Lawsuit filed to halt raves and festivals at Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza

A major legal battle is unfolding in Egypt as the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) has filed a lawsuit demanding an immediate halt to raves and large-scale music events held at the Great Pyramids of Giza. The case, filed on behalf of Egyptologist Dr. Monica Hanna, tour guide and researcher Sally Salah El-Din, and lawyer Malek Adly, alleges that these high-volume events pose structural and cultural risks to the 4,500-year-old monuments.

According to the plaintiffs, the powerful sound systems used during such events generate vibrations “capable of destabilizing the ancient stone structures,” while the laser and lighting setups violate global standards for illumination at UNESCO World Heritage sites. The lawsuit targets Egypt’s Tourism Ministry, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the Governor of Giza, accusing them of neglecting their duty to safeguard the landmark despite repeated warnings.

The filing follows a string of high-profile electronic music performances held at the Pyramids in recent years. Most recently, Anyma’s sold-out show on October 10 drew over 15,000 attendees, including thousands of international tourists. Previous performances by Carl Cox and Keinemusik have also sparked debate over the commercialization of Egypt’s most sacred site.

The ECESR’s case cites Egypt’s Constitution, the 1983 Antiquities Protection Law, and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, demanding the enforcement of existing protections that prohibit alterations or installations near ancient structures. The plaintiffs argue that the government’s ongoing approval of such events “poses a grave danger to the safety of the Pyramids and their historic setting,” warning that continued neglect could harm Egypt’s international reputation for heritage preservation.