Amman - Jordan
The Jordanian city of Zarqa is preparing to host the twenty-fourth session of the Zarqa Summer Arab Theater Festival, during the period from September 12 to 18, 2026, in a cultural demonstration that reflects the depth of the Arab theatrical scene and brings together an elite group of creators and artists from various Arab countries. The activities will be launched under the patronage of the Jordanian Minister of Culture, Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh, and organized by the Zarqa Performing Arts Troupe, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, the Greater Amman Municipality, and the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts.

A diverse Arab presence and a rich program

The festival witnesses the participation of six Arab countries in addition to Jordan, with each country presenting its distinctive theatrical experience. Participating performances compete for festival prizes, which include: the play “Mirage” from Jordan, “Baday’a” from Palestine, “Jarz” from Tunisia, “Until Hope Gone” from Saudi Arabia, “Sons of the Earth” from Iraq, and “On the Edge of Forgotten” from the Sultanate of Oman. Each performance is followed by a critical and analytical session to discuss the artistic and dramatic dimensions, thus enriching the critical movement and deepening the understanding of contemporary Arab theatre.

Honoring artistic figures and intellectual seminars
The festival's program includes honoring prominent artistic figures in recognition of their fragrant careers, as the artist Dr. Jawad Al-Asadi from Iraq, and producer Issam Al-Hijjawi from Jordan, are honored in recognition of their contributions to enriching the Arab theatrical scene. A critical symposium will also be held entitled “The Role of Theatrical Performance in Promoting National and Arab Values ​​and Their Human Dimension,” with the participation of a group of critics and directors, and moderated by the journalist Rasmi Mahasneh.

The head of the festival’s Supreme Committee, artist Abeer Issa, confirms that “theater is not a cultural luxury, but rather an enlightening and awareness-raising message. It is the people’s memory and their living voice that preserves their features in the face of attempts to erase and disappear.”

A cultural destination for Arab tourists

The Zarqa Summer Arab Theater Festival is a distinctive cultural destination for Arab tourists looking for authentic artistic experiences, as it provides a rare opportunity to watch theatrical productions from various Arab countries on one stage, and learn about the diversity of theatrical schools and styles. It also gives visitors the opportunity to explore the city of Zarqa, which has become a meeting point for Arab playwrights, and to enjoy qualitative cultural events that combine art and thought in a festive atmosphere.
The King Abdullah II Cultural Center hosts these events, with its theaters equipped with the latest technology, and its halls designated for seminars and exhibitions, making it an ideal headquarters for this major Arab event.