Entertainment
Singer withdrawals and opera chief's resignation roil Egypt's 34th Arabic Music Festival
October 2, 2026 at 02:29 PM · Updated 14d ago
Coverage
10 reports · over 23 hours
Multiple artists have withdrawn from the 34th Arabic Music Festival after the opera house chief's remarks on budget limits, prompting his resignation.
- Singer Ali al-Hajjar said he withdrew for the first time since the festival's founding, citing the weak budget assigned to his accompanying band.
- Mohamed Tharwat said he would not participate in what he called humiliation of Egyptian art; Marwa Naji cited her concert date and program being announced without coordination.
- Opera house head Rida al-Wakil announced he was stepping down, then reportedly returned to his post, per informed sources.
- The festival remains scheduled for October 20–30.
- Mohamed El Helou's son Hamada denied reports of his father's withdrawal, confirming he will perform in Cairo and Alexandria.
- Assi El Helani was also among the artists who apologized for their participation in the 34th edition.
- The festival will proceed as scheduled from October 20–30 with 22 concerts by about 70 Egyptian and Arab artists.
- This edition is dedicated to the late singer Hani Shaker, with an evening and an opening film honoring his legacy.
- Artists Omar Khairat and Nadia Mustafa pledged financial support, and the opening ceremony will honor nine artistic figures.
- Assi El Helani's media office said his withdrawal stemmed from recent administrative developments at the Cairo Opera House, which he wished to avoid.
- Mohamed Tharwat declined over a contractual clause holding him legally accountable for performing heritage songs he does not own, condemning fee disclosure.
- Marwa Naji said the offered fee was over 50 percent lower than last year's, denying financial motives and saying she had offered to perform for free.









