A new lawsuit filed by the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) is calling for an end to large-scale music events held at Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza. The filing, made on behalf of Dr. Monica Hanna, Egyptologist and Assistant Professor of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; Sally Salah El-Din, tour guide and independent researcher; and Malek Adly, cassation lawyer and cultural heritage advocate, argues that major electronic music events pose a threat to the 4,500-year-old monuments.
Concerns Over Sound, Lasers, and Stage Installations
According to the lawsuit, vibrations from powerful sound systems are “capable of destabilising the ancient stone structures.” It also alleges that large-scale lighting and laser systems fail to meet international standards for illumination at heritage sites. The plaintiffs claim that the heavy infrastructure used for concerts, such as stages and temporary installations, puts the ancient complex at risk of long-term structural damage.
A Site Under Pressure
The Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, have recently hosted a series of high-profile electronic music events featuring artists like Carl Cox, Keinemusik, and Anyma, whose recent performance drew more than 15,000 attendees, including around 11,000 international visitors.
Legal Action Against Authorities
The case names Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the Governor of Giza as defendants, accusing them of neglecting their duty to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site. The plaintiffs argue that temporary construction, excavation, and the repeated use of the site for large-scale productions violate the government’s legal responsibility to preserve the monuments.
Heritage at Risk
The lawsuit warns that continued neglect could not only damage the site itself but also harm Egypt’s global reputation as a guardian of ancient heritage. It highlights concerns that failure to adhere to international standards for heritage site management could lead to international scrutiny and diminish the nation’s cultural credibility.
Future Festival Plans in Question
The filing also comes as Dušan Kovačević, founder of EXIT Festival, reportedly plans to stage the first-ever multi-day, multi-stage festival at the Pyramids of Giza in October 2026, following the event’s departure from Serbia due to financial and political pressures. The lawsuit could place those plans in jeopardy if courts side with preservation advocates.
Balancing Culture and Conservation
The case has reignited debate over how modern cultural events intersect with ancient history. As global tourism rebounds and Egypt positions itself as a destination for major international productions, the outcome of this lawsuit could shape the future of live entertainment at one of humanity’s most treasured sites.