Monday, 25 May 2026
Hawass Foundation names Abdel‑Maqsoud to head Canal–Sinai branch
The Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage has appointed prominent Egyptologist Mohamed Abdel‑Maqsoud as director of its Canal and Sinai branch, the foundation said on Thursday, in a move aimed at strengthening heritage protection and archaeological awareness in the strategic region.
The foundation said Abdel‑Maqsoud, a former secretary‑general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, was chosen based on a scholarly vision that views the Suez Canal region and Sinai as a single, integrated archaeological and geographical unit. The area has long served as Egypt’s main eastern defensive frontier.
Abdel‑Maqsoud is regarded as one of Egypt’s leading field archaeologists. He discovered the ancient fortress of Tharu at Tell Heboua, east of the Suez Canal, historically known as Egypt’s “eastern gateway”. The site was the most important military stronghold on the ancient Horus Road and a launch point for New Kingdom military campaigns.
In his new role, Abdel‑Maqsoud will oversee the foundation’s activities in the governorates of Ismailia, Port Said and Suez, as well as their archaeological extensions into Sinai. His mandate includes reviving and documenting the Horus military route, organizing international scientific events highlighting discoveries in the Suez Canal region, and mentoring young archaeologists in excavation and documentation in border areas.
Abdel‑Maqsoud holds a PhD with distinction from the University of Lille in France on ancient Egyptian fortifications. He previously headed the Egyptian Antiquities Sector and played a key role in repatriating artifacts from Sinai held abroad. He also represented Egypt at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee. The foundation said his leadership would help reinforce the global profile of Egypt’s eastern gateway.