The Tahrir CultureFest 2026 kicks off by the opening of four exhibitions: I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore by Hassan Ragab, Time Will Tell, Anah: Conversations with AI, and Future C—AI—RO. These openings lead into a captivating projection light show Whispers of the Walls where the walls of AUC Tahrir Square become storytellers. Through light and projection, the historic facades reveal the journey of the building from its first sketches and construction to its life as a place of learning and culture. As light moves across the architecture, the rhythm of Cairo begins to emerge and the narrative expands beyond the campus to the city itself.
Step into the circle of stories with the co-founder of El-Hakawaty Initiative, who has been reviving the art of storytelling across Egypt since 2018. His journey has taken him far and wide across Egypt and beyond, with performances at the Cairo International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and D-CAF. From interactive workshops and historical tales to scientific narratives and international festivals, his work weaves imagination, heritage and empowerment — inviting audiences of all ages to rediscover the magic of listening.
Join us for four different screenings over two days to watch the winning films from the official competitions of the 2026 edition that include short films for children, short animated films from 90 Years of Egyptian Animation and the oldest surviving animated feature film in the world, produced 100 years ago.
A dynamic drop-in area open to all festival visitors across both days.
No booking required — walk up, pick an activity and enjoy a guided 30-minute hands-on session with our expert instructors. Activities include robotics exploration, LEGO challenges, AI demonstrations and much more!
What if the Nile's waters were managed sustainably through smart tech, or Cairo's streets flowed freely with electric mobility networks? This interactive workshop on scenario thinking involves imagining multiple possible futures for Cairo as a city, building on trends like population growth, climate change and technology. It helps us test ideas, identify challenges and develop flexible plans rather than betting on a single prediction. For young thinkers and changemakers, this approach builds practical skills to influence Cairo's development. By exploring "what if" scenarios together, we can contribute realistic visions that address real issues in our neighborhoods and beyond. We'll come together and do group activities to create and discuss scenarios for the future of Cairo. Join us to share ideas and learn from others; all you need to bring is a curious spirit about our city's path forward!
Registration is required. Limited space. Registration form coming soon.
Join pioneering mummy expert and co-author of Scanning the Pharaohs, Professor Sahar Saleem, who has studied hundreds of mummies, including 40 pharaohs, for an illuminating talk on how medical imaging is revolutionizing the study of ancient Egypt. From underground x-raying at excavation sites, CT scanning and facial reconstructions of ancient kings to her role in the display of the Royal Mummies' Gallery at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), discover how science is redefining what we know about the pharaohs—and what lies ahead for Egyptology.
Explore a rich world of culture and tradition, exploring everything from iconic wedding customs to the culinary legacies of Egypt, Kuwait and Palestine. Experience a journey through the sights, smells, sounds and flavors that celebrate our collective history and vibrant community.
Check other activities at the Kids Corner.
Tensions rise when Teta decides the local kiosk needs a robotic upgrade, leading to a comedic clash between the past and the future. This original production, written and directed by Emma Davies, will debut at the AUC Tahrir CultureFest 2026. Performed in English and Arabic, this interactive family play promises its audience one hour of laughs.
Check other activities at the Kids Corner.
Join us for four different screenings over two days to watch the winning films from the official competitions of the 2026 edition that include short films for children, short animated films from 90 Years of Egyptian Animation and the oldest surviving animated feature film in the world, produced 100 years ago.
Hisham Kharma '03 presents a powerful fusion experience where orchestral emotion meets modern technology. This hybrid concert blends live strings and Middle Eastern spirit with electronic instruments and immersive sound design, creating a dynamic journey across cultures and generations. Rhythmic, cinematic and forward looking, the night celebrates fusion in its purest form where tradition and innovation move together as one.
TEDx AUC Tahrir Square will feature a series of talks that explore how tradition and technology will shape the next era of Cairo, focusing on diverse topics such as artificial intelligence, tech, innovation, business and creativity.
• Attendance is in-person
• Entrance is for FREE via registration only.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee a seat at this event.
• Access to this TEDx event is limited to guests who received confirmation email with QR codes and will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Seats are limited to comply with TEDx standard event attendance limits.
.jpeg)
.JPG)
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how media content is created, produced and distributed across journalism, television and digital platforms in Egypt. From automated news writing and recommendation algorithms to synthetic video, deepfakes and virtual presenters, AI is influencing what we see, trust and share. This panel explores how AI is transforming journalism, TV production and storytelling, the ethical and professional challenges it raises and its impact on credibility and public trust. Bringing together media professionals and experts, the discussion will examine real examples, emerging trends and what the future holds for media in the age of intelligent machines.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Join us for four different screenings over two days to watch the winning films from the official competitions of the 2026 edition that include short films for children, short animated films from 90 Years of Egyptian Animation and the oldest surviving animated feature film in the world, produced 100 years ago.
Higher education is at a turning point. As AI reshapes how we teach, learn, assess and create knowledge, universities must take on a leadership role and adapt to a new reality to ensure AI-ready students. This panel brings together leaders in higher ed to explore how AI is transforming pedagogy, academic integrity, research and operational efficiency. With a special emphasis on Egypt and the regional context, the panel explores how AI presents both challenges and opportunities for innovative transformations.
This panel will examine the multifaceted impact of the rapid proliferation of Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative artificial intelligence globally and within the Egyptian economic landscape. The discourse will analyze both nascent and projected shifts in labor market dynamics and the implications for socioeconomic stratification. Furthermore, the discussion will bridge local concerns with global contexts by addressing the widening disparity in infrastructure and technological accessibility. Lastly, panelists will evaluate the imperatives of digital governance, scrutinizing the adequacy of contemporary legislative frameworks in an increasingly AI-mediated world.
.JPG)
Join us for four different screenings over two days to watch the winning films from the official competitions of the 2026 edition that include short films for children, short animated films from 90 Years of Egyptian Animation and the oldest surviving animated feature film in the world, produced 100 years ago.
Established in Cairo in October 2024 by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, the Salute to Gaza Choir is a powerful musical initiative that serves as a vital space for expression, transforming the pain of displacement into a resilient chorus for hope, freedom and justice.
Musicana, AUC’s student music club, joins Tahrir CultureFest 2026 for a lively evening exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and music. The event features a live, three-act performance navigating themes of hope, loss and resistance in the age of technology. Integrated into the heart of the performance, renowned artist Amr Mostafa will lead an illuminating talk on how AI is fundamentally transforming the landscape of music creation. Join us for a unique fusion of live artistry and tech-driven dialogue that redefines the future of the industry.
.jpeg)
Experience the creative visions of AUC’s Visual Arts Program senior students as they unveil their final projects in Heels Over Head. This dynamic exhibition reflects their desire to challenge perspectives and reimagine realities — flipping the familiar upside down. Over eight months, these emerging artists have explored diverse themes through extensive research and experimentation with traditional and mixed media. Each piece reflects their unique artistic voice, shaped by personal experiences and Cairo’s rich urban landscape. The city’s layered history, culture and daily life serve as both inspiration and backdrop, influencing the narratives woven into their work. This exhibition is a celebration of innovation, expression, and the transformative power of art. Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of artists reshaping visual storytelling.
Don’t miss the opening of Heels Over Head on April 10, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
The exhibition will be ongoing until June 1, 2025.
* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.
Step into the captivating world of Van-Leo, Cairo’s legendary portrait photographer. Born Levon Boyadjian to an Armenian family that relocated from Turkey to Egypt in 1924, Van-Leo brought a distinct cultural lens to his work. This exhibition showcases the brilliance of the artist whose camera captured Egypt’s golden age of art and celebrity. From iconic images of Omar Sharif, Doria Shafik and Taha Hussein to intimate family portraits and passport photos, Van-Leo chronicled decades of Egyptian life with style and precision. His inventive self-portraits, often theatrical and deeply personal, reveal his artistic curiosity. With a collection spanning over 60 years, this exhibition pays tribute to his enduring legacy and unique vision.
Step into the captivating world of Van-Leo, Cairo’s legendary portrait photographer.
