Khaled El-Enany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Khaled El-Enany
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خالد العناني
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al-Anani in 2025
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| 11th Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization | |
| Assuming office 15 November 2025 |
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| Succeeding | Audrey Azoulay |
| Minister of Tourism and Antiquities | |
| In office 22 December 2019 – 13 August 2022 |
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| President | Abdel Fattah el-Sisi |
| Prime Minister | Mostafa Madbouly |
| Succeeded by | Ahmed Issa |
| Minister of Antiquities | |
| In office 23 March 2016 – 22 December 2019 |
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| President | Abdel Fattah el-Sisi |
| Prime Minister | Sherif Ismail Mostafa Madbouly |
| Preceded by | Mamdouh Eldamaty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 March 1971 Giza, Egypt |
| Political party | Independent |
| Alma mater | Helwan University Paul Valéry University Montpellier |
Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz (Arabic: خالد العناني; born on March 14, 1971) is an Egyptian expert in Egyptology (the study of ancient Egypt) and a well-known politician. In November 2025, he was chosen as the 11th Director-General of UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Before this important role, he served as the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Egypt from 2016 to 2022.
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Early Life and Education
Khaled El-Enany was born in Giza, Egypt, on March 14, 1971. He spent his childhood on Roda Island in Cairo. His father was an engineer, and his mother was a French teacher. He went to a secondary school where French was spoken. There, he earned his baccalauréat (a French high school diploma) in 1988.
He chose to study Egyptology at Helwan University. After his studies, he worked as a tourist guide, sharing his knowledge of ancient Egypt. He continued his education, earning a Master's degree in 1996. In 2001, he received his PhD in Egyptology from the Paul Valéry University Montpellier.
A Career in History and Leadership
Studying and Teaching Ancient Egypt
Khaled El-Enany became a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University. He also taught the Ancient Egyptian language at universities worldwide. These included the University of Palermo and Paul-Valéry-Montpellier University. He joined many scientific groups. For example, he was a member of the German Archaeological Institute in Berlin. Since 2002, he has been a researcher and board member at the French Institute of Oriental Archeology (IFAO).
In October 2014, he took on a leadership role. He became the director-general of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC). From 2015 to 2016, he also served as the director-general of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Leading Egypt's Ancient Treasures (2016–2022)
On March 23, 2016, Mr. El-Enany became the Minister of Antiquities. He served in the government led by Sherif Ismail. He kept this important role when Mostafa Madbouly formed a new government in 2018. On December 22, 2019, his responsibilities grew. He also became in charge of Tourism. His title changed to Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
During his time as minister, he helped secure money for big projects. These included building the Grand Egyptian Museum. He also helped restore historical places. Examples are the Baron Empain Palace and the Graeco-Roman Museum. He oversaw the reopening of the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue. He led exciting events like the Pharaohs' Golden Parade. This parade moved royal mummies to a new museum. He also oversaw the reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor in 2021. He worked hard to support Egypt's tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On August 13, 2022, Ahmed Issa took over his role. Mr. El-Enany often held press conferences. These events shared news about new archaeological finds. They helped encourage more people to visit Egypt. He also worked to inspire Egyptians. He wanted them to learn more about their country's rich ancient Egypt history.
In 2024, he was named the UN Tourism Ambassador for Cultural Tourism. In January 2025, he became the rapporteur for the African World Heritage Fund.
Leading UNESCO: A Global Role (Starting November 2025)
In 2023, Egypt put forward Mr. El-Enany as its candidate. He aimed to become the Director-General of UNESCO. Many important groups supported him. These included the African Union and the Arab League. Several countries also showed their support. Among them were France, Spain, Turkey, Gabon, Germany, and Brazil.
On October 6, 2025, UNESCO's Executive Board suggested him for the top role. He received 55 out of 57 votes. He won against Republic of Congo's candidate, Édouard Firmin Matoko. On November 6, 2025, the General Conference officially elected him. This meeting took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He is the first Arab person to lead UNESCO. He is also the second leader from Africa, following Amadou-Mahtar M'Bow from Senegal. He will take over from Audrey Azoulay on November 15, 2025.
One challenge he will face is the impact of the United States leaving UNESCO. This is planned for December 2026.
Some groups and experts expressed concerns about his election. They felt he did not always manage Egypt's heritage perfectly. For example, they mentioned changes to parts of the City of the Dead in Cairo. They also noted new buildings near Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai. Both are important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These groups believed he was not the best choice to lead UNESCO.
Awards and Recognition
Khaled El-Enany has received many special awards for his work:
France: He was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2025. This is a very high award from France.- France: He also became a Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2015, for his contributions to arts and literature.
- France: In 2021, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3. This is a special academic award.
Japan: Japan honored him in 2021 with the Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
Poland: In 2020, he was recognized as an Officier of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
See also
In Spanish: Khaled El-Anany para niños
