The coffin of an ancient Egyptian priest uncovered last year is on public display for the first time at the Dubai World Expo.

The casket of priest Psamtik was among 27 coloured-wooden coffins that were recently discovered in Saqqara – a district south of Cairo known for its vast, ancient burial ground of pharaohs and royals.

Nicknamed the doctor, Psamtik served as king Tutankhamun’s head medic.

Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities described the find as one of the largest and most important discoveries in recent years.

The Dubai World Expo is the largest global gathering since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, where more than 190 countries are showcasing their culture and innovations with the hope of attracting investors.

While Egypt has a lot of innovations and investment opportunities to display at the country’s pavilion, it is the coffin which has become the centre of attraction – with visitors waiting in long queues to catch a glimpse.

“It is worth the wait to be able to see such a piece of history from thousands of years” one tourist said.

Officials hope showing off newly discovered archaeological artefacts will help revive visitor numbers after the country’s tourism industry was seriously disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

-BBC-