The 11th Sharm El-Sheikh International Youth Theatre Festival kicked off on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with a star-studded red carpet event. The festival, held in Sharm El-Sheikh from November 1 to 5, is presided over by director and artist Mazen Al-Gharbawi. The event saw the attendance of prominent Egyptian and Arab artists, including Ilham Shahin, who is the festival's honorary president, and veteran artist Suhair Al-Marshidi, after whom this year's festival is named.
The red carpet event witnessed the presence of several notable figures, including actresses Ilham Shahin and Suhair Al-Marshidi, as well as Dr. Inas Samir, Deputy Governor of South Sinai. Other attendees included artists Ahmed Bader, Riad Al-Khouli, Ashraf Abd Al-Baqi, Mohamed Al-Sawi, and Ihab Fahmi, head of the Egyptian Theatre House. The event also saw the participation of Clodia Hanna, Marwa Abd Al-Monem, and Mohamed Salah Adam.
The festival features a diverse range of participants, including international artists and theatre personalities. Some of the notable international guests included Romanian Ambassador Olivija Todorin, director Constantin Criac, who is the head of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, and artist Diana Lazar from Romania, who is being honored at the festival. Lebanese artist Samar Jamil, who presented the opening ceremony, and Kuwaiti artist Haya Faisal were also in attendance.
The festival is being held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, led by Dr. Abdel Aziz Qanswa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and acting Minister of Culture. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, led by Minister Sharif Fathy, and the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Activation, led by Dr. Ahmed Youssef, are also supporting the event. The festival aims to promote Egypt's cultural and tourist appeal.
The festival is being organized in collaboration with Dreams Beach Hotel, which is hosting the event for the fifth consecutive year. The University of Kitab in Iraq is also participating as the festival's scientific partner. The event has received support from the South Sinai Governorate, led by Brigadier General Dr. Ismail Kamal. The festival is also being sponsored by the Municipality of Dhofar in Oman.
Ilham Shahin is serving as the festival's honorary president, while Mazen Al-Gharbawi, the founder and president of the festival, is leading the 11th edition. Dr. Ingi Al-Bastawi is the festival's general manager. This year's festival is dedicated to the veteran artist Suhair Al-Marshidi, in recognition of her contributions to Egyptian theatre and drama.
The festival will feature a range of theatrical performances and activities, showcasing the talents of young artists from Egypt and abroad. With its diverse program and star-studded lineup, the 11th Sharm El-Sheikh International Youth Theatre Festival is expected to be a major cultural event in the region.
Key points
- The festival is being held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
- Ilham Shahin is the honorary president of the festival, while Mazen Al-Gharbawi is the president.
- The festival features a diverse range of international artists and theatre personalities.
