The official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been postponed to the final quarter of this year, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference at Wadi El Natrun Hospital, Madbouly confirmed the delay from the previously scheduled date of July 3rd, adding that a new date would be determined later. In a separate statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the decision was made "in light of current regional developments." The ministry stated that the new opening date would be announced in due course, following coordination with all relevant parties to ensure an event that befits Egypt's cultural and tourism standing on the international stage. "This decision was also made out of the Egyptian state's national responsibility and its keenness to present an exceptional global event in an atmosphere worthy of the greatness of Egyptian civilisation and its unique heritage, in a way that guarantees broad international participation that matches the importance of the event," the ministry said. The museum will continue to receive visitors as part of its trial opening phase until the new official inauguration date is set, the ministry added. During the press conference, Madbouly also addressed the country's electricity situation, stating, "We are working to improve the efficiency of power stations." He noted that reserves of mazut, a heavy fuel oil, were double the levels of last year. He also called on the public to conserve power. "We call on citizens to rationalise their use of electricity," Madbouly said. "We are all in the same boat together. The government is doing its part, and we hope citizens are also mindful and aware of the great financial burden on the state and conserve their electricity consumption."
