Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt launches global photo contest to spotlight underwater heritage
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced a new photographic competition inviting enthusiasts from across the globe to highlight the treasures of the nation’s underwater cultural heritage. The contest, set to begin on August 1, seeks to capture the beauty and historical significance of artifacts retrieved from the Mediterranean Sea, now on display at the Graeco-Roman Museum and the National Museum of Alexandria.
In a statement, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting awareness of Egypt’s submerged heritage and showcasing the remarkable archaeological finds discovered beneath the Mediterranean waters. The effort aligns with Egypt’s commitment to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and aims to foster appreciation for these unique cultural assets worldwide.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that this competition is part of a series of upcoming events designed to bring attention to submerged heritage sites and artifacts. Details of the contest are being shared on the ministry’s official social media channels.
The competition is open to amateur photographers of all nationalities. Participants are invited to photograph the underwater artifacts exhibited at either the Graeco-Roman Museum or the National Museum of Alexandria between August 1 and August 10, 2025, during official museum opening hours.
Those wishing to enter should submit their photographs, along with a brief biography, to training@mota.gov.eg by August 14, 2025.
A distinguished panel of university professors and experts in photography and archaeology, supervised by the competition’s technical secretariat, will judge the submissions. Dr. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resource Development, stated that the jury will focus on artistic quality, the clarity of detail, and the creative presentation of the artifacts.
Winners will be announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, and will be honored during an official ceremony to be held on August 21, 2025.
This competition not only encourages creative engagement with Egypt’s underwater heritage but also opens avenues for international collaboration in preserving and appreciating humanity’s shared past.