A groundbreaking discovery within the Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt is set to be unveiled in 2026, according to renowned Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawas. The announcement was made during a session titled “Secrets of the Pharaohs” at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair. Using advanced technology, archaeologists have identified a 30-meter void inside the pyramid, complete with a door at its end. Dr Hawas, a former Antiquities Minister and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, promised, “Next year, we will reveal to the world what lies behind that door.”
The session also featured a virtual tour of the pyramid, showcasing Dr Hawas’ extensive explorations. Reflecting on his career, he expressed his desire to discover the tombs of Imhotep, the architect of the first pyramid, and Queen Nefertiti. Dr Hawas has been a vocal advocate for the repatriation of Egyptian antiquities, including the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac.
Dr Hawas also praised the newly inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), calling it one of the world’s greatest museums. Located near the Great Pyramids of Giza, GEM houses over 100,000 artefacts, chronicling Ancient Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Additionally, he acknowledged the cultural contributions of Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who once returned stolen Egyptian artefacts to their homeland as a gesture of goodwill.