Earthquake-proof pyramids? 🫨

Hey friends,

Welcome back to a the pre-Eid edition of the Egypt Weekly Roundup. Firstly, we wish those celebrating the blessed occasion a wonderful time with their loved ones.

As confirmed by the government, Egyptians will be getting an extended Eid holiday from 26 May to 31 May. As such, expect the next edition on Monday rather than your regular Sunday.

Now let’s jump into this week’s big stories.

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• Massive gas discovery 🛢️

• Sisi pushes for US-Iran peace 🇮🇷

• Ancient egyptian engineering 📐

ENERGY | GAS | WESTERN DESERT
LARGEST WESTERN DESERT GAS DISCOVERY IN 15 YEARS

Egypt and Italian energy giant Eni announced what officials describe as the largest natural gas discovery in Egypt’s Western Desert in over 15 years, marking a major boost for the country’s energy sector. The new discovery was made in the Fayoum-5 field in the Western Desert, with preliminary estimates pointing to significant reserves that could substantially increase domestic gas production.

A major energy boost: The discovery comes amid intensified exploration activity by international energy companies operating in Egypt, as Cairo seeks to position itself as a regional gas and energy hub despite declining production in recent years.

Officials say the find could help reduce Egypt’s reliance on imported fuel and support efforts to stabilize the country’s energy balance at a time of rising regional energy pressures.

Eni believes in Egypt: Eni remains one of Egypt’s largest foreign energy partners, with multiple ongoing projects across the Mediterranean and Western Desert aimed at expanding output and accelerating development timelines.

US-IRAN WAR | MIDDLE EAST | DIPLOMACY
EL-SISI STRESSES “DIPLOMATIC WINDOW” FOR US–IRAN DEAL

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has called for making full use of the current diplomatic momentum to secure a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran, as regional mediation efforts intensify.  

During a joint call with US President Donald Trump and several Arab and regional leaders, El-Sisi stressed the importance of pushing negotiations forward to reach a peaceful settlement that preserves regional stability.

Egypt’s role: Cairo reiterated its readiness to support negotiations and coordinate with regional partners to help facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran, continuing months of Egyptian diplomatic outreach aimed at containing the conflict.

Momentum building: The call came as Trump claimed a US–Iran agreement was “largely negotiated,” with talks reportedly focusing on extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and easing broader regional tensions.

ANCIENT EGYPT | PYRAMIDS
REVEALED: THE GREAT PYRAMIDS WERE ENGINEERED TO WITHSTAND EARTHQUAKES

Researchers uncovered new evidence explaining how the Great Pyramid of Giza has withstood thousands of years of earthquakes, erosion, and environmental stress — highlighting the extraordinary engineering behind ancient Egypt’s most iconic monument.

Built for resilience: A new scientific study found that the pyramid’s structure naturally disperses seismic energy, helping it remain remarkably stable despite centuries of earthquakes and ground vibrations. Researchers used seismometers to analyze subtle vibrations across 37 locations in and around the pyramid.

The study identified several key design features that strengthen the pyramid’s durability, including its massive base, low center of gravity, symmetrical shape, gradual reduction in weight toward the top, and sophisticated internal chamber system.

Timeless engineering: Researchers said the internal chambers above the King’s Chamber appear to reduce vibration amplification, effectively protecting some of the pyramid’s most important sections from excessive shaking. The structure’s placement on strong limestone bedrock also played a major role in its resilience.