April 2024 Updates on the Grand Egyptian Museum

A comprehensive update on the current state of Egypt's new Grand Egyptian Museum along with insider intel and analysis on when the GEM might finally fully open to the public.
**** To stay up to date on all things Egypt, be sure to subscribe to The Egypt Travel Channel here on KZbin. ****
And as always...
READ MORE AT...
The Blog: EgyptTravelBlo...
ALSO LISTEN ON...
iTunes: podcasts.apple....
Spotify: open.spotify.c....
LOOKING TO VISIT EGYPT...
Upscale, Private, Custom: EgyptElite.com
Budget-friendly: EgyptExpeditio...
ALSO CHECK OUT...
Worthy Cause: ReturnTheStone...
Traditional Nile Cruises: Dahabiyas.com
The New Museum: GrandEgyptianM...
Regional industry News: MiddleEastTrav...

[@Yasmeena365]

Thank you so much for the informative video. I’m Egyptian but live in USA and i miss Egypt so much! Can’t wait for the museum to open and i can visit it someday with my family! ❤️

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You're very welcome. I just posted a new one today with 6 new updates about the GEM's progress. Be sure to check out that one too.

[@dr.banoub9233]

Infamous modern Egyptian proverb: Why get things done today when you can put it off for tomorrow, inshallah (relax, why the rush) ?

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Sounds about right. Actually, I think that could be applied to most of southern Europe too. It seems like it would fit well with the way things work in Spain, Italy, Greece, etc. Countries that border the Mediterranean tend to be a lot more like each other in many ways than their continental neighbors.

[@michaelfridgen2812]

Thank you for the update and the tour. I was going to wait until the GEM opened to visit Egypt for the first time. But I took your advice from earlier podcasts and went in October 2021. It was the most amazing trip and I found that the old museum was a highlight of my visit. I'm so glad that I took your advice - can you imagine if I hadn't - I'd still be waiting!!!!! I have another trip planned for October 2025 because once wasn't enough. Maybe this time I'll see the GEM?

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Thanks for that update on your trip, Michael. I'm so glad you decided to just do it and go. I feel pretty confident that your next trip in October of 2025 will be far enough out for the GEM to surely be open by then, but it's Egypt so who knows. hahaha

[@earthcomedy]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel so what you're saying is -- don't expect Egypt to be a leader in producing semiconductors or any such similar thing?

[@curtishinkle7885]

Thanks for update. Were going on nile river cruise in sept 2024. Hopefully its open by then

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

It should be open by then. There's absolutely no reason why it cannot be open by September. We sincerely hope you get to visit it fully open and that you thoroughly enjoy your Nile cruise.

[@kickingkenno]

It's going to be amazing when it's opened fully. I can't help think it's become a bit of a national embarrassment though that it's taken so long. It must be bleeding money at the moment, but I bet the thing will be chocker every day when it does get going. Hopefully by the end of next year at the latest! Thanks for the updates!

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

All of those points are spot on!! In fact, I touch on those very same points in the latest update video I just released today.

[@mak500]

In February, the building was empty, but open to visit...at an outrageous entry fee! Needless to say, I walked back. Even when it will be full of fantastic items dispayed, it will be very expensive to visit.

[@JohnNavarreInEgypt]

Are you sure you're not talking about LAST February (as in 2023, or even 2022)? Prior to the trial visits program starting, they only did private VIP tours that did have super high prices because it was not yet open to the public at all. But ever since the trial visits program started (which was certainly ongoing THIS February), the tickets are only about 1200 Egyptian Pounds, which is only about 25 USD or 22 EUR. I doubt you're talking about that being "outrageous." Maybe someone quoted you the private, behind-the-scenes VIP tour price and they didn't tell you that you can go in and look around the public common areas for only 25 bucks.

[@mak500]

@@JohnNavarreInEgypt It was this February (2024). I went there alone and saw the prices displayed. In February, the rate was different than now. The Egyptian pound had fallen, meanwhile, so maybe it's cheaper now than then, I don't know (I trust only what I see with my eyes, next trip to Egypt is planned for end of Norvember, I will try again). By the way, I have an Egyptian friend who rent a flat for 1.000 pounds a month, so if you compare that with the entrance ticket you say is at 1.200 pounds, now, that's not the bargain of the year, neither.

[@alvaromoreno9816]

Best YT channel if you want to know anything before you fly to Egypt

[@midnitekirsty8993]

I'm just grateful for the updates, I've been waiting for years, fingers crossed hopefully this year 😊

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You're very very welcome. I just posted a new update video today, so be sure to check that one out too for 6 more updates on the GEM's progress.

[@lionelm5151]

Thanks so much for the updates.

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You're very welcome.

[@NeedToBike]

I'm going Egypt 25th of May, Hopefully it will be all done as Cairo is planned for the 26th. 🤞🏻

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

It's so hard to say, honestly. All signs point to it being open by then, but it's Egypt so you never know. At the very least, you'll still be able to go into the building and see a lot of it, and you'll still be able to see most of the treasures at the old museum if not in the new one.

[@Soloohara]

btw im planning to go in november this year, hope its opened by then

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

We all hope it will be open by November too. Many people think that November might be a target month for an opening ceremony, because it has some notable anniversary dates that fall during that month every year, such as the anniversary of the discovery of King Tut's tomb. So hopefully it will be open before then, or by then at the latest.

[@JeanDavid141]

Thanks a lot for this great video. I will be visiting the old Egyptian Museum on May 5th and hope I will still be able to see the treasures of king Tutankhamun. Is there a chance it will not be there anymore by then? (and in the process to be moved to GEM)

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

I think they will minimize the time that such famous treasures are not on display for the move. I would imagine that they will make these big transfers in the evening after the museum has closed for the day, and hopefully they will be on display the next morning in a newly opened GEM. We just don't know when that will be quite yet.

[@masterww8]

I hope it opens for Dec 2024!

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

It absolutely should be open by December of 2024. It is nearly ready now (in April of 2024) and it absolutely could be fully open next month, and certainly by the fall and winter.

[@EastUpperGooner]

Where in Cairo would you recommend for an authentic painting on papyrus? I'm sure there are loads of imitations. Thanks in advance :)

[@tomzhao103]

I think GEM will be fully open in 2050, if ......

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Hahaha You would not be wrong for wondering that, Tom. It's Egypt, so anything can happen.

[@NinaHansen2008]

Thank you for your very informative video.

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You're very welcome.

[@isaiasplata6573]

I have been two times in Egypt and Iove it. I am waiting for the great opening to go back. and I have to say. WOW! what a sexy, handsome hot guy!😘

[@JohnNavarreInEgypt]

Hahaha You are very kind. And Egypt is indeed the type of place that one can never see all in one trip. Going back a second and even a third time is definitely necessary to see everything.

[@curtishinkle7885]

Yelllow fever shot for egypt, nile cruise.

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You only need a yellow fever shot if you're coming from a place with a yellow fever outbreak or common outbreaks. People coming from countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia have been required to have certain vaccines at various points in the past, but if you're coming from anywhere in North or South America, Europe, the Middle East, or most of Asia, you don't need any vaccines or shots to come to Egypt.

[@helentart1980]

Wish they had an online shop

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

I'm sure they will eventually. Great idea!!

[@bpd9660]

Will be there in Jan. Hope it's open then!

[@Melinda-gr3zz]

This is ridiculous how many delays this museum has had

[@rainydaysinaugust4715]

I Agree Completely yet you have to keep in mind that this is the largest museum building in the world at 90,000 square meters and the recent Political instability in egypt

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Very fair question. The answer is complicated though, and we do have to cut Egypt some slack for it. The Arab Spring delayed it's starting construction, and that couldn't be foreseen by anyone. Then Covid delayed it's finishing, and Egypt couldn't help that disaster. And now the war in Gaza next door across Egypt's eastern border has delayed some things too, because Egypt has to show solidarity with the humanitarian issues and cannot be seen throwing lavish celebrations and parties with all of its politicians and celebrities while that is ongoing. So while there has been a lot of typical delays and things running on "Egyptian time," a lot of it has also been out of their control. I just published another video update today with 6 new updates on progress. Check it out.

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Very good point, @rainydaysinaugust4715 Rome wasn't built in a day (or a decade), and neither was the GEM.

[@BuggiEU]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel Arab Spring was 13 years ago. This country is a joke.

[@ashiinsane90]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel Thank you for actually explaining whats goin on.. I hope it opens soon and hopefully things get better in the region

[@helentart1980]

Can you see all this in a day?

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Good question. It depends on how much of a "museum person" you are. Many people will be content with only a few hours there to see the highlights. I'd say 2-3 hours is good if you're NOT a museums person. I believe the average visitor will spend 4-5 hours there, and if you're really into museums and/or Egyptian history, you could easily spend two full days exploring everything that will be on display there.

[@helentart1980]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel I’m definitely a museum person I can’t wait to go.

[@queenofblackness6345]

Starbucks? 🤢 boycotting!!

[@robertozeladarodriguez5321]

🤣

[@Soooooooooooonicable]

Of course it's a Japanese team in charge of the restoration 😂

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

The Japanese archaeologists have been amazing partners to Egypt. They have made some significant archaeological discoveries in Egypt and also provided generous financing to further excavations and research in Egypt. Their restoration work on the Khufu boats has been critical in saving these ancient masterpieces and making them viewable for the global public.

[@0.68_11]

Hot bear as Narrator..😊😊❤

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

LOL

[@JohnNavarreInEgypt]

😆😆😆

[@curtishinkle7885]

Do you need yellow fever shot to go to Egypt?

[@scrollofthothchannel]

I recommend visiting a travel doctor. They will know everything you need and give good advice.

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You only need a yellow fever shot if you're coming from a place with a yellow fever outbreak or common outbreaks. People coming from countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia have been required to have certain vaccines at various points in the past, but if you're coming from anywhere in North or South America, Europe, the Middle East, or most of Asia, you don't need any vaccines or shots to come to Egypt.

[@curtishinkle7885]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel thank you

[@scrollofthothchannel]

I'm afraid my visit to the Cairo Museum last November was not a great experience. We found it dirty, poorly lit, and crowded. We didn't even attempt to enter the Tut exhibit, though did find the artifacts of Psusennes I to be spectacular. I do hope the GEM moves past interactive VR exhibits and focuses on the artifacts. Sounds to me like they might wait for the Rafah offensive to end. Much praise to President El-Sisi for being a peacemaker.

[@cheryl-bn4zh]

Oh, wow. I am going to book an expensive tour that takes care of all this for us. But, now you make me wonder if they can get us into the Tut exhibits, which is my main interest.

[@scrollofthothchannel]

@@cheryl-bn4zh I saw many of the artifacts as a boy. And you can see a few outside the exhibit in Cairo. You could wait and hope they tour again. But you should go. Especially to see his tomb in Luxor, and the tomb of Nefratari as well. Cairo itself is excellent. Our experience with the Cairo Museum was not. But Luxor is a treasure. Egypt is life changing. So much more than Tut. You should go. Stay at one of the Four Seasons in Cairo if possible. I believe there will be one in Luxor soon.

[@scrollofthothchannel]

@@cheryl-bn4zh BTW, I am certain they can get you into the Tut exhibit. We just found the crowds daunting. Make sure to ask them to schedule your trip during one of the less busy times at the museum, before or after most of the big tour busses arrive or depart.

[@cheryl-bn4zh]

I read our state department report on Egypt today. It is almost scaring me out of going.

[@scrollofthothchannel]

@@cheryl-bn4zh The State Department is paid to be alarmist. I can only give the perspective a gentleman traveling in Egypt. Your concerns may be different. I walked the streets of Cairo alone, late at night, and never felt unsafe. Hospitality is a huge part of the culture in Egypt. They have been receiving tourists since the Ancient Greeks traveled there. They take tourism seriously and have their own tourist police. Everyone knows that a significant portion of the population relies on tourism, and no one wants that to stop. The only thing that may put you off is the high-pressure sales. Just keep walking. In many ways, Egypt is safer than traveling to the US. Egypt has always been and remains one of the safest places to visit. You mentioned that you have a tour guide. I can tell you that everyone recognizes these paid guides and if you are with them, few people will bother you. Even the trinket sellers know that’s a sign to back off.

[@earthcomedy]

what a disgrace...inviting Starbucks! ugh!

[@dandjsh7978]

Bigger disgrace is Egypt not lifting a finger for the Palestinians

[@jimbenjamin5992]

☺👍👍👍

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

My brother's and sister's we can't let Egypt steal African culture 🧫 we have to educate this generation of black students period 💯 true facts 💯 facts

[@HistoryCave]

Egypts has its own distinct culture🤣,they didn't steal it from anyone

[@curtishinkle7885]

0:48

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Europeans and Mediterranean people don't have black eyes 👀 African and black people do period 💯 true facts

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Mediterranean people absolutely do have black eyes. You've clearly neve been to a single Mediterranean country - Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon... most people there have black eyes. lol

[@alexhein6386]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel don't listen to him he's just being racist

[@Soloohara]

so annoying watching at the camera reading the script like we can see you are not really watch at us

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Then you should go seek out your own updates in another place and not come watch mine. The only truly annoying thing is anonymous trolls who come online and post snarky comments while hiding behind a blank profile. If you want to make comments like that, you need to post your full name, the city and country you live in, and your place of employment. Anonymous trolling is 100% not tolerated in 2024.

[@Soloohara]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel lol calm down, you took it on a personal level. I’m just saying is more natural to see you you not watching the script like that but idk read it straight from the paper on the table or words of your own, blank profile? It’s literally full of things I posted, anonymous? Well of course, that’s KZbin, not instagram or Facebook, 95% of KZbin channels doesn’t show real life name nor private information, you should know that

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

King 👑 Tut mummie African his grandmother Queen 👑 Tiye African Queen 👑 Nerfertiti African not Egyptian white women 💯 true facts

[@sashamay81]

Egypt is in Africa 🌍 it's a continent. 😂

[@HistoryCave]

Firstly, learn some proper grammar🤣🤣! Secondly,read some books about history 🤣. Nefertiti (and by extension King Tut) had levantine DNA (Syria,Lebanon,Palestine,Jordan). Thirdly Egypt IS in Africa 🤣🤣, NOT separate from it. So reading some books about Geography would be wise as well.

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

I know people who visit the museums in Egypt and Berlin told me the mummies were African I look online it's obvious they were African people 💯

[@baz77a]

Here's an idea, have donation boxes for aid to the Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

My brother's and sister's we can't let Egypt steal African culture 🧫 we have to educate this generation of black students 💯 true facts

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

News flash... Egypt is in Africa. Please buy a map.

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Fake 🤥 News 📰 Egypt is and still is in Africa 🌍 it was known as kemet civilization not Egyptian civilization period 💯 true

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You've got WAY too much time on your hands. Stop trolling.

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Fake 🤥 News 📰 Pharoh Amenhotep was African brother not Egyptian 💯 true facts 💯

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Fake 🤥 News 📰 Pharohs Rameses I ll lll all 3 were African brother's not Egyptian 💯 true

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Cleopatra was born in Africa 🌍 it would make Cleopatra African Queen 👑 not Egyptian who cares I don't

[@CeliaCabello-mf4sv]

Guess in which continent is Egypt... Egytians are also Africans

[@HistoryCave]

She was Ethnically Greek🤣🤣but yes she was born in Egypt,(which is is Africa) so yes she was Egyptian

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

You are correct on that point, actually. She certainly was born in Africa, because she was born in Alexandria, Egypt and that is in the part of Egypt that's on the African continent (remember that Egypt, like Turkey, straddles two continents - both Africa and Asia). However, the part that people get wrong is not talking about her continental adjective, but her race. Her family was Macedonian and Greek, so they were European, or Balkan to be specific. When people say that "Cleopatra was black" because she was an "African queen," they are being very ignorant of the very rich history of Egypt. So while she was indeed an "African queen," and even a native-born African queen, she was not black. She likely had light olive-toned skin or pale skin, like those indigenous to the Balkans and southern Europe where her family came from.

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

@@TheEgyptTravelChannel Excuse you I didn't asked for your opinion about Cleopatra she was Greek okay 👍 who cares I don't let's be clear Ancient Egypt was pure African people period not Egyptian and Mediterranean dark 🌑 skin bs not tan or red skin Europeans and Mediterranean people don't have black eyes 👀 African and black people do King 👑 Tut mummie was African brother not Egyptian his grandmother Queen 👑 Tiye was African not Egyptian and Queen 👑 Nerfertiti African not white Egyptian woman ♀️ Pharohs Rameses I ll lll all 3 were African brothers I know people who visit the museums in Egypt and Berlin told me the mummies were pure African people I look online and noticed the mummies were pure African people Egypt is and still is in Africa 🌍 it was known as kemet civilization not Egyptian civilization I talk 🦜 truth and fact's not fake 🤥 news 📰 like idiots like you I will not sit 🪑 down 👇 and let Egypt steal African culture 🧫 I will educate this generation of black students period 💯 true facts

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Fake 🤥 News 📰 Queen 👑 Tuya and Yuya were African not Egyptian king 👑 Tut family members all African people period 💯

[@HistoryCave]

Are you acoustic? first of all why do you have so many comments spammed? second of all,Egypt IS in Africa 🤣

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

I think you are confusing people who are talking about the skin color of ancient Egyptians with those talking about the continent they lived on. To my knowledge, nobody disputes that Egypt is in Africa (and Asia too) and the ancient Egyptian kingdom was also in Africa. While there were some dynasties of Nubian kings of ancient Egypt, most of Egypt's 30 ancient dyansties were native to modern-day Egypt. Furthermore, the Egyptian royal families married heavily into royal families of Mesopotamia and the Levant, even as far north as modern-day Turkey. So they were a very blended people.

[@ml5287]

Dude, buy a microphone.

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

"Dude"... you're not allowed to use a microphone inside of the GEM, which is where the intro to this video takes place. It seems, though, that you didn't watch much beyond that because in the in-studio portions later on, one of the best microphones on the market (Shure!) is clearly visible in the frame.

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Europeans and Mediterranean people don't have black eyes 👀 African and black people do period 💯 true facts

[@TheEgyptTravelChannel]

Stop trolling. There is a 100% ZERO tolerance policy for anonymous trolling on this page. If you want to post anything else, make sure it includes your first and last name, the city in which you live, and your place of employment. Only then will your responses be approved for posting instead of being deleted. ZERO tolerance for trolling here unless you're willing to come out of the shadows, identify yourself, and stand publicly behind your comments!

[@helentart1980]

Why don’t you go away. You’re impressing no body and sound uneducated and immature.

[@helentart1980]

You’re a fool. Fact.