Amir Bashtak Palace (Arab Singing House)
Al-Muaaz St, Tel 02 2787 9187
Thurs 8, 8pm: “Ahmed Sedky: Music and Visual Art Embraces” cultural salon is hosted by the Maqamat Salon, in cooperation with the Egyptian Radio’s Cultural Programme. Artist Ahmed Sedky is considered one of the most prominent figures in the history of Arabic music. His artistic repertoire includes nearly three thousand melodies, making him one of the great architects of Eastern music. He distinguished himself from other composers of his time by creating seven new rhythms in Arabic music, in addition to his unique melodic philosophy that treated the song as a complete work of art, akin to a sculpture or an oil painting.
His profound expertise in sculpture and painting was reflected in his musical experience, rightfully earning him the title "Sculptor of Music." A musical genius, he left an indelible mark on the history of Arabic song. Simultaneously, he was a prominent archaeologist, and his multifaceted talents led him to become the chief painter of the Egyptian Museum. The salon will introduce Professor Salah Allam, a lover of classical Arabic music, and the event will also feature a musical performance by the artist Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid accompanied by his band.
Tahrir Cultural Centre (TCC)
Al-Sheikh Rihan St, off Tahrir Square, Tel 02 2615 2694/01280009077
Hill House, Room 602
Wed 14, 6pm – 7:30pm: “Lessons from the Field: Safe Programming and Safeguarding in Humanitarian Work” an engaging lecture presented by The Centre for Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS) at the AUC. How can humanitarian and development programs truly respect and implement the principle of 'do no harm'? Join us for a seminar that explores how safeguarding and safe programming protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of communities, especially children, women, refugees and other vulnerable groups.
Drawing on real field experience from conflict and displacement contexts across the MENA region — including Gaza, Sudan, Egypt and beyond — this session will highlight practical tools such as risk assessments, safe referral pathways, ethical communication, data protection and informed consent, all aligned with international standards. Speaking at the lecture is Hager El-Sayed Mohamed Ali, a safeguarding and PSEAH (protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment) specialist with over 12 years of experience in child protection, GBV, youth empowerment and safeguarding. Formerly with Save the Children International Egypt for 10 years, she now serves as an independent safeguarding adviser across the MENA region, with experience in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Algeria, Yemen, Iraq, OPT, Sudan and Pakistan. Professor Sara Sadek, adjunct faculty and senior manager of the Egyptian Migration Hub (EHUB) at CMRS, will lead the discussion.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 8 January, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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