Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt showcases successful heritage partnerships at 5th International PPP MENA Forum in Dubai
DUBAI – Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, participated as a keynote speaker at the 5th International Public-Private Partnership MENA Forum (PPP MENA Forum), held recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The forum is a leading regional platform dedicated to fostering public-private partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa, attracting over 400 international participants from government, the private sector, investors, experts, and developers.
Representing Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Khaled highlighted Egypt’s groundbreaking initiatives to protect cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism, emphasizing the vital role that private sector collaboration plays in supporting these efforts.
In his address titled “Heritage through Partnership: Public-Private Collaboration Models to Boost Tourism and Culture across the MENA Region,” Dr. Khaled underscored that effective partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to maximizing the value of archaeological sites. He stressed the importance of finding a balance between preserving heritage for future generations and delivering exceptional visitor experiences that bolster local economies and create new opportunities for youth.
Dr. Khaled showcased several successful Egyptian PPP models, such as the recent development and upgrade of visitor services at the Giza Pyramids complex, which launched its pilot phase last April. Other projects include initiatives in Saqqara, on Al-Muizz Street, at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, and at the Citadel of Salah El-Din. According to Dr. Khaled, these projects enhance the quality of tourism services, provide a holistic experience for visitors, and help encourage repeat tourism.
He also introduced new investment opportunities for private sector operation of services within key heritage sites, assuring that all such ventures are based on thorough studies to ensure the preservation of historical value, and are governed by Egyptian antiquities law and international tourism standards.
Additionally, Dr. Khaled cited international partnerships in restoration and conservation, such as the restoration of the Fatimid Dome of Al-Shabih and the Mamluk Dome of Safi Al-Din Jawhar in Cairo’s Khalifa district. These projects were delivered under the supervision of the Supreme Council, as part of the “Athar Lina” (The Monument is Ours) initiative, and funded by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, in collaboration with the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
He affirmed that these successes highlight Egypt’s capacity to attract international investment and partnerships, directly supporting its 2030 Vision for Sustainable Development and reinforcing its position as a global destination for culture and tourism.
The PPP MENA Forum continues to serve as a vital venue for exchanging expertise and sharing global best practices in heritage protection, tourism development, and public-private collaboration across the region.