Cairo: Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno inaugurated the 33rd Arab Music Festival and Conference, organized by the Egyptian Opera House. The festival is part of the Ministry of Culture's celebration of the "Year of Umm Kulthum," honoring the legendary singer Umm Kulthum. The event will run until October 25.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the opening ceremony took place at the Fountain Theatre at the Cairo Opera House. It was attended by the festival's deputy director, maestro Dr. Mohamed El-Mougy, along with a number of public figures, ambassadors, and heads of various sectors from the Ministry of Culture.