Within its framework to restore and preserve all archaeological sites in Egypt, the Ministry of Antiquities is to launch a tender to select a bidder to restore Salahedin Citadel.

Minister of Antiquities, Mohamed Ibrahim told Ahram Online that the restoration work at the citadel aims to preserve several archaeological sites and museums inside the citadel while converting it to a more tourist-friendly location.

Ibrahim stated that this could be achieved through providing more tourist facilities and services. The ministry seeks to install informational signs which describe each site, museums and signs that direct people to the location’s attractions.

Mohamed Abdel Aziz, head of the Historic Cairo Rehabilitation Project told Ahram Online that the terms and conditions of the bid are to be launched soon in an international competition that will select the best bidder at the lowest price.

Salahedin Citadel is one of the world’s greatest medieval attractions which houses the distinguished mosque of Khedive Muhammad Ali as well as a number of museums and sites.  Among them are the National Police Museum and the Royal Carriage Museum.

The citadel was built on a spur of the Mokattam Hills, and was once Cairo's seat of power for succeeding caliphs, sultans, ministers and pashas during the time of Muhammad Ali in the 19th century.

The citadel has three main areas: the main fortress and eastern walls, which were built by the great Salaheddin El-Ayyoubi in 1176, the southern enclosure with 19th century walls and the lower enclosure extending down the western face of the hill, with its main gate opposite the Sultan Hassan Mosque.