Photo story: Luxor as Capital of Arts, highlights strong Arab links

CAIRO – 19 March 2018: Egyptian and Moroccan artists presented shows at the closing ceremony celebrating Luxor as the Arab capital for arts held on Saturday under the supervision of Culture Minister Ines Abdeldayem and Luxor’s Governor Mohamed Badr.

Before handing the Arab Cultural Capital flame to Oujda, Morocco for 2018, a stage was prepared at the Karnak Temple with Egyptian and Moroccan flags on both sides. Arabic music performances were presented with the participation of the Egyptian Opera House.
Moroccan singer Samira al-Qadri wearing traditional Moroccan attire sang Moroccan Andalusia works on the sidelines of the closing ceremony.

Qadri also expressed her thanks to Minister of Culture Abdel Dayem and paid tribute to the attendees, stressing that peace and love link Arabs together despite of their cultural differences.

From March 15 to March 18, arts and culture in Luxor have been celebrated through various cultural activities across several villages and cities in Luxor. The events are conducted as collaboration between Culture Minister Ines Abdeldayem and Luxor Governor Mohamed Badr.

Veteran Nubian singer Mohamed Mounir has carried out a performance at Karnak Temple on Sunday as part of the closing ceremony celebrating Luxor being the Arab Cultural Capital for the year 2017, before handing the Arab Cultural Capital flame to Oujda, Morocco for 2018.

The Arab Cultural Capital is a title given by the standing committee on Arab Culture, which is a committee chosen and agreed on by the ministers of culture in all Arab countries. The title is given to a different city of a different country each year, as it aims to encourage cultural exchange and expand cultural activities in the Arab world.

Abdeldayem organized a huge ceremony to hand the Arab Cultural Capital flame from Luxor to Oujda, and she invited famous Egyptian folk star Mohamed Mounir, known as “The King”, to perform a special show for the historical event.


Abdeldayem organized a huge ceremony to hand the Arab Cultural Capital flame from Luxor to Oujda, and she invited famous Egyptian folk star Mohamed Mounir, known as “The King”, to perform a special show for the historical event.


Closing ceremony of Luxor Capital of Arts in Arab region at Karnak Temple- Photo courtesy of Cairo Opera House media office


Closing ceremony of Luxor Capital of Arts in Arab region at Karnak Temple- Photo courtesy of Cairo Opera House media office


Closing ceremony of Luxor Capital of Arts in Arab region at Karnak Temple- Photo courtesy of Cairo Opera House media office


Closing ceremony of Luxor Capital of Arts in Arab region at Karnak Temple- Photo courtesy of Cairo Opera House media office