A member of the History and Antiquities Committee at the Supreme Council of Culture in Egypt, Abdel-Rahim Rehan, announced that the Great Transfiguration project in South Sinai is scheduled to open in October.
In a telephone interview with the Egyptian DMC channel on Tuesday, Rehan confirmed that the project aims to transform the city of St. Catherine, known for its immense historical and religious heritage, a global tourist destination.
He explained, “The Great Transfiguration Project aims to develop South Sinai region and open new horizons for Egyptian tourism to all parts of the world, especially since the South Sinai has many religious and historical monuments.
“The Great Transfiguration Project in South Sinai began on July 21, 2020, with the visit of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the relevant ministers to St. Catherine, where all the visions of the concerned authorities, including the monks of the monastery, antiquities inspectors, and environmental officials, were heard.”
The project was developed in accordance with UNESCO standards, as the area is registered as a world heritage site since 2002.
Rehan said that, “The project’s goal is to create a spiritual shrine on Mount Moses and Mount Transfiguration and to invest in all the tourism potentials in the city of St. Catherine specifically and Sinai overall.”
“It includes about 14 projects, including the visitor center in the Holy Valley Square,” he stated, adding this is the first time a tourist site has featured a reception and orientation point for visitors.
Rehan noted that the project aims to encompass a wide variety of services including reservation offices, a cafeteria, and a planetarium for watching 3D films regarding the spiritual value of the area, in addition to waiting areas, electric vehicles, and a recreation area.
