Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt’s top antiquities official inspects Saqqara, Mit Rahina sites
The secretary‑general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Hisham El‑Leithy, carried out an inspection tour on Thursday of the archaeological areas of Saqqara, Abusir and Mit Rahina to review ongoing restoration and development works, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement.
El‑Leithy examined the main entrances of the sites, newly built museum storage facilities and the activities of several foreign archaeological missions. He also reviewed progress at the open‑air museum in Mit Rahina and the near‑completed museum storehouse that is due to be handed over to site authorities soon.
He said the tour was part of regular field visits instructed by Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy, and in line with the ministry’s strategy to upgrade Egypt’s archaeological sites to enhance their cultural value and improve the visitor experience.
During his visit to Saqqara, El‑Leithy stressed the need to develop infrastructure and visitor pathways, calling for the establishment of an integrated visitor centre at the site’s new entrance. He urged the rapid completion of upgraded lighting and electronic surveillance systems, including the installation of CCTV cameras and routine maintenance programmes.
He also instructed teams to transfer artefacts from old storage areas to the newly completed museum stores according to a fixed timetable to ensure improved preservation and security.
El‑Leithy inspected restoration work at the tombs of Ptahhotep and Akhethotep conducted by a Czech mission, and reviewed the current excavation season of Cairo University’s Faculty of Archaeology. He also visited the German University of Tübingen’s excavation area south of the Unas Pyramid, along with the Serapeum.
In Mit Rahina, he toured the open‑air museum that houses several major antiquities, including the colossal statue of Ramses II. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the museum, including improved displays, upgraded visitor services and enhanced signage. He also called for the swift completion of the new museum storehouse, expected by the end of April, and the transfer of artefacts immediately after its handover.
El‑Leithy was accompanied by senior antiquities officials, including Moamen Osman, head of the restoration and museum projects sector; Mohamed Abdel‑Badea, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector; Saeed Shebl, head of the artefact conservation and registration sector; Qotb Fawzi, head of the Central Department of Cairo and Giza Antiquities; and Amr El‑Tayeb, supervisor of the Saqqara archaeological area.