Saint Catherine listed as world heritage site

The UNESCO International Heritage Office decided on Sunday to include on the list of world heritage sites the monumental Saint Catherine in South Sinai governorate.

The decision was adopted during the meeting of the office on Sunday in the French capital.

Egypt already has several of its archaeological attractions listed among world heritage sites, including the Giza Pyramids, Abu Simple Temples, Luxor, Old Cairo, Nubia and others, said Dr. Zahi Hawas, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

On his part, Mohammed Abdul Maqsoud, General Director of lower Egypt antiquities department, said that the next meeting of UNESCO would endorse in July what the international Heritage Office reached. It is noted that Abdul Maqsoud prepared a report to Hawas saying that the UNESCO would offer scholarships for Egyptian archaeologists.