A historic ceremony has just begun at the Cairo Opera House, marking the official unveiling of the statue of world-renowned Egyptian-British heart surgeon Sir Dr. Magdi Yacoub, one of the most celebrated figures in modern medicine. The event, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, was opened by Dr. Ahmed Fouad Heno, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, and is attended by numerous public figures, artists, and national icons.
A Tribute to a Global Humanitarian Legacy
The event celebrates not only Sir Magdi Yacoub’s scientific achievements but also his immense humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation in Aswan, which has offered free life-saving heart surgeries to thousands of children across Egypt and the broader region.
“This statue is not just a monument—it is a message of gratitude from a nation to a man whose hands have healed thousands and whose heart continues to beat with compassion for humanity,” said Dr. Heno during the opening speech.
Sir Magdi Yacoub, visibly moved, expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition, stating that he considers the gesture a tribute to the values of science, service, and hope for future generations.
Artistic Details and National Significance
The statue was sculpted by prominent Egyptian artist Essam Darwish, who was also in attendance. Darwish emphasized that the work aimed to capture not only Yacoub’s physical likeness but also his spirit of generosity and resilience.
The sculpture will be placed in a prominent public location, with plans to replicate it at the Aswan Heart Centre and several educational and cultural landmarks nationwide.
The event forms part of Egypt’s broader initiative to celebrate national figures who have left a global impact, particularly in fields that blend science with service. It also coincides with plans to expand the Aswan Heart Centre and open a new Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo by 2026.
