Egypt Unveils Pharaonic ‘Rams Road’ at Karnak Temple

President Sisi walks with Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany as they enter the pylon at the entrance of the Temple of Luxor Khaled DESOUKI AFP
President Sisi walks with Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany as they enter the pylon at the entrance of the Temple of Luxor Khaled DESOUKI AFP
TT
20

Egypt Unveils Pharaonic ‘Rams Road’ at Karnak Temple

President Sisi walks with Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany as they enter the pylon at the entrance of the Temple of Luxor Khaled DESOUKI AFP
President Sisi walks with Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany as they enter the pylon at the entrance of the Temple of Luxor Khaled DESOUKI AFP

Egypt unveiled on Thursday a road lined with hundreds of ram-headed sphinx statues dating back more than 3,000 years, in a grandiose night-time ceremony at Karnak Temple in archaeologically-rich Luxor.

Dubbed the "Rams Road", the sandstone-paved path connecting the temples of Karnak and Luxor in the center of the southern Nile city was officially opened by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and a host of senior officials in a spectacular night-time ceremony.

The road is nearly three kilometres (two miles) long and named "The Path of God" in ancient Egyptian mythology, AFP reported.

It is flanked on both sides by statues that were buried for centuries under desert sands before they were revived and restored for display by the country's Egyptologists in recent years.

The ram is an embodiment of the ancient Egyptian deity Amun.

Karnak Temple was built around 2,000 to 4,000 years ago and is dedicated to Amun-Ra, an ancient Sun god. It covers an area of over 100 hectares (250 acres).

Luxor Temple was constructed some 3,400 years ago by Amenhotep III and has been used as a site of continuous religious worship from the ancient Egyptians to Christian Copts and later Muslims.

Egypt's tourism and antiquities ministry has vowed to make the Arab world's most populous country a vaunted destination for tourists by boosting its reputation as "an open air museum".

The tourism sector in Egypt employs two million people and generates more than 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

But it has taken a hit in recent years from political turbulence following the 2011 revolution, multiple terror attacks, and more recently the coronavirus pandemic.

In April, a procession of floats carried the mummified remains of 22 pharaohs through Cairo's streets in a parade complete with a 21-cannon salute to the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.

In the coming months, the country is due to inaugurate another new showcase, the Grand Egyptian Museum, near the Giza pyramids in Cairo.



Jeddah Season 2025 Launches Summer Entertainment Program

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
TT
20

Jeddah Season 2025 Launches Summer Entertainment Program

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA

The integrated summer program of Jeddah Season 2025 officially launched under the theme “Jeddah is Different.”

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities.

This launch aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to realize the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by diversifying entertainment offerings and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors alike, SPA reported.

At Jeddah Waterfront’s “Jeddah Promenade,” the opening night featured dazzling drone shows, roaming performances, and interactive entertainment characters, offering families and visitors a visually engaging experience. Meanwhile, the “Western Coast” event kicked off in the Obhur area, delivering a unique beach experience that runs until October 4.

The event offers a variety of safe, family-friendly activities including a ladies-only beach, water sports, and live artistic performances, creating a complete coastal entertainment experience catering to all age groups.

In parallel, the “Jeddah Shopping Festival,” which runs through August 31, is transforming the city into a vibrant commercial destination. It features hotel and transportation discounts, live shows, weekly giveaways, and promotional activities across major shopping centers.

Jeddah Season reflects a commitment to offering a comprehensive tourism experience that supports the goals of Vision 2030. It contributes to diversifying entertainment options, stimulating investment, enhancing Jeddah’s global standing as a premier tourism destination, and driving economic, cultural, and tourism growth.