Wednesday, 27 May 2026
File photo
Egypt marks 66th anniversary of Aswan High Dam
Egypt today celebrates the 66th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the iconic Aswan High Dam, a project widely regarded as one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century. The event, first initiated on January 9, 1960, by the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, is a proud moment in the nation’s modern history.
Commenting on the anniversary, Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, described the Aswan High Dam as a “fortress of safety for the Egyptian people” and the greatest water infrastructure project in Egypt’s modern era. “Over decades, the dam has shielded Egypt from droughts and floods, regulated the flow of the Nile, and provided a reliable water source for agriculture, industry, and electricity generation," he said.
Minister Sewilam emphasized the continual efforts to ensure the technical readiness of the Aswan High Dam and reservoir, highlighting these as central to Egypt's next-generation water management strategy, known as “Water System 2.0.” Ongoing upgrades integrate global best practices and digital monitoring solutions, ensuring the dam’s efficiency and resilience in the face of climate variability.
“These modernization efforts are being closely supervised and supported by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The state is fully committed to preserving this national landmark and enhancing its operational capabilities for years to come,” Sewilam added. He expressed deep gratitude to the dedicated teams managing the dam, whose hard work around the clock safeguards one of Egypt’s most vital assets.
The Aswan High Dam stands as a symbol of the determination and spirit of the Egyptian people, who overcame tremendous challenges to bring the project to fruition. The decision to build the dam was first made in 1953, with its design completed in 1954 under the leadership of engineers Musa Arafa and Hassan Zaki, and the support of international experts. Financing the project led to the historic nationalization of the Suez Canal in 1956, a pivotal moment in Egypt’s quest for development and self-sufficiency.
Construction began in earnest after the foundation stone was laid in 1960, and the dam was officially inaugurated in 1971 by the late President Anwar Sadat—a day that remains a national holiday in the Aswan governorate.
Minister Sewilam paid special tribute to all those who contributed to this historical feat, calling the Aswan High Dam “a lasting legacy to inspire future generations.”
As Egypt looks ahead, the Aswan High Dam remains central to the nation's water security and sustainable development agenda.