IFAO

In 2011, the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) received a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to focus on temporary employment for local heads of family, due to the downturn in tourism as a result of the last Revolution. The grant was very successful and ARCE received a second grant to continue the job creation and training project in 2015.

The grants encompass cultural heritage site improvements, temporary jobs for locals, conservation and archaeology field schools for Ministry of Antiquities employees. The project not only prepared and improved the sites for tourists but also injected badly needed currency into the local economy. At the completion of both grants, ARCE Luxor will have provided temporary employment for approximately 1,300 workers for 24 continuous months and opened new heritage sites for tourists.

The cultural heritage sites include: Khonsu Temple (Karnak), Mut Temple (Karnak Complex), Luxor Temple, Isis Temple at Deir el Shelwit, Sheik Abdel Qurna (Nobles Tombs), Dra Abu el Naga (Nobles Tombs), Qurnet Murai (Nobles Tombs), Tomb of Djehuty (TT 110), Qurna Lower Enclosure (TT 110 area), Tomb of Niay (TT 286) and Tomb of Raya (TT 159).