A significant delegation of Saudi businessmen visited Egypt on April 14, 2025, to explore investment opportunities and strengthen cooperation in various economic sectors. The Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities met with this delegation to discuss ways to enhance partnerships and increase investments in several production sectors. The Egyptian government is actively working to eliminate obstacles for Saudi investors, aligning with directives from political leadership aimed at fostering collaboration and joint projects between the two nations.
During the meeting, the Egyptian minister emphasized the importance of Saudi investments in boosting the local economy. The delegation expressed keen interest in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. The discussions centered around creating a conducive environment for investment, with the Egyptian government promising to streamline processes and offer incentives.
In a related development, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities also met with the French Minister of Culture and her accompanying delegation on the same day. The focus of this meeting was on enhancing archaeological cooperation between Egypt and France. Both parties discussed exchanging expertise and collaborating on professional training for those involved in cultural heritage and antiquities, particularly in the areas of manuscript restoration and archaeological conservation.
One of the key proposals from the meeting was the organization of an annual forum dedicated to the protection of heritage and cultural properties. The ministers also highlighted the importance of teaching the French language in Egypt, referencing a joint cooperation agreement between the French Institute for Oriental Antiquities in Cairo and the French Institute in Cairo, along with the Supreme Council for Antiquities.
Additionally, ongoing cooperation projects between Egypt and France in the field of antiquities were reviewed, with discussions on how to enhance these initiatives and increase the number of French archaeological missions in Egypt. This partnership aims to enrich the archaeological landscape of Egypt while promoting cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles, focusing on enhancing tourism collaboration between the two countries. The meeting explored strategies to attract more tourists from Seychelles to Egypt, emphasizing the need for training and leveraging Egyptian expertise in tourism, hospitality, and hotel management.
To further facilitate this collaboration, the minister proposed joint tourism projects aimed at boosting tourism flow between the two nations. The discussions also included the possibility of increasing direct flight connections, which would significantly enhance accessibility for tourists traveling from Seychelles to Egypt.
In another significant move, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities issued a ministerial decision outlining the conditions and regulations for licensing holiday home units. This decision introduces a new model for tourist accommodation, legalizing the status of certain existing units, and aims to ensure high-quality tourism services in Egypt.
The new regulations are expected to enhance the overall tourist experience by providing diverse accommodation options while adhering to quality standards set by the ministry. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving the tourism sector and meeting the expectations of both domestic and international visitors.
On the international front, the Deputy Minister of Tourism represented Egypt at a ministerial round table organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Abu Dhabi. This event, part of the 14th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), took place from April 7 to April 9, 2025. The deputy minister highlighted Egypt's investment opportunities in the tourism sector, showcasing the incentives and financing initiatives offered by the Egyptian government to attract foreign investments.
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the tourist experience, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has been closely monitoring the trial operation of a project aimed at improving services in the Giza Pyramids area. Reports indicate that the visitor flow has been smooth and efficient since the project's inception.
On April 14, 2025, the Giza Pyramids area welcomed 12,000 visitors through the newly opened entrance via the Fayoum gates located on the Cairo-Fayoum road. This marked a significant increase of 120% compared to the daily average of visitors, following the closure of the old entrance at Mena House. The new entrance has been well-received, providing a more organized and accessible way for visitors to experience one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
The ministry has also activated a new transportation system within the Pyramids area, featuring seven designated paths for guided tours to various sites. This initiative aims to enhance visitor experience by ensuring easy navigation and access to key areas of interest.
Overall, the recent meetings and initiatives reflect Egypt's proactive approach to fostering international partnerships, enhancing tourism, and preserving its rich cultural heritage. The government’s commitment to overcoming challenges for investors and promoting collaboration with nations like Saudi Arabia and France is a testament to its strategic vision for economic development.
As Egypt continues to position itself as a prime destination for tourists and investors alike, the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance service quality, and promote cultural exchange are expected to yield significant benefits for the nation’s economy in the coming years.
