00:05Egypt's iconic Giza Plateau is undergoing a massive transformation, but a growing battle
00:11between modern entertainment and heritage preservation is sparking fierce debate.
00:17In response, the Egyptian government partnered with business giant Orascom Group to completely
00:23overhaul the ancient three-square-kilometer plateau.
00:26So far, they're doing a great job.
00:28There is nothing better than having the pyramids as your backdrop.
00:33So it is very interesting and it's very attractive to use this place.
00:41They worked on developing and upgrading the site of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx that
00:46for decades has been suffering from mismanagement, aggressive vendors, and chaotic organization
00:52that dampened the tourist experience.
00:55The area has been transformed to host multiple events aimed at increasing the revenue stream.
01:03Regular corporate social and sports events take place as well as huge concerts featuring
01:09global stars with a fascinating backdrop of the pyramids, attracting more visitors and
01:15endless publicity. However, hosting lavish events on the plateau has caused some controversy.
01:24We criticize the chaotic loud music and lighting.
01:28It emits vibrations that affect the monuments. Building the pyramids in a secluded area was
01:34intentional to protect the structure for centuries. We shouldn't damage it with such events and fireworks.
01:40This is not the place for it.
01:42But others have calmed those fears.
01:44Why not that Egypt uses this area in the most suitable way that does not affect the monument itself,
01:54the most important thing? There is rules and regulation, and they have to stay within
01:58a certain distance away from the pyramids. And they do have all the events over there.
02:03Meanwhile, there's still room for improvement.
02:09There's a lot that's still needed. We need to have multiple entrances, not just the one to the pyramids.
02:15We need to connect the pyramids to the Saqqara and our Shou monuments nearby. We need more buses
02:21on different routes, because the buses now have limited roads, therefore preventing the tourists from
02:27enjoying the many different attractions inside. The pyramids can absorb a billion dollars or more.
02:35Lots of things could be done there. Still, there is more. But it's very good that they are investing
02:41to enhance and to make it better. It is an experience, as I said, of a lifetime to every single
02:47tourist that set foot in this country. The success of the renovation efforts would help double the
02:53number of visitors to the pyramids. It will also support the state's target for tourist arrivals
02:58to reach 30 million in 2030, up from 19 million in 2025.
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