Security forces in Giza have ordered sweeping shutdowns of homes, shops, and fuel stations in key neighborhoods surrounding the Grand Egyptian Museum, ahead of its long-delayed inauguration this Saturday.
The extraordinary restrictions will impact residents and businesses in Faisal, Al-Haram, El-Remaya, and Hadayek Al-Ahram, starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday morning, according to a senior government official who spoke to Al Manassa on condition of anonymity.
Police have instructed local authorities in the districts situated in proximity to the new GEM and the Giza Pyramids to enforce door-to-door compliance, ensuring that gas stations, retail outlets, and residences near the museum are closed.
The museum’s opening—declared a public holiday by the cabinet—is expected to draw at least 40 heads of state, monarchs, and prime ministers, as well as senior foreign dignitaries from around the world, cabinet spokesperson Mohamed El-Hommosani said.
Security forces will begin sealing off Hadayek Al-Ahram and the museum’s perimeter from Friday afternoon. Among the facilities ordered to shut down are ChillOut fuel stations in both Hadayek Al-Ahram and the Haram Ring Road. Private cars and taxis will be banned from entering the area between El-Remaya Square and the Zewail neighborhood.
Residents in buildings overlooking the museum have been instructed not to open windows, doors, or balconies. All commercial activity on streets facing the museum must cease, parked cars are being towed, and residents will be barred from entering or exiting their homes on the day of the event, the official added.
Traffic diversions will affect major thoroughfares, including Faisal, Al-Haram, Hadayek Al-Ahram, and the Ring Road leading to Maadi, Fifth Settlement, and the Wahat interchange in 6th of October City.
Security will be intensified across both Cairo and Giza throughout the weekend to protect foreign delegations.
While Saturday is officially a day off, schools, both public and private, located in affected areas will remain closed through Sunday and Monday. This includes Hadayek Al-Ahram, Al-Haram, El-Remaya, the Officers’ Housing complex, and ends of Faisal, Al-Haram, and Tersa streets.
The security clampdown will extend from Friday afternoon through Monday night, covering not only the high-profile launch but also the entirety of foreign delegation visits.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is being billed as the world’s largest cultural institution dedicated to a single civilization. It will showcase thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the entire treasure collection of King Tutankhamun, on full display for the first time since the boy pharaoh’s tomb was unearthed in Luxor in 1922.
The Ministry of Tourism had closed the site on Oct. 15 for final preparations, with the closure set to last through Nov. 4.
