Audience enjoy virtual trip inside pyramids

“My hope is to discover the tomb of Imhotep, the architect of the first pyramid, and the tomb of Queen Nefertiti,” said world-renowned Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass during a fascinating session titled “Secrets of the Pharaohs” at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) that is underway at Expo Centre Sharjah running until November 16.

In a captivating interview with Emirati talk show host Anas Bukhash, the host and interviewer of #ABtalks, the archaeologist shared what he has learned from his numerous excavations and discoveries. Hawass who has played a key role in the establishment of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo near the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza enumerated his efforts to bring back prized Egyptian antiquities from other countries and museums.

Before the session, the audience were shown a film on Hawass’ explorations in the Pyramids which was followed by an interesting speech by the great Egyptologist on his work and mission.

“The grand museum will help Egypt’s economy to flourish as the whole world has saluted us for this achievement.”

Dr. Hawass opened his session by expressing gratitude to His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, praising his pioneering cultural vision. “When I arrived in Sharjah, His Highness told me that years ago he learned that some stolen Egyptian artifacts were being sold in Australia. He purchased them and returned them to Egypt as gifts. When I asked why we had not heard about it, he said it did not matter, the important thing is to remain in the hearts of the people,” Dr. Hawass shared.

Dr. Zahi Hawass then spoke about the Grand Egyptian Museum as one of the greatest museums in the world, noting that the international attention surrounding its opening was driven by its collection of 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun, displayed in full for the first time. He said: “I

assure you, when you visit the museum, you will feel an extraordinary sense of greatness.”

The archaeologist and former Minister said that radars had helped in the study of the pyramids and discovered voids and corridors, while robots were employed to clean the pyramids from the inside.

If he could wish to meet a pharaoh it would be King Khufu, he told Bukhash.

“I dream of the pharaohs,” said Hawass, who has also met with a near-fatal accident when a 25-kilo stone fell on his head that required numerous surgeries.

Hawass announced to the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 audience a previously unknown discovery inside the Pyramid of Khufu that had never been revealed before.

He said: “Using advanced instruments, we found a 30-meter void inside the Pyramid of Khufu, with a door at its end. Next year, we will reveal to the world what lies behind that door.”

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 is a 12-day event, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme “Between You and a Book.”