Aswan Governor Ashraf Attia said Abu Simbel city finalized preparations for celebrating the sun alignment on the face of King Ramses II statue at Abu Simbel Temple, a super unique phenomenon that occurs twice a year: on February 22 and October 22, the king’s birthday and coronation day respectively.

The governor inspected the city’s streets, squares and tourist sites after Friday prayers, according to a statement released by Aswan Governorate.

Attia also visited several hotels, shops and tourist bazaars, as he checked on the quality of services offered to tourists and Egyptian citizens, who flock to the city to watch the sun’s alignment on the face of King Ramses II statue at Abu Simbel Temple.

During the solar alignment, sun rays enter the temple’s sanctum to light three of four statues.

The three statues belong to King Ramses II and the deities Amun-Re and Re-Hur-Akhty, leaving the God of Darkness Ptah in shadow to symbolize his connection to the underworld.

Source: State Information Service Egypt