A press conference was held today to announce the details of the seventh edition of the Cairo International University Theater Forum, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 31, 2025, under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
As Chairman of the Higher Committee and Patron of the Forum, Dr. Hossam Badrawi attended the event, which was held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at El-Hanager Cinema in the Egyptian Opera House, where he officially announced the launch of the Forum’s seventh session.
This year, the Forum is held in honor of “Kawkab El Sharq” (Star of the East) — the legendary singer Umm Kulthum, whose name serves as the symbol and title of the 7th edition, celebrating her distinguished artistic legacy and her immense contributions to Egypt through her timeless music and patriotic stances during the nation’s most challenging times.
Over the past six years, the Forum’s editions have been dedicated to honoring iconic figures, including:
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Yehia El-Fakharany
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Mahmoud Abdel Aziz
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Samir Ghanem
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Mahmoud Yassin
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Farida Fahmy
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Fouad El-Mohandes
and this year — Kawkab El-Sharq Umm Kulthum.
Dr. Badrawi expressed his great and ever-renewed happiness in sponsoring this Forum, describing it as “the crown jewel of university activities in Egypt.” He extended his heartfelt thanks to artist Amr Qabeel, President of the Forum, as well as to the organizing team and distinguished attendees, wishing continued success for this remarkable cultural event.
Members of the Forum’s Higher Committee also voiced their joy over the Forum’s sustained growth and development and expressed their appreciation for Dr. Badrawi’s unwavering support and encouragement, thanking him for his dedication and deep love for Egypt.
Members of the Higher Committee for the 7th Forum
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Dr. Hossam Badrawi – Patron of the Forum
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Dr. Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour – Former Minister of Trade and Industry
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Prominent Media Figure Sherif Amer – Member of the Higher Committee
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Prof. Dr. Ghada Gabara
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Writer Fatma Naoot
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Dr. Doha El Shweikh – Cultural Counselor of the Tunisian Embassy
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Artist Tarek El Desouky
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Artist Amr Qabeel – President of the Festival
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Dr. Samar Saeed – Vice President
On stage beside Dr. Badrawi sat Mr. Amr Qabeel, President of the Forum; Dr. Samar Saeed, Secretary-General of the Forum; and the renowned writer, poet, and scriptwriter Medhat El Adl.
During the conference, Amr Qabeel announced the activities and events of the 7th Forum, which can be viewed here:
👉 Forum Activities
He also revealed the names of the distinguished figures to be honored this year, available here:
👉 Honorees List
Snapshots from today’s press conference can be found here:
👉 Conference Highlights
The gathering concluded in an atmosphere filled with joy and pride over this annual event, which has now become one of Egypt’s most prominent cultural successes.
Through this initiative, artist Amr Qabeel has succeeded in drawing the world’s attention back to Egypt and to the vitality of university theater arts.
