Today, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie Al-Metwally, President of the University, Professor Dr. Ayman Al-Shehaby, Governor of Damietta, and Ambassador Roberto Pache, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta in Cairo, witnessed a scientific symposium organized by the Faculties of Law and Antiquities entitled “Legal Protection of Antiquities,” in which Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Minister of Antiquities, lectured. The symposium activities were launched in the “Farouk Shousha” conference hall at the university in the presence of Consul Pasco Leonardo Grima, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul of the Republic of Malta in Cairo, Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdo Amasha, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs, and Professor Dr. Mohamad Abd Al Hamid Shehab, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research. Eng. Shaima Al-Sedeek, Deputy Governor of Damietta, Professor Dr. Samir El-Gammal, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Dr. Yousr Ezz Al-Reigal, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, and a number of deans of colleges, faculty members, administrators, and university students. The symposium activities, which were presented by Professor Dr. Mohamad Maher, Head of the Arabic Language Department at the College of Arts, and Dr. Aya Mowafy, Lecturer of Criminal Law at the College of Law, began with the playing of the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an in the voice of student Ibrahim Mohsen. Then Professor Dr. Yusr Ezz Al-Riegal, Dean of the Faculty of Archeology, delivered a speech in which she described the symposium as a “cultural wedding” that reflects cooperation between the Faculties of Antiquities and Law within the framework of preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage. In his address, Professor Dr. Samir El-Gammal, Dean of the Faculty of Law, expressed his happiness at the presence of a group of scholars and specialists at Damietta University, headed by Dr. Zahi Hawass, whom he described as an “icon of global antiquities,” stressing the importance of legal legislation in protecting antiquities, noting that current laws criminalize the smuggling of antiquities and tampering with them, and the efforts of legal and archaeologists are joining forces to protect the great heritage. The Dean of the College of Law explained that cooperation between legal scholars and archaeologists is vital to formulating effective legislation that protects cultural heritage. He also pointed out that the efforts of legal scholars in enacting and implementing deterrent laws contribute greatly to reducing antiquities crimes, such as illegal excavations and trafficking in antiquities. During his address, Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie Al-Metwally, President of the University, welcomed the attendees, expressing his happiness at the University’s embrace of these prominent figures at the international and local levels, praising the organization of this symposium, which combines the academic and practical sides in the issue of preserving archaeological heritage. The President of the University praised the fruitful cooperation between the university and Damietta Governorate, stressing that this cooperation contributes to strengthening the university’s position as a scientific and cultural center. He also congratulated the university’s employees for approving the establishment of “Damietta National University,” which will open its doors at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, expressing his confidence that this step will contribute to the development of higher education in the region. During his welcome to the Egyptian archaeologist, the university president pointed out that Damietta Governorate is considered the icon of the furniture industry in Egypt, which prompted the university to strive to realize Dr. Zahi Hawass’s dream of establishing a “museum for the development of the furniture industry” in Egypt. The Governor of Damietta praised the importance of choosing the topic of the symposium, as it represents great importance at the local and international levels. He pointed out that the issue of protecting antiquities, highlighting the procedures for protecting them from legislation and laws, developing awareness of that, and raising awareness of the role of individuals in protecting antiquities and heritage, contributes to preserving this rich heritage. Meanwhile, the Governor of Damietta thanked Dr. Zahi Hawass for this rich symposium. He also congratulated Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie, President of the University, for establishing Damietta National University. He stressed that it had been agreed with Dr. Zahi Hawass to study the establishment of a furniture museum in Damietta, expressing his aspiration for Damietta University’s cooperation in this file. During his address, Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Minister of Antiquities, expressed his pride in belonging to Damietta Governorate, where he grew up, and his happiness at being on the Damietta University campus on his third visit to it. During his lecture, Dr. Zahi Hawass explained the efforts of the Egyptian state in recovering antiquities stolen from abroad, stressing that Egypt succeeded in recovering thousands of antiquities thanks to international cooperation and the efforts of the Ministry of Antiquities. He also spoke about the importance of legal legislation in protecting antiquities, calling for tougher penalties for crimes of antiquities smuggling and illegal excavation. The symposium then moved to a dialogue session with the attendees, in which Dr. Zahi Hawass answered their inquiries, some of which revolved around the use of artificial intelligence in discovering antiquities. Hawass indicated that technology can play an important role in preserving antiquities, but he ruled out total reliance on artificial intelligence in archaeological discoveries. He also refuted some circulating rumors, such as the presence of “red mercury” in mummies, stressing that these claims are baseless. Regarding the laws prevailing in ancient times, Hawass explained that the ancient Egyptians were ruled through the system of “Maat” (justice and order), and they had laws and courts that regulated their lives. While the symposium activities concluded with the presentation of an introductory video about Damietta National University, and honoring Dr. Zahi Hawass with the university’s shield in appreciation of his efforts in serving the Egyptian heritage, the importance of concerted efforts between academic and legal institutions to preserve Egypt’s cultural heritage was also emphasized. It is worth noting that the “Legal Protection of Antiquities” symposium embodied the integration between the academic and practical aspects in protecting antiquities, with an emphasis on the role of legislation and technology as effective tools for preserving Egypt’s cultural identity, which holds a distinguished global position. On the sidelines of today's symposium, the University President, Dr. Zahi Hawass, the former Minister of Antiquities, Professor Dr. Ayman Al-Shehaby, Governor of Damietta, Ambassador Roberto Pache, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta in Cairo, and the accompanying delegation, accompanied him on an inspection tour of the facilities of "Damietta National University", to which Dr. Zahi expressed his admiration for the development of its facilities. For his part, Professor Dr. Ayman Al-Shehaby expressed his happiness with the level of achievements achieved by the university in a short period of time, stressing that the governorate will continue to support such projects that contribute to raising the level of education and developing human resources. In turn, Ambassador Roberto Pache praised the modernity of the facilities, expressing his country's readiness to provide more support and participate in joint educational projects.