For the first time, Egypt has introduced a modern air purification system inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. The initiative aims to preserve the pyramid’s fragile inner chambers while making visits more comfortable for tourists.
The system, which uses Sharp’s Plasmacluster technology, was installed in the King’s and Queen’s Chambers. The project was carried out in collaboration with Japan’s Sharp Corporation and Egypt’s El-Araby Group, reflecting an international partnership to safeguard cultural heritage.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the installation alongside Sharp’s Executive Managing Officer Hideyuki Nagamine and El-Araby Group’s Mohamed Abdel Gayed El-Araby. During the tour, Khaled stressed the importance of adopting modern solutions to address age-old preservation challenges.
“The purifiers will significantly reduce humidity and clean the air inside the pyramid, helping to prevent erosion of its ancient walls,” Khaled said. “At the same time, they make the confined chambers healthier and more comfortable for visitors. This is a modern solution to an ancient challenge.”
Nagamine highlighted the project as a gesture of respect for Egypt’s enduring civilization, while El-Araby underscored that advanced technologies have become essential tools for preserving cultural landmarks. “Technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity in protecting heritage for the future,” El-Araby noted.
The project is not limited to Khufu’s pyramid. Officials confirmed that plans are underway to expand the system to the neighboring pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Alongside the recently installed energy-efficient lighting systems, these efforts mark Egypt’s broader commitment to sustainability and green tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has emphasized that such projects are part of a long-term strategy to balance preservation with accessibility. By implementing environmentally friendly technologies, Egypt hopes to ensure that its world-renowned archaeological sites remain protected for generations to come.
Visitors to the Great Pyramid are already experiencing the difference, with cleaner air and more comfortable conditions in chambers that were once hot, humid, and difficult to stay in for long periods. Experts say the initiative is also crucial for safeguarding the ancient stone surfaces, which are vulnerable to damage from excess moisture and carbon dioxide.
As Egypt pushes forward with sustainability projects at the Giza Plateau, officials stress that these measures will not only preserve history but also boost the country’s global tourism appeal. The combination of heritage conservation and visitor comfort is seen as vital in keeping the Great Pyramid a centerpiece of world culture.