The critic and journalist Ali Al-Kashouti stated during his appearance on the program ‘This Morning’ on Extra Channel that the success of the 33rd edition of the International Citadel Festival for Music and Singing confirms Egypt’s soft power and its ability to influence. He emphasized that the Egyptian people have refined taste and appreciate art and artists, noting that the massive audience attendance at the Citadel Festival demonstrates how Egyptians engage with and value refined art, especially since the festival stars are true Tarab legends.

The 33rd edition of the International Citadel Festival for Music and Singing was held over nine consecutive days from August 15 to 23. It featured diverse performances by stars of Arabic music at the Opera House, including the band Wust El Balad, artist Saeed Al-Artist with the Eastern Rhythm Class from the Talent Development Center, star Khaled Selim, composer Amr Selim, Sheikh Yassin Al-Tahami, Cairo Cafe band led by composer Ali Sharaf, the Kazakhstan State Band, star Hisham Abbas, Lazona Gitera band from Colombia, star Mostafa Hagag, Kanaan Palestinian Culture and Arts Band, star Ihab Tawfik, Cairo Symphony Orchestra led by maestro Ahmed Atef, star Ali El-Haggar accompanied by the musical band led by maestro Wagdy El-Fawy, marimba player Nesma Abdel Aziz, star Medhat Saleh accompanied by composer Amr Selim and his band, star Ahmed Gamal, and the Sufism and Modernity concert by composer Fathi Salama and Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Tahami.