As the world focused on the Pyramids for the legendary official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a parallel and more spontaneous celebration was unfolding amongst Egyptians.
This time, the celebration wasn’t confined to the streets of Cairo; it extended across the virtual world, registering the largest global digital engagement.
The impact wasn’t just limited to official and diplomatic attendance, but also in how it ignited social media platforms and international press sites, topping search engine results.
Search rates for the “Grand Egyptian Museum” on Google Trends rose to record levels, after gradual increases over the past week.
Topping trends
The GEM topped the X platform’s trending lists with five major hashtags, reflecting the awe and appreciation for this cultural landmark.
Five key trends related to the museum dominated X in Egypt and around the world.
Hashtags like #GEM and #THE_GRAND_EGYPTIAN_MUSEUM were the channels used globally to express enthusiasm, while Egyptians expressed their pride with the hashtag #Egypt_is_celebrating_and_the_world_is_watching (in Arabic).
Digital celebrations
Social media transformed into a grand stage for an unspoken celebration.
Through AI technology, Egyptians donned gold crowns and garments carved in stone by their ancestors, transforming images of themselves into royalty such ass Thutmose or Hatshepsut with a simple algorithmic touch.
This phenomenon wasn’t just a trend; it was a testament to the deep-rooted connection of their civilization to every Egyptian, who proudly participated in this “popular celebration.”
Many celebrated in their own way, taking to the streets of Cairo and even in front of the museum itself, in a scene reflecting everyone’s enthusiasm to see Egypt rejoice and present its greatest treasures to the world.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
