Founded in 1981 by the late Queen Noor, the Jerash Festival is held annually in the historical city of  Jerash, 48 kilometres north of the Jordanian capital Amman.

This year’s festival celebrates the jubilee of King Abdullah II’s accession to the throne and draws together participants from over 40 countries.

Egypt participates in several artistic and cultural events in Jerash and its vicinities.

At the opening ceremony, Mohamed El-Helw and Marwa Nagy with their Jordanian counterparts Nedaa Sharara and Rami Shafiq performed The Kingdom of Civilizations anthem — in a tribute to the Hashemite Kingdom — accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Amir Abdel-Majeed.

Egyptian actor Ashraf Zaki was honoured during the opening ceremony for his significant contributions to Arab drama.

Egyptian singer Reham Abdel-Hakim performed on the northern stage on 25 July, while actor and singer Amir Salah performed at the Irbid Cultural Centre on 29 July. 

Moreover, celebrated Egyptian singer and songwriter Hamza Namira performed to the crowds gathered at the festival’s main stage.

Prominent religious chanter Sheikh Yassin El-Tohamy is scheduled to perform on 1 August.

In addition, Egyptian poet Hisham Algakh, popular for his spoken poetry in dialect, will perform on the main stage on 2 August.

Algakh will be joined by several distinguished Arab poets, including Adonis (Syria), Samih Al-Qasim and Abdullah Issa (Palestine), Iskandar Habash (Lebanon), and Dakhil Al-Khalifa (Kuwait).

On 3 August, the festival's last day, Egyptian singer and actor Afaf Rady will perform several of her most notable songs.

Jerash for Gaza!
 

This year’s festival showcases numerous artists from around the Arab region and international scene.

The Jerash Festival has reaffirmed its commitment to Arab causes, primarily the Palestinian cause, and showing solidarity with the Palestinian people. It features numerous artists from Palestine.

"The proceeds of the festival's entry tickets will be allocated to the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization, in addition to deducting sums of money from the price of paintings that will be sold in the plastic art exhibition by Arab artists, in support of its relief efforts, especially in the Gaza Strip," festival director Ayman Samawi said in a press statement.

Additionally, the festival highlights many Palestinian talents, including the Sol Band from the Gaza Strip, classical and folk resistance singer Sanaa Moussa, and traditional dance group Off-Stage from Ramallah.

Jordanian talents participating in the festival include Omar Al-Abdallat, Diana Karazon, Nedaa Sharara, Zade Dirani, Toni Qattan, Aida Al-Amricani, Saad Abu Tayeh, Yahya Sweis, Rami Shafiq, and Makadi Nahas.

Many Lebanese artists like singers Marcel Khalife, Oumeima El-Khalil, Hiba Tawaji, Hussein Al-Salman, and Hiam Younes are also participating.

Syrian singers Faia Younan and Ali Al-Deek are also performing during the festival.

Saudi Arabia’s Theatre and Performing Arts Commission participates with performing arts groups from various Saudi regions to showcase traditional arts such as Al-Hajini, Al-Dahha, Al-Samri, Al-Khamari, and Al-Rabash on the festival's main stage.

Artists from Kuwait, Tunisia, and Oman are also participating.