The Arabic Music Festival 2026 has seen a series of fast-moving developments ahead of its 34th edition, after a number of artists announced they were withdrawing from the lineup.
The latest to join the list of artists pulling out was Lebanese singer Assi El Hallani.
These withdrawals came amid controversy following remarks made by Reda El Wakil, head of the Cairo Opera House, during the festival’s press conference, before he announced his resignation from the post.
Assi El Hallani withdraws from the Arabic Music Festival
The media office of artist Assi El Hallani announced his withdrawal from the concert that had been scheduled for October 22, 2026, as part of the Arabic Music Festival’s events.
The statement explained that the decision came in light of the recent administrative developments related to the Cairo Opera House.
El Hallani also stressed his keenness to stay away from any disputes linked to these developments.
At the same time, the Lebanese artist emphasized his great appreciation for the Cairo Opera House and its audience, affirming his respect for this venerable artistic institution despite not taking part in the current edition.
Mohamed Tharwat and May Farouk among those who withdrew
Artist Mohamed Tharwat was among the first stars to announce he would not be taking part in the 34th edition. He explained, via his social media accounts, that he decided to reveal his position this time despite usually staying away from discussing the behind-the-scenes of his work.
Tharwat confirmed his refusal to take part, saying he would not accept what he considered an insult to Egyptian art and Egyptian artists.
Likewise, artist May Farouk announced she would not be attending the Arabic Music Festival 2026.
She wrote on her Facebook account that she is not taking part in the festival this year, stressing that any information to the contrary is incorrect.
Ali El Haggar reveals the reason for his absence from the festival
For his part, artist Ali El Haggar announced his withdrawal from the festival, marking the first time he has been absent from it since it began.
El Haggar explained that his decision is related to the budget allocated for the members of his musical band.
He described the fee set by the Cairo Opera House as weak and, in his view, not commensurate with the standing of the participating musicians.
El Haggar also responded to remarks concerning previous concerts he had performed at the Citadel Festival, the Alexandria Opera House, and the Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall, clarifying that these performances took place in years prior to Reda El Wakil’s tenure as head of the Opera House.
El Haggar stressed the important role artists play in supporting the standing of the Opera House, noting that concerts, in turn, contribute to generating revenue that helps sustain artistic activity.
With that, the list of stars withdrawing from the Arabic Music Festival 2026 continues to grow, as audiences wait to see whether the coming days will bring further changes to the program of the 34th edition.
Lebanese singer Assi El Hallani has pulled out of the Arabic Music Festival 2026, joining Ali El Haggar, Mohamed Tharwat and May Farouk amid an administrative controversy at the Cairo Opera House.
