Ahmad Dallal, AUC president attending an exhibition at AUC CultureFest third edition (photo credit of AUC media office)
Held from 2–4 April, the festival marked a significant milestone in its evolution as one of Cairo’s leading cultural platforms. Over three days, thousands of visitors gathered in Downtown Cairo for a dynamic public program examining the city’s future through the lenses of culture, technology, and community dialogue.
Under the theme “Future C-AI-RO,” this year’s edition placed artificial intelligence and creativity at the centre of conversation, examining their impact across media, education, the economy and the arts, while highlighting the importance of human perspective in a rapidly evolving digital world.
The event explores how tradition and technology will shape the city’s future.
TEDx AUC Tahrir Square
“This year's theme invites us to reflect together on the kind of city we want Cairo to become — on how we can shape our future responsibly, building on our history while contributing to innovation and new ways of thinking,” said Ahmad Dallal, AUC president.”
Open to the public and held at the heart of Downtown Cairo, the festival reinforces AUC’s role as an accessible cultural hub, connecting diverse audiences through a rich, multidisciplinary program spanning exhibitions, performances, talks and interactive experiences.
AUC CultureFest third edition explores AI and creativity in shaping Cairo’s future (photo by Reham El-Adawi)
By bringing together voices from academia, industry and the creative sector, the festival created a platform for meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping Cairo’s future, while also amplifying the voices of young creatives through student-led initiatives and the launch of the first TEDx AUC Tahrir Square.
Sahar Saleem's talk, professor of radiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
The festival 's highlights included a compelling talk by Sahar Saleem, professor of radiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, and co-author of Scanning the Pharaohs, who demonstrated how CT scanning and facial reconstruction technology are revolutionizing our understanding of ancient Egypt.
Moataz Darwish '95, associate professor of practice in the Heikal Department of Management, AUC, led an interactive workshop on scenario thinking for the future of Cairo, inviting participants to map multiple possible futures for the city.
A walking tour led by Qahrawya (Carines) took participants through the historical milestones of Downtown Cairo. Families and children activities included a full afternoon of storytelling, puppet shows and the bilingual family play Tomorrow's World. The evening featured dance performances by the Cairo American College (CAC) Varsity Dance and a powerful fusion symphony by AUC alumnus Hisham Kharma '03.
AUC alumnus Hisham Kharma '03
The festival concluded with three major panels on artificial intelligence, first TEDx AUC Tahrir Square and a closing evening of music and solidarity.
The AUC Tahrir CultureFest is an annual celebration of Cairo’s vibrant cultural, artistic and intellectual heritage and its global significance.
Since its Launch in 2024, the festival has attracted thousands of visitors, bringing together diverse communities, artists, academics and thought leaders through a dynamic program that highlights Cairo’s rich history, innovation and creativity as a city and cultural hub.
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