The long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza was more than a cultural milestone — it was a defining moment where fashion, history, and diplomacy converged on one of the world’s most iconic backdrops. Among the distinguished guests, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan and Egypt’s First Lady Entissar Amer El Sisi stood out, each embodying a blend of elegance and symbolism that resonated far beyond the red carpet.
A Royal in Red: Queen Rania’s Bold Elegance
Jordan’s Queen Rania brought regal sophistication to the event in a custom red Dolce & Gabbana dress, tailored from a full-length gown into a mid-length piece featuring elegant draping at the waist. The radiant red ensemble — both powerful and poised — was complemented by a white Bottega Veneta clutch and white Christian Louboutin pumps, creating a striking contrast that underscored her refined modernity.
Her daughter, Princess Salma of Jordan, mirrored her mother’s polished style in a black Alaïa dress, accessorised with a gold Fendi handbag and gold Jennifer Chamandi heels — a look that was understated yet effortlessly royal.
Entissar Amer El Sisi: A Tribute to Egypt’s Timeless Legacy
Egypt’s First Lady, Entissar Amer El Sisi, used the occasion to pay homage to her nation’s ancient roots. She wore a floor-length, abaya-style black gown designed by Marmar Halim, one of Egypt’s most celebrated designers. The gown was embellished with golden beaded hieroglyphic embroidery that cascaded from the collar down to the hem, symbolising Egypt’s enduring connection to its pharaonic past.
The intricate craftsmanship — showcased by Halim in a behind-the-scenes Instagram video — elevated the ensemble beyond fashion into a narrative of national pride and artistic heritage.
Italian Couture Meets Arab Royal Style
Italian fashion continues to play a defining role in the Jordanian royal family’s wardrobe. Just weeks earlier, Queen Rania attended the opening of Jordan’s 20th Parliament’s second ordinary session in a blue silk Valentino dress, paired with a brown braided Fendi bag.
Over the years, the Queen has been a loyal patron of Dolce & Gabbana, often seen in their signature pieces, including a blue brocade jacket and vest at the Ambrosetti Forum in 2024. Her daughter-in-law, Princess Rajwa, also turned to the Italian label for her second wedding gown at her 2023 royal ceremony with Crown Prince Hussein — further solidifying the family’s relationship with the fashion house.
Royalty from Around the World Unite in Cairo
The opening ceremony also saw international royalty in attendance, including Queen Mary of Denmark, who chose a white lace Zimmermann ensemble — a puff-sleeved blouse and matching pencil skirt — paired with a grey clutch and white heels. Her minimalist look offered a Scandinavian touch to an otherwise richly Arab cultural affair.
Among the dignitaries present were Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prince Albert of Monaco, all gathered to witness a new chapter in Egypt’s cultural journey.
A Global Celebration of Heritage and Innovation
Overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum is a monumental achievement — the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Housing over 100,000 artefacts, including the entire collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures, the museum showcases Egypt’s story from prehistoric origins through the pharaonic dynasties to the Greco-Roman period.
Spanning 500,000 square metres, with 12 expansive galleries surrounded by 120,000 square metres of landscaped gardens, the GEM is more than a museum — it’s a declaration of Egypt’s cultural power and its role as a global heritage hub.
In his opening address, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi hailed the project as a “new era for Egypt’s civilisation and its place in the world.”
At The Gulf Talk, we see moments like these as more than style showcases — they are statements of soft power and cultural unity across the Arab world. Queen Rania’s polished Italian couture and Entissar Amer El Sisi’s heritage-inspired Egyptian design reflect the modern Middle East’s ability to merge global sophistication with deep-rooted identity.
Their fashion choices weren’t merely aesthetic; they told stories of history, progress, and shared regional pride — perfectly in tune with the Grand Egyptian Museum’s message of timeless legacy reborn.
