According to BBC, the Great Transfiguration Project, initiated by the Egyptian government in 2021, proposes the development of hotels, eco-lodges, and a visitor center, along with the expansion of a nearby airport and construction of a cable car to Mount Moses. While the government touts this initiative as a gift to the world, aimed at boosting tourism and preserving the area’s heritage, critics argue that it disregards the will and cultural heritage of the local Bedouin community. Ben Hoffler, a British travel writer with close ties to Sinai tribes, highlights that the project represents a top-down approach that prioritizes external interests over those of the indigenous people.
The controversy extends beyond local dissent, drawing in international stakeholders. Greece has been particularly vocal, given its historical ties to St. Catherine’s Monastery, the world’s oldest continuously used Christian monastery, which an Egyptian court recently declared to be on state land. This ruling has intensified tensions between Greece and Egypt, with Greek religious leaders denouncing it as a threat to the monastery’s heritage. Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and Archbishop Damianos of St. Catherine’s have both expressed their disapproval, citing concerns over the monastery's future.
Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts led to a declaration between Greece and Egypt to preserve St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox identity and cultural heritage. However, the ongoing construction and changes in the area have already altered the landscape, impacting the sacred Plain of el-Raha, where the Israelites are said to have awaited Moses.
UNESCO has expressed concerns over the developments, calling on Egypt to halt construction and assess the impact on the site’s universal value. Yet, these calls have gone unheeded, prompting further appeals from World Heritage Watch and other international bodies to protect the region.
The Egyptian government remains committed to its development plans, viewing them as crucial to revitalizing the economy and attracting millions of tourists. This approach mirrors previous developments in the Sinai region, such as Sharm el-Sheikh, which marginalized local Bedouin communities. Critics fear that the St. Catherine’s project may follow a similar trajectory, altering the traditional way of life and historical significance of the area.
As the transformation of Mount Sinai progresses, the site’s profound religious and cultural legacy hangs in the balance, amidst a backdrop of economic ambitions and cultural preservation challenges.