The 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival kicked off on September 21, 2026, with a ceremony honoring Tunisian Culture Minister Amira Sarrafi for her efforts in supporting the festival's preparations and her commitment to bilateral cooperation. The event took place at the ancient theater in Carthage and was attended by a large crowd, as well as several high-ranking officials, including the Director General of the Arab States Broadcasting Union, Abdulrahim Sulaiman, and the Director General of Tunisian Television, Shukri Ben Nasir.
The festival, which is held annually in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, is organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in cooperation with the Tunisian Broadcasting and Television Corporation and the Arab Satellite Communications Organization. This year's festival features 300 radio and television works from public broadcasting institutions and private channels from China, Russia, and Turkey. The event runs until September 24, 2026, under the theme "The Pulse of the Image and the Echo of the Future".
The festival's opening ceremony also honored several prominent Arab artists, including Tunisian actress Latifa Al-Qafsi, Egyptian actresses Wafaa Amer and Bushra, and Egyptian actor Mohamed Tharwat. Other honorees included Kuwaiti actor Mohamed Al-Mansour, Lebanese actor Bassem Maghnia, Iraqi actress Alaa Hussein, Omani actress Samira Al-Wuheibi, and Syrian actors Mohamed Khandi and Abbier Shams Al-Din.
The festival's program includes a variety of cultural and artistic events, including concerts and performances by renowned Arab artists. The opening ceremony featured a performance by Syrian artist Nassif Zaytoun and Iraqi artist Rahma Riyad, which was met with a large and enthusiastic audience. The festival's closing ceremony will take place on September 24, 2026, at the Opera Theater in the City of Culture.
The Arab Radio and Television Festival is a significant cultural event that brings together broadcasting professionals and artists from across the Arab world. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation, as well as to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in the field of radio and television broadcasting.
Tunisian Culture Minister Amira Sarrafi expressed her gratitude to the Arab States Broadcasting Union for the honor, highlighting the importance of cultural cooperation and exchange between Tunisia and other Arab countries. The minister also emphasized the role of the festival in promoting Arab cultural heritage and supporting the development of the broadcasting sector in Tunisia and beyond.
The festival's closing ceremony will feature a performance by Tunisian artist Karim Thlibi, titled "Travel to You and Sing", which will be presented on stage for the first time, conducted by orchestra leader Rassem Demak. The event is expected to attract a large audience and will mark the end of the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival.
Key points
- The 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival was held in Tunisia from September 21 to 24, 2026.
- Tunisian Culture Minister Amira Sarrafi was honored by the Arab States Broadcasting Union for her efforts in supporting the festival.
- The festival featured 300 radio and television works from public broadcasting institutions and private channels from across the Arab world.
