Sadly, it seems that partying in Egypt is about to get a lot harder. Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouli issued Act 1238 for the year 2018, declaring the formation of a permanent supreme committee in charge of regulating music events and festivals. This committee is to be headed by the Minister of Culture and joined by representatives from each of the following ministries whose approval is required to give way to any musical or cultural happening: 


  • Foreign Affairs
  • Interior 
  • Finance 
  • Tourism 
  • Antiquities
  • Civil Aviation
  • Youth And Sports  
  • Local Development

  • The first article in this new legislation as published by a certified newspaper states that it concerns “all cultural and artistic activities of an international or local nature, set up by governmental or non-governmental organizations, to promote creativity and preserve the cultural identity of Egypt with its diverse cultural streams in an effort to sustain and invigorate cultural exchange between Egypt and the world.” 

  • The second article states that “a festival or celebration may only be held after obtaining a license from the Ministry of Culture following coordination with the designated state authorities” The third article confirms the formation of a supreme committee headed by the Minister of Culture and joined by representatives from each of the aforementioned ministries. 

  • In addition to them, a representative of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers chosen by the Secretary General, the presidents of artistic and literary unions, cultural and a suitable number of experts in different cultural and artistic fields who do not work in the event management chosen by the Minister of Culture will also be part of the final committee.

  • This committee will review requests to hold any events, follow up on their implementation, assess them through periodic reports and establish an annual calendar that sets the dates and venues for festivals and celebrations throughout the year. This calendar will take into account not repeating more than one festival or celebration specialized in cultural or artistic fields in the same governate.

  • This legislative body will also be responsible for allocating aide (financial or logistical) to events held by non-governmental organizations provided that the value of support does not exceed 40% of the entire budget of the happening.