Egypt’s Planning Minister, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, accompanied by Eng. Abdel Muttaleb Amara, Governor of Luxor, conducted an extensive inspection tour of the Esna Corniche and the city’s historic and tourist areas in southern Luxor Governorate.
The visit comes within the framework of the Egyptian government’s strategy to revive historic cities, enhance sustainable tourism, and integrate cultural heritage preservation with local economic development.
Comprehensive Development of Historic Esna
According to a joint statement issued by the Ministries of Planning and Local Development, the tour began with an inspection of the newly developed Esna Corniche, as well as the archaeological and tourist zone surrounding the Temple of Esna and the historic El-Gedawy Agency. The ministers also inaugurated the “Ayadi Misr” (Hands of Egypt) handicrafts exhibition, organized in partnership with the Upper Egypt Women’s Festival, highlighting locally made heritage products.
The total estimated cost of the Esna Historic Development Project is approximately EGP 442.5 million. Within the 2025/2026 Economic and Social Development Plan, investments worth EGP 109.3 million have been allocated to the Luxor Governorate’s General Diwan to support project implementation.
Positioning Esna on the Global Tourism Map
During the tour, Governor Abdel Muttaleb Amara presented a detailed overview of the Esna Corniche redevelopment project, noting that it is being implemented in line with directives from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly following his visit to the area on October 10, 2024. The goal is to fully modernize the corniche and revive historic Esna, positioning the city as a competitive destination on the global tourism map.
The inspection was attended by senior officials, including Dr. Hisham Abu Zeid, Deputy Governor of Luxor; Dr. Hisham El-Helbawy, Assistant Minister of Local Development and Director of the Upper Egypt Local Development Program; Major General Abdullah Ashour, Secretary-General of Luxor Governorate; Major General Dr. Hisham El-Sheimy, Assistant Secretary-General; and a number of executive and community leaders.
Exploring Esna’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Following the corniche tour, the ministers visited historic Esna, which is home to a unique collection of archaeological and heritage landmarks reflecting multiple layers of Egyptian history. These include the Temple of the god Khnum, El-Gedawy Agency, the Omari Minaret, Al-Qaysariyya Market, a historic oil press, and several buildings distinguished by their unique architectural styles.
The delegation inspected the Temple of Esna, dating back to the Greco-Roman period. Construction of the temple began in 186 BC and continued for nearly 400 years. Restoration work has been underway since late 2018 under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Internationally Awarded Urban Regeneration
The visit also included El-Gedawy Agency, founded in 1712 AD by Hassan Bek El-Gedawy and considered one of Egypt’s oldest historic commercial agencies. Its redevelopment was carried out under the Sustainable Investment in Tourism Agreement between Egypt and the United States, implemented by the Egyptian company Takween for Integrated Community Development.
The project earned international recognition, winning the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025. The revival of historic Esna received high praise from the award’s jury, and Egypt officially won the Aga Khan Global Architecture Award for the project. Dr. Manal Awad and Governor Amara received the award on September 15.
Heritage Tourism and Local Crafts
The ministers also inspected the restored historic oil press in Esna, which has been transformed into a tourist attraction showcasing traditional oil-production methods, alongside “Okra” Restaurant, offering authentic local and heritage cuisine.
The visit concluded with the inauguration of the Ayadi Misr handicrafts exhibition, held for the second consecutive year in Esna, featuring 45 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of traditional and handmade products. The exhibition reflects the government’s commitment to supporting artisans, empowering local communities, and linking heritage preservation with sustainable economic opportunities.
The Esna development project stands as a model for integrated heritage-led development, reinforcing Egypt’s broader vision to protect its cultural legacy while driving tourism growth and inclusive local development.
