After more than 20 years of planning and construction, Egypt inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza with a spectacular ceremony attended by world leaders.

Luxembourg was among the guests of honour at the grand opening of Egypt's long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, located beside the Pyramids of Giza. Both PM Luc Frieden and Grand Duke Henri attended the event on Saturday evening.

According to the AFP news agency, the inauguration was a "spectacle of pharaonic proportions", featuring an elaborate light show, dancing, fireworks, and a full symphony orchestra. The ceremony gathered numerous international dignitaries for what was described as one of Egypt's most ambitious cultural events in decades.

The museum, more than 20 years in the making, boasts an exhibition space equivalent to 70 football pitches. With this vast new complex, Egypt hopes to boost its tourism sector and attract at least five million visitors per year.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will open fully to the public on Tuesday, with highlights including the complete burial treasure of Tutankhamun on display for the first time.

© Photo by ANTOINE LORGNIER / ONLY WORLD / ONLY FRANCE VIA AFP
© Photo by - / EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY / AFP
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