Located in the heart of Sinai, the Monastery of Saint Catherine is a priceless historical and spiritual treasure. Recently, unfounded rumors about possible plans to demolish or relocate this iconic site were quickly denied by South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak.
In a telephone interview with Amr Adib on MBC Masr’s “Fatshimetrie,” Mubarak firmly refuted these allegations, emphasizing the sacred and universal nature of this site. He reiterated that the Monastery of Saint Catherine is a holy place where Quranic texts were revealed, and that it is our duty to protect and preserve it.
The governor highlighted the constant cooperation between local authorities and the monastery, highlighting joint efforts to safeguard the religious and cultural heritage of this thousand-year-old institution. A meeting with Archbishop Dmitri Samatzis Demanios recently in Athens highlighted the historical ties between the South Sinai Governorate and the archaeological diocese of the monastery.
In parallel, the “Great Transfiguration” project aims to modernize the city of Saint Catherine and make it a renowned tourist destination. With the involvement of the Archbishop in this major project, supported by international partners, the Governor assured that Egypt is fully committed to preserving this World Heritage Site.
A colossal investment of more than 15 billion Egyptian pounds is being committed to realizing this vision and offering visitors from all over the world a unique experience. The official inauguration of the project is scheduled for mid-April, in parallel with the April celebrations and UNESCO World Day, marking the journey of the Prophet Moses.
In conclusion, the Monastery of Saint Catherine embodies the union between history, spirituality and sustainable development. Its preservation and enhancement bear witness to Egypt’s attachment to its rich heritage and its universal vocation.