GIZA, EGYPT — The iconic Giza Plateau, home to the world-famous Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, is undergoing its most ambitious transformation in decades as Egypt rolls out a $51 million revamp aimed at safeguarding heritage, curbing tourist chaos, and eliminating animal cruelty.
Dubbed “Giza 2.0,” the comprehensive reorganization effort comes amid growing criticism from tourists and international animal rights groups over deteriorating conditions at one of the world’s most visited archaeological sites.
With Egypt welcoming a record 17.5 million visitors in 2024 and aiming to attract 30 million annually by 2030, the government is prioritizing sustainability, safety, and humane practices.
The overhaul, spearheaded by the Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, will introduce 45 electric buses that run every five minutes across the Giza Plateau.
This initiative is designed to replace the widespread use of horses and camels, which have been at the center of abuse allegations.
Other key upgrades include the restoration of tombs, a modernized visitor center, and the introduction of an online ticketing platform to better manage tourist flow and reduce queues.
One of the most urgent aspects of the initiative is the treatment of animals historically used for tourist rides around the pyramids.
Investigations by PETA have revealed disturbing patterns of abuse, including whipping, starvation, and even the deaths of animals due to overwork.
Jason Baker, PETA Asia’s Vice President, stated, “Animals are literally ridden to death and then dumped like rubbish outside the gate.”
These reports have prompted the Egyptian government to commit to a phased ban on animal rides and expand its animal welfare regulations.
“We’re working to end decades of cruelty at the pyramids,” said a government spokesperson. “These reforms are not just cosmetic—they’re moral and necessary.”
To further enhance the visitor experience and protect the integrity of the site, authorities are constructing a new main entrance via the Cairo-Fayum road.
This aims to reduce congestion at the existing access points and better regulate the flow of tourists. The government also plans to crack down on unlicensed guides and street vendors, whose aggressive tactics have long been a source of tourist complaints.
The Giza Necropolis, a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism economy—which contributes nearly 10% of national GDP—has faced frequent social media backlash for what many describe as “chaotic and disrespectful” conditions.
Viral videos and posts criticizing the aggressive sales environment and mistreatment of animals have pressured both public officials and private investors to act.
Business tycoon Naguib Sawiris, whose company is overseeing the revitalization project, emphasized the importance of protecting Egypt’s global image.
“The health and happiness of the public and protection of this treasure are much more significant than giving away to the interests of 2,000 persons who have inflicted injury to the nation for years,” Sawiris wrote on X.
As Giza 2.0 progresses, Egypt hopes the transformation will set a global standard for heritage preservation—balancing ancient legacy with modern responsibility.