A S U

Under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; and Prof. Farid Moharram El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty of Business, the Faculty of Business organized on Monday, November 24, 2025, a distinguished scientific seminar hosting the renowned Egyptologist and former Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass, under the title “From the Heart of the Pyramids to the Grand Museum… A Never-Ending Story.”

The event was held at Prof. Ali Lotfy Hall at the Faculty.

The seminar witnessed a large attendance of faculty staff and students, with the participation of Prof. Gehan Ragab, Advisor to the Dean, and Dr. Mohamed Morsi, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Farid Moharram warmly welcomed the esteemed Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, stressing that his presence represents an exceptional scientific addition for students and faculty members, given his extensive expertise in Egyptology and his world-renowned archaeological discoveries.

During the seminar, Dr. Hawass announced the launch of a campaign to collect signatures on two petitions: the first calling for the return of the Rosetta Stone and the Dendera Zodiac, and the second demanding the return of the bust of Nefertiti. He urged students to support the campaign through his page, with the aim of reaching one million signatures.

He also highlighted his success in recovering six thousand antiquities that had been smuggled abroad, emphasizing the necessity for Western museums to stop purchasing stolen artifacts.

Hawass spoke about the global acclaim received during the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which was attended by forty-two kings and presidents, an event that strengthened Egypt’s image as a safe and attractive tourist destination, with daily tickets selling out due to high demand.

Addressing skeptics, he affirmed that the cost of building the museum will be repaid many times over through international tourism revenues.

He further called on the Ministry of Education to establish a Department of Archaeological Awareness to properly educate students about Egyptian civilization and strengthen cultural awareness.

Dr. Hawass stressed that he tirelessly defends Egyptian civilization on international media platforms, noting that his passion for antiquities since childhood drove him to pursue years of study and research.

Regarding his future archaeological aspirations, he expressed hope of discovering the tomb of Imhotep, the architect of the Djoser Pyramid in Saqqara, as it may reveal significant secrets about ancient construction methods that continue to astonish the world.

He noted that only 30% of Egypt’s antiquities have been discovered, while the remaining 70% still lie buried underground.

The seminar concluded with an open discussion between Dr. Zahi Hawass, students, and faculty members, followed by the Dean presenting the Faculty Shield to the distinguished guest in appreciation of his valuable participation and major contributions to the field of archaeology.