The Arab Music Festival and Conference is one of the Cairo Opera House’s major events devoted to Arab repertoires, performers and music research. It connects the stage with heritage, transmission and academic reflection.
Concerts across several stages
The festival welcomes singers, soloists, ensembles and orchestras from Egypt and other Arab countries. Concerts are held in Cairo and may extend to the Alexandria and Damanhour opera venues depending on the edition.
A conference and heritage work
Its scholarly dimension makes the festival distinctive: researchers, musicians and specialists discuss repertoire, transmission, archives and transformations in Arab music. Tributes and exhibitions regularly complement the programme.
Latest verified edition
The 33rd edition took place from 16 to 25 October 2025. Cairo Opera announced forty-one concerts and eighty-three participating artists, with Umm Kulthum as the central figure of the edition. Dates for 2026 remain to be confirmed.
Why it matters
- A major stage for classical and contemporary Arab repertoires.
- A rare connection between concerts and a scholarly conference.
- A contribution to transmitting musical heritage.
- Direct links with Cairo Opera, jazz and the Citadel festival.