Luxor

Luxor, the City of the Elite
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York arrived in Luxor on 10 January 2008 with his daughter for a two day visit. He was fascinated by the historic and cultural sites in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian architecture and the fascinating inscriptions in the tombs of the Pharaohs . He said that he had come to see Luxor after hearing about how the area had developed and to enjoy its warm weather which is rather different from that of England.
Catch the Opportunity of Visiting the Young King
It is Tutankhamen Tomb, at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor with its walls of rare scenes and paintings, which are not found in any other ancient tombs. Quickly! catch this opportunity and visit this wonderful tomb, since the Supreme Council of Antiquities arranged as of December 1st, 2007 to close the tomb daily for an hour from 12:00 – 1:00 pm and to eliminate the number of visitors to be in total of 400 visitor each day divided to 200 visitors in the morning and 200 visitors in the evening. In a positive step towards preserving of these murals, the Supreme Council of Antiquities decided to start a restoration project to preserve these murals in May 1st, 2008 accordingly it will be closed for one year.
Cairo, capital of Arabic literature
The 40th Cairo International Book Fair will take place from January 23 to February 4 in Cairo Fair Grounds. This leading cultural activity in the Middle East is the biggest in the world after Frankfurt. First held in 1969, to narrow the gap between Arabic and foreign language books, the annual Cairo International Book Fair is a great opportunity for over three million international visitors per year to learn about new books being published with a particular focus on Arab-language titles. In addition to 3000 exhibitors of literature, science and intellectual book collections, there are arts events, seminars, music and discussions with world-famous guest speakers.
Best children songs on the Nile
The International Nile Children's Song Festival will take place from January 29 to February 4 at the Cairo International Conference Centre. This annual festival for children and teenager is organised by the Egyptian Society of Children's Culture and Arts under the auspices of H.E first lady of Egypt. Children compete by age group for generous cash prizes, they are judged on their writing, singing and composing performances. All genres are allowed, though the songs must be new and unheard before. International musicians, performers and singers from around the world participate to several charity concerts and exhibitions.
Le Meridien Dahab Resort
Le Meridien Dahab Resort is located in the heart of Sinai, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, only one hour drive from Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The hotel's contemporary, elegant design and array of leisure facilities combined with its located make for an ideal getaway guests will have a choice of leisure facilities including five swimming pools, children club, dive and windsurfing centers, Jacuzzi, Steam and Sauna, beautifully landscaped gardens and tennis court. Attraction such as St. Catherine's monastery, the Sinai Oasis and Mount Moses, Ras Mohammed national park and blue hotel (diving spot) are only few miles away from this resort.
"Piano Seven" in the 20th Jubilee of the Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House will be celebrating its 20th jubilee on 13 January 2008. The official jubilee program will be opened by the concert of Francois Lindemann's seven grand pianos orchestra, "Piano Seven" which will be performed by the seven pianists: Francois Lindemann, Michel Bastet, Olivier Rogg, Pierre-Luc Vallet, Valentin Peiry, Marc Perrenoud and Fabrizio Chiovetta. As always, "Piano Seven" has invited special guests: the young percussionist levon and violinist Stephanie Decaillet who will perform for the first time in Egypt. The concert is the Swiss present to the Cairo Opera House on its 20th jubilee.
Luxor Wished Sarkozy and Blair a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The French President Sarkozy and his fiancé Carla Brune arrived at Luxor on 25 December 2007 to spend Christmas and new year holidays in Egypt . They visited the Valley of the King, the Valley of the Queens and the Ramesseum. The inscriptions and paintings of the pharaonic tombs and especially those of Nefertari’s tomb fascinated President Sarkozy.Two days later, Ex Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived as well at Luxor. The moment he arrived he was overwhelmed by Egypt warm weather. With his 7 years old son, Leo he visited Luxor and El Karnak temples, Luxor museum and the Mummification museum.It was a good chance for Leo to visit the historical sites of Luxor as he has just begun studying the Ancient Egyptian Civilization.
It is Always Sharm El-Sheik “The World's Leading Dive Destination”
The World Travel Awards awarded Sharm El-Sheikh as the World's Leading Dive Destination in its annual gala ceremony held on 12 December 2007 at the Caribbean Island of the Turks and Caicos. Its worth mentioning that it is the world’s most comprehensive travel awards ceremony, with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry.The Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh also came as the world’s leading Diving Resort. Thousands of votes each year are registered online at the official World Travel Awards website, with most of the leading travel internet sites offering additional online voting facilities. This year the number of votes reached 167.000 of those involved in the travel industry from about 190 countries from all over the world.But that was not all for Egypt as the Giza Pyramids were awarded as the World’s Leading Attraction, Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort was awarded as Africa’s Leading Family Resort, Luxor Suit at Intercontinental Citystars Cairo was awarded as Africa’s Leading Suit and Queen Cleopatra Villas Savoy Sharm El Sheikh was awarded as Africa’s Leading Villa.
Glamorous Opening Ceremony for the 31st Cairo International Film Festival
Magnificent Matt Dillon, fascinating Harvey Keitel, amazing Aimee Mullins, lovely Laura Harring and British director Hugh Hudson all at the opening ceremony of the 31st CIFF.The opening ceremony of the 31st Cairo International Film Festival was an unforgettable night for all the stars and guests who attended the last night's ceremony.Comedian Ahmed Helmi, gave an auto-sarcastic joyful one man show before introducing Honorary President Omar Sharif, who welcomed all the guests and foreign guests to Egypt and wished them a splendid stay. He asked them to convey their enjoyable trip to their friends and family back home. He said that Egyptians are a friendly warm nation, they "hug" everyone with their warmth and love.The British Comedy "Death at a Funeral" was the opening film.The Festival ends on 7 December 2007, with the participation of 54 countries.For more information, please visit: cairofilmfest.org
The QTA in Egypt
A press conference was held on 9 October 2007 in Berlin to announce the annual conference of the Quality Travel Alliance (QTA) in Cairo to be held from 29 November to 2 December 2007. This Alliance was established in 2002 and is considered the biggest travel Alliance in Europe.This choice of Egypt to hold the meeting confirms the importance of Egypt as a major tourism destination for the most important Tour Operators in Germany.
International Seminar on therapeutic Tourism potential in Egypt to be held on December 11th 2007
The ministry of Tourism, the European Union and the Egyptian Tourist Authority are organizing, an international seminar on wellness tourism in Egypt at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza on December 11th 2007.This seminar which is entitled "therapeutic tourism potential in Egypt" is culmination of a year work by an EU sponsored international team of wellness tourism experts, in collaboration with a counterpart team from the Egyptian Tourist Authority led by the chairman of the ETA, Mr. Amr EL-Ezabi. The seminar will be held under the patronage of H.E.Mr.Zoheir Garranah, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and H.E.Ambassador Dr.Klaus Ebermann, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt and will be chaired by Mr. Amr EL-Ezabi, chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority.Nine international speakers from Germany, Austria, Sweden and Tunisia will address the seminar, which will discuss the various aspects of this fast growing sector of international tourism, Egypt’s potential as a therapeutic tourism destination will also be addressed.Wellness tourism seminar reinforces current efforts to diversity Egypt's tourism product and increase Egypt's share of international tourism.
Discover New Sites in Egypt "Port Ghalib"
Port Ghalib is located along the Southern Red Sea Coast of Egypt. This integrated development spans 3.5km of pristine beachfront, with a total area of 8 million sqm .enjoying magnificent panoramic views of rugged desert mountains and turquoise blue water. The area offers a virgin site of breath-taking natural beauty, with its rolling hills, sand dunes, wadis, natural flora and fauna,un-spoilt desert terrain, and of course, world-famous underwater coral reefs of the Red Sea. Port Ghalib represents a new generation of environmentally sensitive resorts. Designed and master-planned by some of the World's leading companies, Port Ghalib includes nine uniquely themed villages featuring; an international marina, 23 distinctive hotels, golf course, yacht club, residential & luxury properties, retail outlets, entertainment facilities and services.Port Ghalib will comprise nine villages, featuring:- 23 Hotels. - Conference Center.- International Marina. - 18-hole Golf Course.- Yacht Club. - Retail and Commercial Outlets.- Residential and Luxury Prosperities.- Entertainment Facilities and Services.Since Port Ghalib has such features, it attracts a lot of tourists interested in Egypt: family holidaymakers, yachtsmen, mariners, sports enthusiasts, golfers, tennis players, and fitness tourists, as well as the business traveler, eco-tourist, and adventure seeker. Port Ghalib will attract these individuals through its uniquely beautiful coral reefs, its desert oasis, its mountains with fauna and flora, and the ancient monuments in the local area and adjacent Nile Valley.
After 54 years, the Arab Tournament of Sports is back in Egypt
The 11Th Arab Tournament of sports was launched on last Sunday 11 November 2007 in Cairo, under the patronage of president Moubarak. The tournament which will last for two weeks brings together 7000 players from 22 Arab countries. Different governorates in Egypt will host the competitions and the matches of this tournament.For further information, please visit http://www.egypt2007.com.eg/
French singer Charles Aznavour to visit Egypt
In January 2008, famous French singer Charles Aznavour will visit Egypt to give two exclusive charity concerts. The first performance will take place in Cairo Opera House on the 3rd of January, the second one in Alexandria on the 7th of January. The French channels “France 24” and “Channel 2” will broadcast Charles Aznavour’s concerts. The French singer may be soon involved in a new project linked with Egypt: his idea of narrating a movie about the pyramids is being considered.Date: January 3rdPlace: CairoDate: January 7thPlace: Alexandria
Egypt hosts the Italian Golf Championship Final
For the second year, The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and The Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) are sponsoring the Italian Golf Championship Final which takes place in El Gouna from the 28 October to 4 November 2007.According to Mr. Donato Ala, famous Italian journalist and coordinator of the Championship, Egypt has been chosen once again because of last year unequalled success in El Ain El Soukhna.This sporting event, well-covered in Italy attracts an increasing number of participants. This year, 48 players will meet on the golf course.Period : October 28 to November 4 2007Place : El Gouna
Tutankhamun’s mummy uncovered
The mummy of the golden Pharaoh “Tut Ankh Amon” will be uncovered for the first time out of its coffin to be exhibited to tourists inside its tomb in the Valley of the Kings, in Luxor. Dr. Zahi Hawas, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced a world-watched celebration for this event on 4 November 2007. Date: November 4 2007Place: Valley of the Kings
Egypt Power Boat Rally
Egypt is organizing the world sporting and tourist festival “Egypt Rally of Power Boats” for the second year along the Red Sea coast, with the cooperation of the English Royal Yachting Association. This competition will be held from 26 October to 4 November 2007. The rally is recorded in the agenda of the international maritime rallies of the Union International Motonautigue. The rally'sprize will reach 100,000 euros. 45 yachts and 350 competitors from all over the world will participate in this rally. For more information, visit http://www.%20redsearibrally.com/ Period: October 26 to November 4Place: Red Sea (detail of the course places : http://www.%20redsearibrally.com/)
World Powerboating Championship in Porto Marina
Porto Marina will host the 5th race of the "Class 1" World Powerboat Championship from 25 to 27 October 2007. According to Mr. Saeed Hareb, Chairman of World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA), the amenities and the services offered by this leading destination the Mediterranean Coast has prompted its choice as host for this sporting event from 2007 to 2011."Class 1" has become the leading event in the world of powerboating over the past 25 years. With seven races every year, the competition will come from Greece to Egypt before heading to Qatar and Dubai. Seven participating teams from eight different countries will meet in eleven boats using the world's most advanced technologies. This Championship will be covered live by 142 international channels.About Porto Marina:Porto Marina is one of the largest resort complexes on the Mediterranean and offers some of Egypt’s most exclusive 5 star hotels, catering to up to 800,000 tourists yearly. The complex houses the North Coast’s first ever 18 hole golf course, a luxurious spa complex, a shopping mall, international restaurants, private beaches and swimming pool, kids club and number of major sports facilities. Period: October 25 to 27Place: Porto Marina
A unique event in Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a splendid temple built on a strict east – west axis so that the morning sun actually goes through the heart of the temple for 60 meters to reach the innermost sanctuary at dawn, illuminating the statues of Amon, Ramses II and Ra-Horakhty twice a year on Oct. 22nd and Feb. 22nd.This phenomenon is known as the “Perpendicular of the Sun on Abu Simbel”. It lasts for about 20 minutes and has no relation with the dates of birth or coronation of Ramses II as was wrongly thought. It is a unique phenomenon of the Temple that shows the architectural creativity of the ancient Egyptian architects, who wished to show and ensure the relationship between the temple and the Sun.
Tutankhamun, London's VIP guest
35 years after the successful Tutankhamun exhibition, London is getting ready to once again welcome the treasures of the world’s most famous pharaoh for 9 months. Weeks before the 15 November 2007, opening day of the “Tutankhamun and the golden age of the pharaohs” exhibition in the O2, London already celebrates Egypt in town.The 1 October a statue of the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis, sailed down the River Thames en-route to Trafalgar Square where he shall watch over the preparation for Tutankhamun’s arrival. The 5 July, the Pyramid Project, an art initiative conducted by international pop artist Romero Britto, brought together hundreds of school children from Europe and Egypt around the painting of panels for large scale pyramids. The 25ft and 45ft pyramids will be erected the 30 October 2007 in Hyde Park and outside the host venue for the Tutankhamun Exhibition.More information:Tutankhamun exhibition : http://www.visitlondon.com/tutankhamun - http://www.kingtut.org/homeThe Pyramid Project : http://www.pyramidproject.co.uk/
Opening of Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria
The new Four Seasons Hotel San Stefano in Alexandria, with all the glamour of Cleopatra’s ancient Mediterranean home, is a haven of luxury. You will enjoy the airiness of the largest decorated rooms in all Alexandria with one or more private balconies that have breathtaking views of the turquoise sea or the glittering city. Guests and outside visitors will be spoiled with the nine fine restaurants offering a wide range of international and Egyptian cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to pamper yourself with a visit to the Spa and Fitness Center or a relaxing moment at the sunny, poolside deck with its water music. Or you can lounge on the private beach and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the flawless, personalized service that is the hallmark of Four Seasons Hotels throughout the world.http://www.fourseasons.com/
Arab pop singers in Cairo for two exclusive concerts
In July and August, Intercontinental Hotel in City Star is presenting a host of famous Arab Pop singers in two exclusive concerts. On the program: Myriam Fares, Asala, Saber al-Ribai, Wael Kafoury and Hayfa Wahba.
Open-air concerts at the Cairo Opera House
In summer, the open-air theatre at the Cairo Opera House hosts musicians from different backgrounds: oriental, jazz, rock, classical Arabic music, and traditional songs. www.cairooperahouse.org
Music all summer long at the cultural center el Sakia
Located on Zamalek island, by the Nile, the cultural center el Sakia offers concerts, theatrical perforomances, and exhibitions all summer long. El Sakia is the ancient water wheel for land irrigation. The whole programme is available on http://www.culturewheel.com
Music at the Citadel in the summer
Concerts are held in the Cairo Citadel all summer long. This is an opportunity to visit the place by night and admire the view of the “city of the thousand minarets”.
World top archaeological discovery of 2006 is in Egypt
The American periodical “Archeaology” named Valley of the Kings Tomb KV63 world top archaeological discovery of 2006. It is the first tomb to be excavated in the Valley of the Kings since Tutankhamun's in 1922.
Two new seaside resorts in Egypt
Almaza Bay, first international seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast, hosts already six hotels, 2,500 villas, a golf court, a marina and sports complex. On the Red Sea, Port Ghalib’s new resort, 250 km south of Hurghada and accessible by Marsa Alam international airport, offers high quality tourist services.
Egyptian antiquities back home
Two antiquities, auctioned on the international market, have been finally restituted to Egypt. The Middle Empire alabaster duck-shaped boxes had been found in Dahshur, on the Amenemhat III’s pyramid site, some thirty years ago.
Opening of the Meridien Resort in Dahab
At the end of July, the international hotel company Meridien is opening a new resort in Dahab, located at the heart of Aqaba Gulf, just a 45-minute drive from Sharm el-Sheikh. The hotel was designed by architect Alain Jaouen. The rooms have spectacular sea views. All facilities are available: spa, shopping gallery, sailing and diving centre, five swimming pools, an artificial lagoon and a Penguin Club for children.
Islamic Cairo restored : al-Muezz street becomes an open-air museum
First step of restoration in Islamic Cairo has been achieved. Al-Muezz street has become an open-air museum which holds around forty Islamic monuments: mosque, schools and fountains. The street links Bab al-Futuh in the north and Bab al-Zwayla in the south, the two gates of the medieval city.
Ramses II’s stolen hair, back to Egypt
In November 2006, a French man auctioned on Internet a hair from Ramses’s mummy, stolen when it had been restored in the 50’s. The hair has been finally given back to Egypt.
Temple of Edfu now opened for visitors at night
Horus’ temple of Edfu is now opened at night. Visitors arrive from the Nile, where a special anchorage for tourists’ boats has been set up. New and sophisticated lighting illuminates the temple.
A new Egyptian site to apply the Unesco World Heritage list
Unesco is considering inscribing the Qatrani Mount, located in the Fayoum oasis, on the natural and cultural world heritage list. This site holds prehistorical treasures, but also the most ancient road in the world, the ruins of a Ptolemaic town and a Coptic monastery. In the same region, Unesco registered in 2005 the Whales Valley (wady al-Hitane) as natural world heritage site. The Theban necropolis in Luxor and the Guiza Pyramids were the first sites to be inscribed in 1979 by the international cultural agency.
Cairo celebrates the Festival of Music on 21 June
The citadel of Saladin will light up on 21 June to play host to the Festival of Music. The line-up includes Latino-American music, oriental jazz with the Egyptian group El Door El Awal, traditional Egyptian music from the national ensemble of popular music, and exclusively, the Franco-Algerian singer Soad Massi, the Maghreb’s equivalent to Tracy Chapman.
International Festival of Contemporary Dance, Cairo Opera
The Cairo Opera will be hosting the International Festival of Contemporary Dance from 5 to 22 June, which will be co-ordinated by Walid Aouni, pioneering choreographer of contemporary dance in Egypt and in the Arab world
Protecting the White Desert
Local associations and officials from the Egyptian Agency for the Environment Affairs launched for five days in May a campaign for collecting garbage in the White Desert protected park, located between the Western oasis of Farafra and Bahariya. About 200 volunteers, foreigners and Egyptians participated in the campaign.
First international boat exhibition in El Gouna, Red Sea
From 6 to 10 June 2007, El Gouna, in the Red Sea, is hosting the first international boat exhibition.http://www.egyptboatshow.com/
Camel festival in Sharm el-Sheikh
Around 250 camels and 15 Bedouin tribes will gather in May in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Djoser’s pyramids in restoration
The Egyptian Supreme Council for the Antiquity has launched in April an ambitious restoration plan of the oldest pyramid in Egypt. The pyramid was built in Saqqarah by architect Imhotep to the glory of king Djoser (2667-2648 BC).
EGYPT THRILLS SHAKIRA AS SHE SINGS AT THE PYRAMIDS
(Cairo) –Shakira shimmied her hips at the Great Pyramids in Cairo – the latest in a series of concerts featuring idols like the Pussycat Dolls, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Craig David, Sting, and Sean Paul. Shakira told Al Ahram. “I can feel the greatness of Egyptian civilization. Here under the Pyramids, I feel my heart dance." In traditional costume Shakira enthralled to a song by Egyptian singer Om Kalthoum. Belly-dancing is part of the half-Lebanese singer’s roots. She brings Middle Eastern traditions under the spotlight and her show attracted thousands of young people.
Three sarcophagus discovered in Saqqara Necropolis
Japanese archaeologists discovered three 4,000 year-old sarcophagus in Saqqara Necropolis, south of Cairo. Saqqara is notably renown for its steps pyramid built by Imhotep for King Djoser, around 2,700 BC
Underwater archaeological museum in Alexandria
Archaeological treasures in Alexandria bay will be exhibited in a futuristic underwater museum, facing the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in the heart of the antique city.
Stele discovery in Karnak
Egyptian team of archaeologists discovered a stele which should shed light on the history of Karnak temple.
« Fire of Anatolia » is performing in Egypt in March
Turkish ballet “Fire of Anatolia”, on world tour, will perform in Cairo at the Guiza pyramids (25-26 March), in Sharm el-Sheikh (28-29 March) and in Alexandria (31 March).http://www.fireofanatolia.com/
Pharaonic cemetery discovered in Luxor
The Egyptian-French archeological mission has discovered a Pharaonic cemetery inside the ancient Ramsis Temple in Luxor.
Luxor, rediscovering the Theban Necropolis
People living in the Theban Necropolis agreed to evacuate the antique site which has been inhabited for several generations. Tourists and archaeologists will soon access the 1,000 tombs of the ancient necropolis.
TRANSFORMATION OF LUXOR INTO AN 'OPEN MUSEUM'
Egypt's Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosni, has announced that he has agreed to carry out a project with the City of Luxor to enhance the cultural and historical riches of the ancient city of Thebes. This project, which will cost 250 million Egyptian pounds, will transform the city into a panorama of classical ancient monuments. Some of the key highlights of this project include lighting along the banks of the Nile and the reopening of the Rameses Road. The project will be carried out in several stages and got under way at the end of last May.
NEW SOUK IN CAIRO
The Souk El-Fustat is located in Old Cairo, between the Amr Ibn Al-As mosque, Egypt's first Mosque, the Church Al-Muallaqa, the 'Hanging Church', a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the recently restored Ben Ezra synagogue. This souk offers traditional hand-made items like embroidered robes, oriental lamps, wooden toys and fabric dolls. The potters working here continue to produce ceramics using ancient techniques. Certain boutiques play host to craftsmen from particular communities, such as the craftsmen of Upper Egypt, or associations like the one for the protection of the environment. Be careful though; unlike the Souk Khan El-Khalili, prices at El-Fustat are fixed and it is impossible to barter.