The Executive Director of the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, Ayman Samawi, unveiled the features of the upcoming edition of the festival, affirming that it carries a renewed spirit that reflects the artistic and cultural diversity of Jordan and the Arab world, and reinforces the festival’s international dimension through the participation of groups from 37 countries.

During a discussion session held at the Al Hussein Cultural Center in the capital Amman, Samawi explained that this year’s edition will not be limited to the ancient city of Jerash, but will expand to include multiple venues across Amman and other governorates. He noted that all theaters are operating at full capacity in preparation for the event.

A Rich Artistic and Cultural ProgramSamawi stated that this year’s program combines major artistic performances with profound cultural content, featuring a number of prominent names such as Assala Nasri, Ahlam, Mohamed Hamaki, Melhem Zein, Nassif Zeytoun, and Mayada Hennaoui. He emphasized their full commitment to participate despite regional challenges.

He also pointed out that a wide space has been allocated for literary events, with the participation of more than 140 poets from Jordan and across the Arab world, in addition to hosting a fine arts symposium and Arabic calligraphy events with notable regional and Arab participation.

Supporting Youth Talent and Expanding PartnershipsSamawi noted that the “Artemus” and “Northern” theaters have been designated to host youth-focused activities, including performances by independent bands, university groups, and young talents such as Aziz Maraka, El Akhres, and the Egyptian band Harmony. In addition, well-known Jordanian bands with strong digital presence—such as Jadal, Autostrad, and Octave—will participate, giving the festival a modern touch that resonates with younger audiences.

In an effort to enhance cultural collaboration, the festival director emphasized the importance of partnerships with leading institutions such as the Jordanian Writers Association, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, and the Greater Amman Municipality, along with contributions from local cultural centers enriching the festival's content.

Media and Logistical ReadinessSamawi confirmed that press conferences will be held with participating artists, providing opportunities for media and public engagement. He also noted that contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuity of the events in case of emergencies such as delayed flights.

He concluded by stressing that the Jerash Festival will remain a beacon of art and creativity, regardless of the challenges, and that its core mission lies in celebrating cultural identity and uniting people through the arts.