AUC Tahrir2026 Culturefest Continues Exploring “Future C-Ai-Ro”

Cairo, April 3, 2026- The American University in Cairo (AUC) continued today the third edition of AUC Tahrir2026 CultureFest at AUC Tahrir Square, with a day that balanced intellectual depth and creative energy. Held under the theme “Future C-AI-RO,” the festival continued exploring how tradition and technology will shape the city’s future. 

The day'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 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. 

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4: AI PANELS AND TEDX TALKS 

The festival concludes tomorrow, Saturday, April 4, with three major panels on artificial intelligence, TEDx AUC Tahrir Square and a closing evening of music and solidarity.

Of particular relevance to media professionals, the day opens with "Behind the Screen: How AI Is Changing What We Read, Watch and Believe,” a panel addressing one of the most urgent shifts in media today. As artificial intelligence transforms content creation and distribution, from automated reporting to deepfakes and virtual presenters, the session will explore key trends, examine ethical challenges, and raise critical questions about credibility and public trust in an AI-driven media landscape. Speakers include Haitham El Sawy, head of the Digital Transformation Project, AlGhad TV; Mona Magdy Abdel Maqsoud, assistant professor at the Faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University; Dina Samak, managing editor of Ahram Online; and Alaa El Ghatriefy, editor-in-chief of Al Masry Al Youm and author of Media in the Age of AI. The panel will be moderated by Khaled Ezzelarab '02, associate professor of practice and director of the Middle East Studies Program, AUC. 

Another panel, "Higher Ed in the Age of AI," will examine how universities are adapting to a new pedagogical reality and preparing AI-ready students, with a focus on Egypt and the region. As AI reshapes how knowledge is taught, assessed and created, the discussion will consider the role universities must play in equipping students for an AI-driven world.  Speakers include Ghada El Shimi, MA '93, dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Academy of Liberal Arts, AUC; Yasser El Shayeb, professor of rock engineering applications in heritage and archaeology, Cairo University; and Khalil Elkhodary '03, '06, professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean for undergraduate studies, AUC. The panel will be moderated by Hoda Mostafa, director of the Center for Learning and Teaching, AUC.

Rounding out the panel program, "AI and the Economy: Opportunities and Implications," will examine the impact of large language models and generative AI on Egypt’s labor market, socioeconomic landscape and digital governance. The discussion will also address gaps in technological access and the readiness of existing legislation in an increasingly AI-driven world. Speakers include Samer Atallah, associate professor of economics and associate dean for graduate studies, Department of Economics, AUC; Abdulazim Ghoniem, director of ICT Operation Projects and AI policy expert, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; and Hoda Baraka, professor of computer engineering, Cairo University. The panel will be moderated by Omnia Mohamed, a graduating senior majoring in economics at AUC. 

TEDx AUC TAHRIR SQUARE: HUMAN FORWARD

The day's centerpiece is TEDx AUC Tahrir Square's "Human Forward, where it brings together eight speakers from architecture, business, psychology and the creative arts to explore how human-centered innovation and reclaimed agency are shaping the next phase of the digital landscape. 

Basma Rady '13, chief data scientist at Beltone Holding and managing director of Robin, will explore why human qualities such as curiosity and judgment remain irreplaceable in an AI-driven world. Karim El Shafei, chairman of Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, will examine how arts and culture drive placemaking and urban transformation. Lamia Kamel '99, '05, founder of CC Plus and The Narrative Summit, will speak on how global communication trends are driving a regional creative shift. Mohamed Aboulnaga Nagaty '09, technology investor and entrepreneur, will address the implications of AI for job creation and economic transformation in emerging markets. Sara Aziz, founder and CEO of Safe Egypt, will explore how individuals can reclaim their agency and digital safety in increasingly restrictive online environments. Omneya El Yammany, commercial manager at Procter and Gamble and Egypt's first adaptive skydiver, will reflect on what genuine inclusion looks like in practice. Mostafa Salem, award-winning architect and Ministry of Culture ambassador, will speak on cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. Caro Doss, personal stylist and intentional living advocate, will address questions of personal identity in an environment shaped by fast-moving trends.

PERFORMANCES, EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES

Beyond the panels and TEDx sessions, Saturday features a rich lineup of creative and immersive experiences. Pixel artist Marwan Abbas will present “Turning Cairo into Pixels,” a live drawing and animation session reimagining the city through a digital lens. Throughout the day, visitors can explore the Future Cairo Experience, an immersive activation by 5dVR featuring an AI-powered photobooth, “Cairo 2100 Transformations,” alongside a virtual reality experience bridging Cairo’s cultural heritage with its technological future. 

The festival’s closing evening opens with a performance by the Salute to Gaza Choir. Established in Cairo in October 2024 by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, the choir returns for the second consecutive year, transforming the pain of displacement into a powerful expression of hope, freedom and justice.

The festival concludes with “The Sound of Intelligence,” a three-act concert by AUC’s student music club Musicana, featuring renowned artist Amr Mostafa, who will lead a talk woven into a live performance exploring how AI is reshaping music creation.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

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.