Prof. Dr. Saied Abdel Hamid Hassan
Chairman of the Board, Vitamera Heritage
A cultural heritage restoration and conservation expert with more than 30 years of experience protecting cultural heritage in Egypt and across much of the Middle East. He specializes in the restoration and conservation of archaeological artifacts and museum collections, with international experience in the conservation, management, and adaptive reuse of heritage sites and historic cities. He has held several leadership positions at the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and served as Assistant Professor at Damietta University, Zagazig University, and Misr University for Science and Technology, Faculty of Archaeology — Department of Restoration, alongside memberships in several specialized international institutions, combining scientific research with fieldwork to safeguard heritage for future generations.
Education & Qualifications
- PhD in Restoration of Antiquities, First Class Honors — Cairo University, 2012
- Master's Degree in Restoration of Antiquities — Cairo University, 2009
- Bachelor's Degree in Restoration of Antiquities — Cairo University, 1994
Professional Experience
- General Director of Conservation and Restoration, Central Administration for Conservation and Restoration, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — set restoration strategy and supervised restoration projects across museums and archaeological sites (since 2012)
- Assistant Professor of Restoration at Damietta University, and Lecturer of Restoration at Zagazig University (2018–2020)
- General Director of Restoration for Greater Cairo Museums — oversaw restoration programs at the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Coptic Museum, the Textile Museum, and the Khufu Boat Museum (2015–2016)
- Lecturer of Restoration at Misr University for Science and Technology (2014–2016)
- General Director of Restoration at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (2014–2015)
- Deputy Director and Lead Restoration Trainer, American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) — Groundwater Lowering Project in Luxor, training restorers on the Khonsu Temple restoration project in Karnak (2007–2011)
- Head of Coptic Icons and Mural Paintings Restoration Department, Supreme Council of Antiquities — supervised restoration of Coptic icons in Old Cairo's historic churches (2003–2007)
Advanced Training
- Fulbright Fellowship at the Getty Conservation Institute, UCLA — advanced scientific training in modern restoration techniques (2006–2007)
- Advanced course in heritage site and historic city management — Japan (2017)
- Arab Cultural Heritage Advisors Workshop — China (2017)
- Advanced training course in museum display, Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) — Brussels, Belgium (2010)
Major Restoration Projects
- Groundwater Lowering Project in Luxor — trained restorers and supervised the restoration of Khonsu Temple in Karnak (2007–2011)
- Restoration of Coptic icons in Old Cairo — documented and restored more than 1,000 historic icons (1997–2001)
- Development of restoration laboratories at the Egyptian Museum and archaeological museums (2012–2015)
- Restoration of major historic mosques: Al-Azhar Mosque, Imam Al-Hussein Mosque, Sayeda Zeinab Mosque, Al-Aini Mosque in Historic Cairo, and Al-Abbasi Mosque in Ismailia
- Restoration of the Marriott Hotel, Zamalek: the marble fountain, facades, the two Eugène panels, and the ceilings of five hotel halls
- Restoration of Aisha Fahmy Palace in Zamalek, and Manesterly Palace in Manial El-Roda
International Institutional Memberships
- Member, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
- Member, ICCROM
- Member, American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE)
- Member, Union of Arab Archaeologists
- Member, Fulbright Alumni Network
Awards & Recognition
- Fulbright Fellowship for Scientific Research in Restoration (2006–2007)
- Getty Conservation Institute Fellowship (UCLA) (2006–2007)
- Member, Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities Committee for Restoration Project Funding (2013)