The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announced on July 26 the formation of a committee to restore the archaeological area in the village of al-Wadi that is part of the city of al-Tur in South Sinai. The move is part of Egypt's effort to restore its neglected monuments in the Sinai Peninsula to revitalize tourism.
“The area dates back to the 6th century AD and is one of the most important archaeological sites in South Sinai,” the director of the South Sinai Antiquities Area, Ahmed al-Hashash, said in a press statement July 26. He added that the committee will work "within the framework of the state's plan to develop the archaeological sites in Sinai," which includes new infrastructure, beautification of squares and streets, and new hotels and restaurants.