A significant fire devastated the historic Al-Ahram Studio in Cairo, a structure with an 80-year legacy, causing extensive damage and spreading to neighboring buildings on Saturday morning, as reported by the Egyptian state news website Al-Ahram.

The blaze, which required firefighters more than five hours to bring under control and led to the evacuation of nearby residential structures, ignited shortly after the conclusion of filming for a Ramadan television series, as noted by Al-Ahram.

“The studio suffered severe destruction, including the loss of decorations, woodwork, photography areas, and corridors,” stated the report.

Footage circulating on Egyptian media platforms depicted the studio complex and adjacent structures engulfed in flames.

No fatalities have been recorded, although several individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently transported to hospitals for treatment, according to state media.

Egypt has historically been a powerhouse in the Arab film industry, earning the moniker “Hollywood on the Nile” and producing internationally renowned figures such as the late actor Omar Sharif and the late acclaimed director Youssef Chahine.

Established in 1944, Al-Ahram Studio has served as a cornerstone of Egypt’s cinematic and television landscape, boasting three production stages, a screening facility, and an editing suite within its 27,000-square-meter premises.

The studio played a pivotal role in the creation of numerous Egyptian films and television series, rendering it a vital cultural institution.

According to reports from state media outlets, Egypt’s Public Prosecutor has initiated an inquiry into the cause of the fire at one of the oldest film production hubs in the Arab world.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilany visited the scene to assess the extent of the damage and its impact on the surrounding vicinity.

Madbouly announced that affected families residing in nearby buildings would each receive 15,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately $300) to assist with renting accommodations until their residences are restored, as per the State Information Service’s statement on Saturday.