Cairo

After 10 years of delay and anticipation—and the pandemic’s decimation of the vital national tourism economy—the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is finally scheduled to open this year in Giza. A state-of-the-art architectural marvel of glass and concrete, GEM will become the largest archaeological museum in the world, with more than 100,000 ancient artifacts—including thousands from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun—housed within its modern walls. In addition to GEM, the Egyptian government is investing heavily in other projects designed to lure future travelers to the capital. The Ahl Misr Walkway is near completion along the Nile Corniche, creating a pedestrian-friendly outdoor space to check out the waterway. Also under development is the forthcoming Cairo Eye, which promises to be the largest observation wheel in Africa, expected to commence spinning in 2022. Elsewhere, the new St. Regis Cairo features a library room, spa and floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the river views. Just 15 minutes from the Pyramids of Giza, the Crowne Plaza West Cairo–Arkan is set to open with 187 rooms later this year. —Rebecca Katzman

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