In response to public concerns over the construction of a building within the archaeological zone of Deir El-Bahari in Luxor, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has issued an official statement outlining the purpose, design, and necessity of the new structure.
According to the statement, the building is a new visitor centre intended to offer dedicated services for tourists and tour guides. The facility will welcome tour groups and provide interpretation and orientation about the site in a safe and structured environment—functions previously performed in an older building that has since been demolished.
Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), explained that the former building had developed significant structural problems, including cracks, fractures, and partial collapses. These defects posed a serious risk to visitor and staff safety, prompting their removal.
Geological studies revealed that Deir El-Bahari is situated on fragile clay formations, rendering the soil beneath the old structure unstable and contributing to its deterioration. Following these findings, the SCA’s Projects Sector developed a replacement building, completing the required engineering assessments and securing approval from the Permanent Committee for Egyptian Antiquities for both its design and location.
To ensure structural stability and visitor safety, the new building has been positioned on solid ground selected specifically for its resistance to vibrations and geological weaknesses. It has also been deliberately shifted to the far right of the site, away from the main visual axis of Hatshepsut’s Temple, to preserve the iconic panorama of Deir El-Bahari and avoid any visual impact on the surrounding archaeological landscape.
Abdel Ghaffar Wagdy, General Director of Luxor Antiquities at the SCA, noted that the building’s engineering plans incorporate self-draining water systems, modern leak-proof water tanks, and a comprehensive security setup that includes X-ray devices, metal-detection gates, and central air-conditioning tailored to the equipment’s operational needs.
The ministry stated that the decision to relocate and redesign the facility was guided by three key considerations: providing a structurally safe location for visitors and staff; maintaining and enhancing the visual integrity of the temple complex; and meeting high engineering and security standards appropriate for a modern visitor facility.
Reaffirming its commitment to both visitor safety and the preservation of Egypt’s archaeological heritage, the Ministry emphasized that all construction work is being carried out in accordance with approved heritage regulations and under the supervision of specialized archaeological authorities.
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