Samih Sawiris, Chairperson of Orascom Development Holding, on Thursday laid the foundation stone for El Gouna Culture Center.

It is the second phase of the cultural complex in the resort city which includes a concert hall, a plaza, and monumental colonnades.

The centre is set to be create an iconic destination and cultural hub in El Gouna. It will also host El Gouna Film Festival in 2020.

It will include a concert hall and conference centre. The concert hall is expected to accommodate 600 persons and a 120-musician orchestra. The conference centre will include meeting rooms and VIP rooms to host seminars and conferences from across the globe, with a capacity of 2,000 people.