Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass (above) is to put a curse on us all the way from Giza when he opens a mysterious shaft inside Khufu's Great Pyramid on September 17.

When the explorer opens for the first time the shaft that lies in an unfinished queen's chamber inside the largest of the Giza pyramids, the event will be broadcast live on the National Geographic channel at 8am Hong Kong time.

Ancient beliefs dictate Hawass' act will be cursed. But the National Geographic magazine's explorer-in-residence, who was in town yesterday to promote the show, has a clever plan to get rid of the curse. 'I will curse the people who watch the show,' he said. 'The curse will only disturb those who steal treasure and those who talk too much about the curse.'