Arab Music Festival Honours Hany Shaker in Egypt From 20 to 30 October
EGYPT · MUSIC FESTIVAL
Key Facts
- —The country Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, has long been a centre of Arabic music; the Cairo Opera House is its main state stage.
- —Why it matters The Arab Music Festival and Conference is the Opera House’s yearly showcase of Arabic song, which it calls the state’s festival.
- —What happened The 34th edition runs 20–30 October 2026, dedicated to the late singer Hany Shaker, over 11 nights, one more than last year.
- —What it means for you Non-Egyptians living in Egypt can enter its oud and singing contests for EGP 1,000 (US$19); registration closes on 11 October.
- —Still open The full programme, singers and ticket prices had not been announced by 24 September 2026; a press conference is due.
The Arab Music Festival returns to the Cairo Opera House for 11 nights, dedicated to Hany Shaker, who died in May.
Egypt’s Arab Music Festival and Conference opens its 34th edition at the Cairo Opera House on Tuesday 20 October 2026. It runs until Friday 30 October and is dedicated to the singer Hany Shaker, who died in May.
The Opera House unveiled the official poster on 24 September. The programme, artists and honourees will be announced at a press conference, it says.
Arab Music Festival 2026: Dates, Venues and the Dedication
The festival will last 11 nights, one more than last year’s 10, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported. Concerts are planned on the Main Hall stage of the Cairo Opera House and at the Arab Music Institute in Cairo.
Other concerts are planned at the Sayed Darwish Theatre in Alexandria and the Damanhour Opera House, the paper said. Research sessions for the conference will be held in the Opera House’s Small Hall.
The Opera House, headed by Dr Reza El-Wakil, is organising the edition. Maestro Dr Mohamed El-Mougy is the festival director.
Hany Shaker, known as the “Prince of Arab Singing”, died in Paris on 3 May 2026 after treatment abroad. He headed Egypt’s Musicians’ Syndicate from 2015 until he resigned in July 2022.
The poster, designed by the Opera House’s graphics department, is built around a violin. Its details are printed in Arabic and English, which the Opera House says reflects its Arab and international audience.
What Is Known About the Line-Up
No official line-up had been announced by 24 September 2026. Early in September, the Opera House denied a social media post claiming the festival had been cancelled.
It said the programme and the names of artists and honourees would be announced at an official press conference. That conference had not been held by 24 September.
El-Wakil told El Watan on 21 September that the Opera House was coordinating with Arab and Egyptian singers. He named Mohamed El-Helw, Ali El-Haggar, Reham Abdel Hakim, Ghada Ragab and Nadia Mostafa.
Until the programme is published, those names remain provisional. Last year’s 33rd edition had 41 concerts with 83 artists over 10 days, the Opera House said.
That edition was built around Umm Kulthum, marking 50 years since her death. This year the dedication goes to Shaker, a more recent star of classic Egyptian song.
The Competitions Are Open to Foreign Residents
Two contests run alongside the concerts, both for performers aged 17 to 40. The Dr Ratiba El-Hefny singing contest holds its heats on Monday 26 October, and the oud contest on Sunday 25 October.
Singers first send two videos, one traditional song and one of their choice, lasting no more than three minutes combined. Oud players must read sheet music and perform a set piece plus a work of their choice.
Non-Egyptians living in Egypt, or holding any valid Egyptian visa, may enter for EGP 1,000 (US$19). Egyptians pay EGP 200 (US$4), Al-Diyar reported.
In each contest, first place wins EGP 40,000 (US$778), second EGP 30,000 (US$584) and third EGP 20,000 (US$389). Registration opened on 15 September and closes on Sunday 11 October.
Entries are made through a link and QR code on the Opera House’s official channels, Masrawy reported. The contests aim to find new talent in Arabic singing and playing, the Opera House says.
What It Means If You Live in Cairo
The Cairo Opera House stands on Gezira Island in Zamalek. Its Main Hall seats 1,200 people, according to the Opera House.
Last year, tickets were sold online through Tazkarti and at a festival box office, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported. Check the Opera House’s official channels for this year’s sales route.
Check the dress rules for the Main Hall on the Opera House website before you go. Plan for Zamalek traffic on concert nights.
The festival suits newcomers who want to hear Arabic classical song performed live with an orchestra. Most song texts are in Arabic, so reading up on the programme helps.
Cairo’s October calendar is busy: the rapper Tul8te plays Al Manara Arena on 16 October.
What Comes Next
The Opera House is due to announce the full programme, artists and honourees at a press conference. Al-Masry Al-Youm said it was planned before the end of September, but no date had been set by 24 September 2026.
Competition registration closes on 11 October, nine days before the opening night.
More on the country: Egypt Explained 2026.
Sources: Dar El Hilal, poster and dedication, 24 September 2026; Masrawy, competition rules, 13 September 2026; El Watan, interview with Reza El-Wakil, 21 September 2026; Dar El Hilal, cancellation denial, 4 September 2026; The National, Hany Shaker obituary, 4 May 2026; Akher Khabar, republishing Al-Masry Al-Youm, 19 September 2026; Al-Masry Al-Youm, 2025 ticket sales; Al-Diyar, registration fees; Asharq Al-Awsat, Hany Shaker dies, 3 May 2026; Cairo Opera House, Main Hall; Cairo Opera House, 33rd edition, 29 September 2025. Exchange rate: mid-market rate of 24 September 2026 (open.er-api.com), about 51.4 Egyptian pounds per US dollar.
More: Egypt news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Arab Music Festival 2026?
The 34th edition runs from Tuesday 20 October to Friday 30 October 2026. It lasts 11 nights, one more than last year’s edition.
Where are the concerts held?
At the Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall and at the Arab Music Institute in Cairo. Concerts are also planned in Alexandria and Damanhour, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.
Who is the festival dedicated to?
To Hany Shaker, the Egyptian singer known as the “Prince of Arab Singing”, who died in May 2026. He headed Egypt’s Musicians’ Syndicate from 2015 to 2022.
Can foreigners enter the competitions?
Yes. Non-Egyptians aged 17 to 40 who live in Egypt or hold a valid Egyptian visa can enter. The fee is EGP 1,000 (US$19).
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