Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt launches “Egypt’s Gold” murals project to celebrate national identity, beautify urban spaces
Building on the remarkable success of its recent mural initiative in Aswan, the Egyptian government has officially launched the ambitious “Egypt’s Gold” project — an artistic movement aimed at beautifying public spaces across the nation with vibrant murals reflecting Egypt’s unique identity.
Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno announced the project following a meeting with acclaimed visual artists Maha Gamil and Ali Abdel Fattah, founders of the original “Aswan’s Gold” initiative.
Their recent work, completed under the auspices of Aswan Governor Ismail Kamal, transformed the façades of four prominent buildings along Aswan’s airport road into striking works of art, earning widespread local admiration.
The newly expanded initiative, undertaken in full coordination with the Ministry of Local Development led by Dr. Manal Awad, will see its first phase roll out in Cairo — a decision symbolizing the Egyptian capital’s role as the heart of the nation’s culture and artistic spirit. Cairo's governor, Dr. Ibrahim Saber, is providing strong patronage to ensure the project’s momentum.
Minister Henno emphasized the wider cultural and social significance of the initiative, noting: “This project is a shining example of how art can reshape the visual identity of Egyptian cities, integrating creativity into the daily lives of our citizens and fostering a renewed sense of community pride.”
The plan aims to select key locations — such as city gateways and prominent buildings along major tourist routes — where artists will create murals that authentically reflect each locality’s heritage, while incorporating a fresh, contemporary spirit. To ensure sustainability, the Ministry will offer training workshops for local youth in each governorate, nurturing a new generation of artists and instilling skills for the future. All artistic work will adhere to strict quality standards, using durable materials fit for Egypt’s climate, while respecting local character and identity.
In addition to the murals themselves, the Ministry will publish an official guide detailing artistic standards and maintenance procedures to ensure the longevity and high standard of the artwork throughout the years.
Minister Henno highlighted the transformative power of public art: “Beyond adding aesthetic value to our cities, this initiative rehabilitates mural art as a dynamic element in public spaces, strengthens Egypt’s cultural appeal as a tourist destination, and empowers local communities — especially the youth — to play a vital role in shaping their environment.”
Speaking about their vision, artists Maha Gamil and Ali Abdel Fattah shared: “Our dream is for every Egyptian city to become an open-air museum, telling its story and celebrating its heritage through art. With ‘Egypt’s Gold,’ we aim to pass on this spirit to future generations.”
The Ministry sees the project as a key component of Egypt’s “soft power,” enhancing the country’s rich cultural legacy and offering visitors and residents alike a visually enchanting urban experience.
Minister Henno concluded: “The success of ‘Egypt’s Gold’ is a testament to art’s power to inspire change. We believe this initiative will be the seed of a much larger movement, reflecting the true spirit and potential of Egyptian culture.”