Ancient bracelet lost forever 🫠

• History melted away 🫠

• Sisi slams Israel 🇮🇱

• Downtown coming back to life ✨

• Yet another Red Sea investment 💰

ANTIQUITIES | THEFT | CAIRO MUSEUM
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ROYAL BRACELET MELTED AS THIEVES CAUGHT TOO LATE

An ancient golden bracelet belonging to King Amenemope was stolen from the Cairo Museum’s restoration labs, only to be melted down by the criminals before they were caught. Egypt’s Interior Ministry revealed that a restoration specialist stole the artifact, passing it through a chain of buyers in Cairo’s El-Sayeda Zeinab district before a gold foundry worker destroyed it.

Details of the crime: The bracelet, adorned with lapis lazuli, was being prepared for a temporary exhibition in Italy. Perpetrators confessed after investigators seized footage and financial records. The perpetrators sold off the one-of-a-kind jewelry for EGP 180,000 EGP (USD 3,733). Despite eventually identifying and arresting those responsible, the authorities did not make it in time — with the priceless artifact having already been melted together with other jewelry pieces. Yes, you read that right.

Heritage and consequence: The case highlights weaknesses in antiquities protection despite steep penalties under Law No. 117 of 1983 and added provisions for illicit trade introduced in 2020. Losses like this erode cultural heritage, trust in preservation, and international exhibition opportunities.

QATAR | ISRAEL | MIDDLE EAST
ISRAEL CROSSES “ALL RED LINES” EL-SISI WARNS AT DOHA SUMMIT

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi delivered a sharp rebuke of Israel during the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha last week, saying the country has “crossed all red lines” and endangered regional stability. The president’s remarks come amid escalating tensions following recent Israeli airstrikes and military actions in Qatar and other countries in the region.

Details of the warning: El-Sisi condemned Israel’s strike on Qatari territory as a blatant violation of international law, stressing that such actions threaten the security of Arab nations and could undermine decades of diplomatic agreements. He called on Arab and Islamic countries to unite in response and highlighted Egypt’s support for Qatar in the face of these hostilities — including a new agreement for close coordination on regional security and Gaza.

Regional stakes: The president’s comments underscore growing frustration with Israel’s unilateral moves and the urgent need for collective Arab action. Experts say the remarks may shape discussions in upcoming regional forums and signal Egypt’s willingness to take a firmer stance on security and sovereignty issues.

DOWNTOWN CAIRO | REAL ESTATE | INVESTMENT
EGYPT-SAUDI CONSORTIUM PLANS $1 BILLION REVAMP OF ICONIC DOWNTOWN CAIRO

A Saudi-Egyptian consortium is exploring an investment of up to USD 1 billion in a prime real estate project in Cairo’s historic downtown, including a mix of commercial, office, and hotel spaces. The consortium brings together Saudi’s Sumo Holding and Egyptian companies Adir Global, Midar, and Hassan Allam.

Reviving the heart of Cairo: The government is offering former ministry offices along the Nile Corniche and in the “Ministries Square” to private investors after relocating to new headquarters in the administrative capital. Earlier this year, President El-Sisi transferred ownership of 13 government buildings to the Egypt Sovereign Fund to support redevelopment projects.

Luxury and innovation: Plans include converting historic buildings into modern business and leisure hubs, with high-rise hotel and residential towers also in the works. Investors, including UAE billionaire Mohamed Alabbar and CEO of Emaar Properties, are attracted by downtown Cairo’s unique cultural and historical value, seeing it as an exceptional opportunity to revitalize the city’s iconic core.

SAUDI ARABIA | INVESTMENT | LAND DEVELOPMENT
COMING SOON: ANOTHER MAJOR SAUDI INVESTMENT IN EGYPT’S RED SEA

A major Saudi investment is set to fund new development projects in Egypt’s Red Sea region, aiming to enhance tourism, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties and attract high-impact foreign investment.

This news comes just one week after an Emirati-Saudi joint venture signed an USD 18 billion Red Sea resort development agreement, to be named Marassi Red, with the Egyptian government.

Boosting regional development: Abdelatty highlighted that more than 90 percent of previous challenges faced by Saudi investors have been addressed, clearing the way for streamlined collaboration. The project aligns with Egypt’s broader economic strategy to expand investments in sectors such as renewable energy, water desalination, and manufacturing.

Economic significance: The initiative underscores the growing partnership between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with joint ventures expected to generate jobs, enhance local expertise, and strengthen the Red Sea’s role as a regional economic hub. Investors see the region’s strategic location and untapped potential as an opportunity for long-term growth.