11th Sharm El-Sheikh International Theatre Festival for Youth

Created in 2016, the Sharm El-Sheikh International Theatre Festival for Youth presents productions by young theatre-makers from Egypt and abroad. Its 11th edition runs from 1 to 5 November 2026 and features 11 productions from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Romania, along with workshops and symposia. This year’s edition is dedicated to Egyptian actress Soheir El-Morshedy. Performances are generally free to attend and make a change from the resort’s beaches, diving and nightlife. Check the festival’s social media pages for the daily schedule and venue for each show, as performances move between the convention centre and other stages in town.

What to expect

The festival is aimed at young theatre-makers and students, and the atmosphere is informal and enthusiastic. Productions range from classic texts to new writing, physical theatre and movement pieces. Alongside the shows, workshops and discussion sessions bring together participants, critics and audiences, and each edition usually ends with an awards ceremony.

Productions are performed in their original languages, most often Arabic. Physical and visual pieces are the easiest to follow if you do not speak the language.

Getting there

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport has flights from Cairo and many international cities. Within the resort, taxis and hotel shuttles are the usual way to get around. As the convention centre and other stages are spread around the resort, a taxi is usually the quickest way to reach a performance.

Planning tips

• Early November is warm in Sharm, with pleasant evenings for a walk around Naama Bay or the Old Market after a show.
• Bring a light layer for air-conditioned halls.
• Arrive in good time, as free performances can fill up quickly.
• Check the schedule each day, as timings can change.