Zahi Hawass from Sharjah International Book Fair: My Greatest Hope Is to Make Two Major Discoveries

By Nanees Afiffy – October 30, 2025

Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass revealed during his participation in the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair that he is on the verge of announcing two significant archaeological discoveries — one in Saqqara and another in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor — expressing that “his ultimate hope” is to uncover both soon.

During a packed discussion session at the fair, Hawass shared his personal reflections on what he described as “the two most anticipated discoveries in the world,” speaking with visible passion about his decades-long journey in Egyptology and the mysteries that still await discovery.

“My Greatest Hope” — Two Discoveries That Could Rewrite History

Addressing the audience, Hawass said:

“My greatest hope is to make these two discoveries — and I truly feel that I will.

The first is the tomb of Imhotep — the genius of architecture who built the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the first pyramid in history. He was the one who transformed construction from mudbrick to stone, who created the first roof and the first column carved in stone.”

He added:

“Finding Imhotep’s tomb would be more important than the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. I have evidence, and this month I can almost sense the location of the tomb.”

Hawass explained that excavation work in Saqqara is still underway, and that recent field indicators have strengthened his belief that the tomb may soon be found — a discovery he described as “the greatest archaeological revelation of the 21st century.”

The Search for Nefertiti

The famed archaeologist also spoke about the second project currently underway in the Valley of the Kings, saying confidently:

“We are excavating right now — and I’m looking for the tomb of Queen Nefertiti.”

He noted that his team is using the latest thermal and radar-scanning technologies to identify possible hidden chambers behind tomb walls, adding that the potential discovery of Nefertiti’s resting place would be “one of the most important archaeological finds of the modern era,” given the queen’s enduring symbolic and historical significance during the Amarna period.

Egypt’s Enduring Leadership in Archaeology

Hawass’s remarks in Sharjah have reignited international interest in Egypt’s pivotal role in leading modern archaeological exploration, reaffirming that Egyptian excavations continue to deliver new surprises to the world year after year.