From October 16 to 25, the Arab Music Festival returns to the Egyptian Opera House, bringing ten nights of timeless music, powerhouse voices, and pure nostalgia. It’s one of those rare events that bridge generations — where you’ll find your parents humming along to the same songs you secretly have on your playlist.
This year’s lineup is stacked with legends. And while we don’t know exactly what each artist will perform, we can’t help but dream of hearing these unforgettable songs live — the ones that defined their careers and our memories. Here are our top picks.
October 16 — Amal Maher
“Nset Esmy”
There’s no better way to open the festival than with Amal Maher. Her voice is emotion in its purest form — powerful, haunting, and always personal. We’re hoping she graces us with “Nset Esmy,” her most recent hit, a track that perfectly blends heartbreak and strength in that signature Amal way.
October 17 — Medhat Saleh
“El Nour Makano Fel Oloub”
Medhat Saleh’s music feels like home — warm, nostalgic, and deeply human. If he sings “El Nour Makano Fel Qoloub,” it’ll be one of those moments where the whole Opera House goes quiet for a second before softly singing along. A guaranteed goosebumps moment.
October 18 — Wael Jassar
“Koul Waad”
There’s something timeless about Wael Jassar’s voice — calm yet overflowing with emotion. “Koul Waad” is one of those songs that never fade, no matter how many years pass. Hearing it live would be a beautiful reminder of why Arabic pop from that era still hits so deep.
October 19 — Hany Shaker
“Lesa Btesaly”
Hany Shaker doesn’t just perform — he tells a story with every note. If he brings “Lesa Betesaly” to the stage, expect the crowd to sway, sing, and maybe shed a tear or two. It’s that kind of song — timelessly romantic, forever familiar.
October 22 — Ali El Haggar
“Bahlam Waftah Enaya”
You don’t have to be from the Al Mal W Al Banon era to feel this one. “Bahlam Wo Aftah Einaya” is one of those songs that transports you instantly to an older Cairo, a simpler time, or maybe just your parents’ living room when they used to play it on cassette. If Ali El Haggar performs it, prepare for an emotional throwback.
October 25 — Saber Rebai
“Athada El Aalam”
And then comes the finale. Saber Rebai, closing the festival, feels poetic — a voice that’s both powerful and timeless. We’re secretly hoping he’ll end the night with “Athadda Al Aalam,” a song that captures his signature mix of defiance, passion, and nostalgia. A perfect final bow to ten nights of music history.
The Voices That Defined Generations
These are just a few of the acts we’re counting down to — artists who’ve soundtracked love stories, car rides, heartbreaks, and weddings across the Arab world. Whether you grew up with their music or just discovered it through a playlist, the Arab Music Festival is the rare moment where it all comes full circle — a celebration of the songs that never really left us.
WE SAID THIS: Don’t Miss…More Than Music: The Love Story of Warda Al-Jazairia & Baligh Hamdi
