Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, concluded his visit to the city of Saint Catherine with a tour of Saint Catherine’s Monastery located in the Wadi El-Deir area. This region is considered one of the most prominent in the city due to its religious sanctity, as it is referred to as the “Valley of the Prophets,” mentioned across all Abrahamic religions.
The minister was received by a number of priests and monks who welcomed him and expressed their gratitude for the ongoing development efforts in the area.
During the visit, El-Sherbiny emphasized that the development of Saint Catherine is currently being carried out under the directive of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, particularly at the site of the Great Manifestation. These efforts aim to highlight this blessed site—where God Almighty revealed Himself to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him)—in a manner that reflects its profound spiritual and historical significance. The goal is to transform the area into a global pilgrimage destination that showcases the diversity of the three monotheistic religions.
The priests and monks expressed their deep appreciation to the President and the government for the unprecedented development initiatives. During the Housing Minister’s tour, he was briefed on the history of monasticism in Sinai and the unique features of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, which houses the Sacred Burning Bush, the Church of the Transfiguration, and the Fatimid Mosque—making it a distinctive site that unites symbols of the three Abrahamic faiths. The surrounding landmarks, such as Mount Safsafa and Mount Moses (Mount Sinai), were also presented as significant religious and cultural sites.