineers in this region. Visitors to this heritage site can see the ornate Friday Mosque, the remains of a semi-covered market, and the towers and parapets of the fort’s walls.

This site is open to visitors, and is widely considered to be one of Oman’s top attractions.

Land of Frankincense

Oman’s Dhofar Governorate is one of the few places where frankincense trees still thrive. These plants carry important historical and economic significance in the region, as frankincense was one of the most luxurious trade items in ancient times.

There are four sites included in this UNESCO heritage listing that preserve the remains of the caravan trade of this precious commodity. One of these is the Frankincense Park of Wadi Dawkah, which allows visitors to learn about how incense is sourced. Another, Shishr, is an agricultural oasis that – in the past – allowed caravans transporting this precious resource to refuel on their trade routes. Sumhuram in the Khor Rori Nature Reserve is another component of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was once the heart of the world’s frankincense trade. A trip to this city offers views of structures from the 3rd Century BC to the 5th century AD, including storerooms and city fortifications. The final component of this heritage site is the Al Baleed archeological park. Although this site is open to the public, it is also still being explored, with new discoveries being made. This park includes a Frankincense museum, citadel, and more.

The best time to visit this area is in April, when the fragrant frankincense trees are in bloom.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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OMAN





LEBANON : Arab mountaineer Nelly Attar on breaking records and breaking barriers

Nelly Attar has made history by becoming the first Lebanese person to summit the five tallest mountains on Earth, including Everest and the notoriously deadly K2. She has completed over 40 climbs across five continents. A two-time Guinness World Record holder, extreme sports athlete, and former psychotherapist, Nelly blends athletic grit with a community-driven mission: to get people moving, especially across the Middle East.

From founding Saudi Arabia’s first dance studio to training for high-altitude ascents in desert heat, Nelly’s journey is as much about resilience and purpose as it is about summits. Cosmopolitan Middle East sits down with her to reflect on the climbs that changed her, the lessons learned at the edge of endurance, and her vision for making movement and adventure more accessible to all.

CosmoME: What first drew you to mountaineering?

Nelly: My dad took me on my first multi day hike when I was 17. I was going to university soon, so I was moving countries, and we were living in Kenya at the time. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. We didn’t know what it was gonna entail. We actually didn’t summit the mountain. My dad got hypothermia, but there was something about the climb or the hike, and just being in nature for two or three days that I was like, this is just amazing. I want to do this when I’m older. I also want to do sports because I was raised in Saudi, and we didn’t really have access to outdoor sports.

CosmoME: Did you feel a calling towards the mountains?

Nelly: No, I felt a pull. A calling is more gentle. It sits at the back of your mind; a pull may feel like swimming against the current, but you can’t let go of the pull. I think I don’t want to do this anymore. It has very high risk and opportunity costs. But then, I feel this same pull, and then I find myself up in the mountain area.

CosmoME: Could you share some details about the mountains you have climbed?

Nelly: When I was 25, I had the summer off, so I went to Mount Kilimanjaro. I fell in love with hiking and climbing. K2 is the second most dangerous. It’s a lot steeper, so avalanches do happen, but not that severe as Annapurna. There is a 33% chance you won’t come back from that mountain. I went to clean up a lot of the waste and we cleaned up about 400 KGs of waste. Annapurna has a very high risk of avalanche. So no matter where you are on the mountain, you’re constantly hearing avalanches break out around you. It’s because of the angle of the mountain, where it sits in a position where just a bit of snow accumulates, and then it slides off. Apart from the altitude, you also have this added layer of constantly being so scared. We don’t know if we’re going to die up there; it just feels like a Russian roulette.

CosmoME: How do you navigate making high pressure decisions in extreme conditions?

Nelly: We were 500 meters away from the summit of Annapurna after being there for one month, and we turned around. I made the call because I was with the team of eight men and most of the guys were from the production team. We got to a point where there was little rope left, not enough for all of us. I was like, if we all made it up together to this point, it doesn’t make sense for three of us to continue and the five to turn around. We either all turn around together, or we all climb up together. It would be another four or five hours to the summit with little or no rope. So if anyone slips, they will slip to their death. And if you’re in doubt, if there’s this much risk on a mountain, you turn around. Climbing is considered the noble art of retreat. You have to know when to turn around. If you want to stay in this game, you have to know when to turn around. My whole team made it down alive and this is what counts.

CosmoME: Which was harder—training your body for extreme altitudes or training your mind to endure the isolation and risk?

Nelly: When you’re training your body, you train your mind. I don’t see them as individuals. I train even when it’s 40 degrees with a heavy pack and that’s a lot of mental training. That discipline and mind/body go hand in hand. The times that I want to give up and I don’t give up is when I train my mind to grow stronger. I always try remind myself that I have so much within me.

CosmoME: Does climbing bring you closer to a sense of God, nature, or something beyond yourself?

Nelly: I think it always makes me feel stronger to God, because it’s almost like I’m stripped away from civilisation. No comfortable beds or showers. I’m left with connecting with my family every now and then through a satellite device, but then it’s just Allah. There’s so much uncertainty. We don’t know what the day is gonna look like. We don’t know who from the team might get hurt. We don’t know who’s not going to come back. I don’t even know if I will come back. God forbid. What keeps me calm is feeling that God is always with me. God is always protecting us. God always chooses what’s best for us. And if we don’t get the summit, that’s God protecting us. If we get to summit, God made that accessible to us. During the times that I’m really really scared, the only thing that gives me calm or peace is thinking: we’re in the safety of Allah. It’s like a mantra I keep repeating. And honestly, it keeps me so calm.

My dad took me on my first hike and he passed away almost five years ago. Climbing connects me to him. When I’m on a mountain, my grief is amplified. I have days on a mountain where I wake up and I start crying uncontrollably.

CosmoME: How does it feel to carry your country’s name on summits?

Nelly: I was born and raised in Saudi, but I started to feel more and more connected to Lebanon when I started to make history around these climbs. Beyond Lebanon, I feel very proud of my Arab heritage. I’ve always been happy about my identity, but I think even more so now, because I have this responsibility to show what Arab woman can do anything. When I started to see how people responded and starting to see how it inspired Arab woman and Muslim woman, I want to continue. I want to pave the way for other Arab women in sports.

CosmoME: What would you like to say to Arab girls and to our readers?

Nelly: I want people to see that if I can, they can too. I’ve done things that were unconventional, creating a job, a career, and a life that are so different from the standard. I managed to excel in it and inspire others. I never imagined I’d make it onto the cover of a magazine for climbing K2. Most people here don’t even know what K2 is. But you have to believe in your dream so strongly that others start to believe in it too. Then it’s no longer just your dream—it becomes everyone’s success.

If I can do this in a career as niche as mountaineering, a sport dominated by men and barely recognized in our region, then they can too. I hope I inspire girls to take the unconventional road, to follow the path that makes sense to them. They will face challenges, resistance from others, and doubt from themselves. But those obstacles will make them stronger. The ups and downs are what make the journey meaningful. When you persevere, lean into your gifts, and live your purpose, that’s when you make the greatest contribution to the world.

CosmoME: Could you share more about the business side of mountaineering?

Nelly: Initially, it was all self-funded. But as it started to take up more of my time and energy, I thought—why not turn this into a job? I was already creating content, so whenever I worked with brands, I’d try to merge it with my climbs. Instead of doing a standard campaign here, I’d say, ‘Why not make it unique and create the campaign up there?’

Over the years, through sponsorships, I’ve partnered with a range of brands—from apparel companies to climbing operators to even medication brands. After a decade, the variety is wide, but sponsorships are what make this possible. Sometimes, it’s still my own savings. Even now, I pay for some climbs myself, funding them through other work and setting money aside for the mountains.

CosmoME: Mountaineering has long been a male-dominated space. What challenges did you face as a woman in that world?

Nelly: I was often the least technically experienced climber on the team. I didn’t grow up with snow, and I didn’t have a climbing background. There was a lot to catch up on. Gear was another challenge. Being petite, I could never find equipment that fit—everything from summit suits to sleeping bags would swallow me whole.

Thankfully, as more women have joined the sport, more brands have started catering to women’s sizes. Now, I don’t see my size or the fact that I’m an Arab woman as a challenge. It’s my strength. I love it when people are surprised and say ‘Oh, you’re a climber?’ and I get to let my performance speak for itself. Training in the extreme heat back home has given me an edge.

CosmoME: What is recovery like? How does coming back to everyday life feel after climbing?

Nelly: It usually takes me two weeks (sometimes a month) to feel like myself again after a climb. My nervous system, my sleep, my training… everything needs time to reset before my body feels strong again. I ease my way back into everything. I don’t like to stop training entirely, but I’m gentle with myself and very aware I’m still recovering.

Even my concentration takes a hit. That first week, I find it hard to focus at work, so I give myself that two-week buffer to slowly re-engage. Psychologically, there’s often a dip too. After so much adrenaline and constant movement in nature with my team, coming back to the noise and overstimulation of the city can feel jarring. That adjustment period, both physically and mentally, is part of the process.

CosmoME: You’ve made history. What is next for you?

Nelly: I’d love to keep climbing, but there’s so much more to life than just summits. For me, sports have always been about community—that’s why I started in the first place. It feels good to be back, training with friends and moving alongside others.

Over the next six months, my focus is on enabling as many people as possible to get active. My background is in therapy, and when I began, sports weren’t widely accessible to women in Saudi. Creating spaces for women to move together changed my life, and I saw firsthand how it transformed theirs. I want to return to that mission.

I have a few adventurous trips planned across the region, coaching sessions, speaking engagements, and an initiative in the works aimed at making movement more accessible to everyone. That’s my goal for now. Then, maybe in six or seven months, I’ll be ready to climb again.

source/content: cosmopolitanme.com (cosmopolitan middle east). (headline edited)

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LEBANON

EGYPT : A world spectacle for history – Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) inaugration November 01st, 2025

After more than 20 years in the making.

In an evening that blended history, culture and global celebration, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and First Lady Entissar Al-Sisi presided over the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on Saturday, marking a milestone in the modern cultural landscape of Egypt and the world. The ceremony was attended by nearly 80 high-level delegations, including kings, presidents, princes, heads of government, and representatives of regional and international organisations.

Among them was German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Rania of Jordan, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Also present were Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Badr bin Abdullah, and the crown princes of Oman and Bahrain.

Held at the GEM’s open-air court overlooking the Giza Plateau, the celebration unfolded as a multisensory homage to Egypt’s timeless civilisation. Performances combining music, light, laser projection, and drone choreography traced the evolution of Egyptian architectural genius, from the Giza Pyramids to the modern era, and highlighted the message that civilisations thrive in times of peace.

The façade of the museum became a canvas for immersive light and projection displays, with vast screens illuminating Egypt’s ancient monuments and artistic heritage. Dancers in Pharaonic-inspired costumes, adorned with gold crowns and sceptres, performed to a live international orchestra, while fireworks and synchronised drone formations traced the silhouettes of ancient deities across the night sky.

President Al-Sisi welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasised that the GEM, now the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation, stands not merely as a showcase of ancient treasures, but as a testament to the creative spirit and enduring legacy of the Egyptian people.

He also described the museum as a new chapter in Egypt’s cultural story, affirming that it stands as a testament to the creativity and legacy of the Egyptian people and as a space for dialogue, knowledge, and exchange.

The ceremony began with the performance “The World Plays One Melody”. The programme featured a laser and drone show illustrating the Orion Belt alignment and its symbolic connection between the museum and the Giza Pyramids, followed by a performance titled “A Journey of Peace in the Land of Peace”.

The sequence highlighted the evolution of Egyptian architectural ingenuity, from the Step Pyramid of Djoser to modern Egyptian design, accompanied by a Coptic hymn of Sufi spiritual singing, and a drone message reading: “Civilisations Flourish in Times of Peace.”

The evening’s performances brought together some of Egypt’s most celebrated voices. Soprano Fatma Said and tenor Ragaaeddin delivered stirring pieces composed by Hisham Nazih, whose music blends contemporary orchestration with the tonal motifs of ancient Egypt, a style previously showcased during the Golden Mummies parade.

Sisters Amira and Mariam Abu Zahra, granddaughters of renowned Egyptian actor Abdel-Rahman Abu Zahra, appeared in stylised Pharaonic attire, performing a violin duet accompanied by the Cairo Opera House Orchestra and international ensemble players under the baton of maestro Nayer Nagui.

The celebration also highlighted Egypt’s cultural diversity. Nubian singer Ahmed Ismail performed in the Nubian language, while Haneen Al-Shater sang in Arabic from a floating stage overlooking the Nile, symbolising Egypt’s enduring identity as a crossroads of civilisations.

Iconic Egyptian actress Sherihan delivered an evocative spoken tribute to ancient Egypt’s artistic legacy, set against sky projections of the Pyramids. She was followed by Sherine Ahmed, the first actress of Egyptian descent to play Eliza Doolittle on Broadway, who gave a powerful musical performance before Islamic chanter Ehab Younis offered a spiritual finale.

On giant screens above, scenes from celebrations in countries all over the world played out against the backdrop of Egypt’s ancient monuments.

Dozens of performers dressed in elaborate white costumes, as a symbol of peace, their foreheads crowned with golden wreaths and sceptres in hand, played traditional tunes as a laser show depicting the Pharaohs and fireworks lit up the night sky above the museum.

As the night drew to a close, a drone light show mapped the sky with hieroglyphs, Pharaonic figures, and the golden mask of Tutankhamun, shimmering above the Giza Plateau, an image that captured both the grandeur of the past and the cultural confidence of the present.

Among the many moments that captured global attention during the GEM’s opening ceremony was the appearance of 12-year-old Asser Ahmed Hamdi, whose poised and expressive performance resonated with viewers across Egypt and beyond. The young performer quickly became one of the most talked about faces of the event, representing a new generation engaging with the country’s cultural narrative.

Asser described his participation in the ceremony as a defining moment in his life. “I was very happy to be there, and proud that my effort represented Egypt in front of the world,” he said, explaining that his preparation for the role involved months of rehearsals and that he had been training in performance and acting for seven years. “When the opportunity came, I felt like a dream had been achieved.”

Performing before President Al-Sisi and dozens of world leaders brought initial nerves, he admitted, but the atmosphere on stage quickly shifted those feelings. “I was nervous backstage, but once I stepped onto the stage, I felt calm,” he said. After the performance, he exchanged a few words with the president, who praised his portrayal linked to the story of Tutankhamun.

Asser spoke with pride about standing before the golden mask of Tutankhamun and the monumental statue of Ramses II inside the museum. “I had seen them only in books and on TV, but standing in front of them at the GEM was something completely different,” he said. “I felt proud to be representing Egypt.”

Reflecting on the journey, he said, “All the effort in rehearsals was worth it. I’m grateful I could present something worthy of Egypt. I will always be proud that I was part of the opening of the GEM.”

Among the creative figures behind the opening night spectacle was Ahmed Essam, the artist and designer responsible for the fireworks and pyrotechnic displays that illuminated the GEM during the ceremony. Speaking about the experience, Essam described it as one of the defining moments of his career, noting that the preparations took several months of planning, rehearsal and technical coordination.

“It was an honour to be part of an event of this scale,” he said, explaining that the ceremony’s postponements provided valuable time to refine the visual narrative and ensure that the display matched the cultural weight of the occasion. Essam highlighted that working in a field he is passionate about has been central to his development. “I travel constantly to learn and experiment with new ideas. When you love what you do, you invest your whole self into it.”

Creating the fireworks show for the GEM opening, he noted, required an approach tailored to the museum’s identity as a celebration of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Colours, rhythms, and sequences were chosen to complement the architectural setting and underscore the narrative themes of heritage and renewal.

He was also quick to highlight the scale of teamwork behind the scenes. “What viewers saw was the result of a coordinated effort involving more than 150 people, from designers and technicians to support staff. Everyone worked with passion and commitment to present Egypt in the best possible light.

“The opening of the GEM is a landmark in Egypt’s cultural journey. The presence of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and world leaders underscored its importance. We are proud to have contributed to an event that showcased Egypt’s ability to inspire and captivate the world,” Essam added.

Soprano Said, who took the stage as one of the evening’s principal performers, revealed that the concert marked a deeply personal milestone for her as it was her first since becoming a mother.

“I recently gave birth to twins,” she said, “and I wasn’t sure I would be able to perform because the concert came so soon after the delivery. I was a little anxious. But my children gave me the strength and energy to take part in this extraordinary occasion.”

Her appearance added an intimate emotional layer to the celebration, reflecting both the resilience of artists and the symbolic continuity between generations that the museum itself seeks to embody.

Most of the international state leaders expressed their enthusiasm over the grand opening. In a diplomatic gesture that blended cultural appreciation with a touch of modern creativity, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen presented Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with a LEGO replica of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a symbolic gesture marking Denmark’s participation in the GEM’s opening and celebrating Egypt’s architectural heritage.

Zambian Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba noted his country’s appreciation for the commemorative gift presented to Zambia on the occasion of the GEM’s opening, a piece representing part of the GEM’s architectural model. He pointed out that the artefact will be placed on a temporary display in one of Zambia’s national museums, accompanied by an explanatory panel narrating its significance. The gesture, he said, reflects Zambia’s pride in taking part in this historic cultural moment and serves as a testament to the growing cultural ties between the two nations.

As with any major cultural event, public reaction to the GEM’s opening ceremony was not uniform. Such occasions naturally invite a spectrum of opinions, shaped by personal taste, expectations, and aesthetic preferences. While some critics viewed the event as more modest than anticipated, others praised its scale and artistic ambition, seeing in it a carefully curated blend of ancient symbolism and modern cultural expression. Supporters argue that the ceremony succeeded in presenting Egypt as both a guardian of a timeless civilisation and a dynamic cultural force in the present day — a duality at the heart of the museum’s identity.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 November, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA : Madinah wins new WHO ‘healthy city’ accreditation

Middle East’s second-largest ‘healthy city’ after Jeddah

15 other cities in Saudi Arabia included in WHO list

The World Health Organization has renewed its accreditation of Madinah as a “healthy city,” with Islam’s second-holiest location scoring an impressive 80 points, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah region, received the WHO accreditation certificate from Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel during a ceremony on Thursday.

Prince Salman said Madinah’s renewed accreditation exemplifies the leadership’s dedication to enhancing quality of life for the Kingdom’s people in urban centers.

He emphasized Madinah’s ongoing transformation as a leading development model regionally and internationally, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, after Jeddah, the SPA reported.

To win the WHO’s nod, an entrant must meet 80 criteria, including parks, walking areas, and the promotion of health through primary care centers and schools.

The WHO has also recognized 14 other healthy cities in Saudi Arabia. These include Taif, Tabuk, Ad-Diriyah, Unaizah, Jalajel, Al-Mandaq, Al-Jumum, Riyadh Al-Khubra and Sharurah, according to Leaders MENA Magazine.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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With the new accreditation, Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, next to Jeddah. (SPA photo)

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SAUDI ARABIA