Suez University held the closing ceremony of the first Tarab Festival for Music and Singing, under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Major General Staff Tarek Hamed El-Shazly, Governor of Suez. The event was organized by Suez University, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heniegal, President of the University, in cooperation with the Leaders’ Preparation Institute, headed by Prof. Dr. Karim Hammam, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education for Student Activities and Director of the Institute.
The ceremony was further honored by the presence of Prof. Dr. Nasser Mandour, President of Suez Canal University, and Prof. Dr. Mamdouh Ghorab, President of October 6 University, former Governor of Sharkia, and former President of Suez Canal University.
The event began with the national anthem, followed by a speech from Prof. Dr. Karim Hammam, who praised the university’s efforts in organizing such a distinguished event. He stressed that student activities are among the most important foundations for shaping students’ personalities, affirming that the Tarab Festival represents a living example of the role of art in building university students’ character. Hammam emphasized that music and singing are not merely entertainment, but effective tools for expressing identity and strengthening national belonging.
He further underscored the importance of continuing such initiatives to discover young talents, affirming the full support of the Leaders’ Preparation Institute and the Ministry of Higher Education for all efforts that foster students’ creative potential. He expressed deep gratitude to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, whose continuous support was the cornerstone of the success of this distinguished artistic and cultural event. The festival embodied the Ministry’s vision of strengthening student activities and its conviction that creativity and art are essential pillars in shaping the university student’s personality.
Prof. Dr. Hammam concluded by encouraging everyone to carry forward this momentum, inspired by such valuable support, to build a university future worthy of the aspirations of Egypt’s youth and reflecting the nation’s bright cultural face.
Afterward, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heniegal, President of Suez University, delivered a speech welcoming everyone to the closing ceremony of the first Tarab Festival. He described the festival as a major cultural and artistic event that embodies the Ministry’s vision to support student activities and enhance the role of arts in shaping a well-rounded university personality.
He highlighted the great attention the Egyptian state gives to the arts as one of the most important sources of soft power and a cornerstone in building the Egyptian identity and reinforcing cultural heritage. He stressed that the support of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for artistic talents and creative youth reflects a national vision that considers art not as a luxury but as a civilizational necessity contributing to shaping awareness, instilling values, and building a cohesive, enlightened society.
Prof. Dr. Heniegal also referred to the national strategy for higher education launched by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, describing it as a transformative milestone in the history of higher education and research in Egypt. Universities are no longer traditional institutions but have become beacons of intellectual renaissance, incubators of creativity, talent hubs, and real arenas for unleashing the potential of youth.
He extended special thanks to the Governor of Suez, H.E. Major General Staff Tarek El-Shazly, affirming that the success achieved is not the result of individual effort but of constructive cooperation between the university and the governorate—a model of integration between academic institutions and executive authorities in serving society and strengthening cultural development.
Prof. Dr. Heniegal also praised the pivotal role of the Leaders’ Preparation Institute under Prof. Dr. Karim Hammam in supporting the Ministry’s vision of building student character and instilling belonging and awareness among youth across governmental, national, and private universities.
He reminded the audience that ancient Egyptian civilization had long recognized the value of the human voice as a medium of artistic and spiritual expression. The ancients used singing in religious rituals, social occasions, and even daily work, understanding that music and song help refine the soul, develop awareness, and strengthen cultural identity.
Addressing the students, he said:
"You are the beating heart of this nation, the bearers of its future. Developing your talents and skills is not only the path to personal success but also the cornerstone of building a strong, advanced, and prosperous Egypt. We live in a time of accelerating challenges and multiplying opportunities, and those who possess talent and knowledge are the ones who will make a difference. Every idea you innovate, every skill you develop, is a genuine contribution to your nation’s renaissance. Your university opens doors for you and provides tools, but passion and initiative must come from within you. Do not underestimate any talent, and never hesitate to improve yourselves. You are the hope, and you are the future. Let this moment be your starting point, your pledge to be a driving force in building tomorrow. Egypt awaits much from you—rise to the responsibility."
Following the speeches, a documentary produced by the Suez University Media Center was screened, showcasing the university’s capacities, faculties, new private university, and various real-world achievements.
The program continued with a series of artistic performances by university choirs, music ensembles, and soloists, which were enthusiastically received by the audience. The “Simsimiyya” troupe from the Suez Culture Palace also performed traditional songs, drawing strong interaction from the attendees.
Governor Tarek El-Shazly later delivered a speech expressing appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, which gave students the opportunity to showcase their artistic and creative talents. He affirmed that art carries a noble message and that supporting young talents is a genuine investment in the nation’s future. He encouraged students to continue their creative journey and expressed hope that next year’s second edition of the festival would be expanded, opened to the public, and include extended activities across the university, the Culture Palace, and the Suez promenade—boosting cultural and tourism activities and placing Suez on Egypt’s cultural and tourist map.
Students from the Faculty of Sports Science then gave a skillful athletic performance that impressed the audience.
Later, Prof. Dr. Heniegal presented the festival shields of honor to Prof. Dr. Nasser Mandour, President of Suez Canal University, and Prof. Dr. Mamdouh Ghorab, President of October 6 University and former Governor of Sharkia.
Finally, the university president and the Director of the Leaders’ Preparation Institute announced the competition results:
Cairo University Choir won first place.
Tanta University Choir shared first place.
Special Awards:
Diamond Voice Oscar (Male Students) – Mohamed Gamal Gad (Tanta University)
Diamond Voice Oscar (Female Students) – Lina Khaled (Suez Canal University)
Virtuoso Instrumentalist Oscar (Male Students) – Ahmed Mohamed Abdel-Aal (Assiut University)
Virtuoso Instrumentalist Oscar (Female Students) – Israa Mohamed Abdel-Gawad (Tanta University)
Jury Award for Excellence in Singing – Ahmed Walid Mansour (Ain Shams University)
Jury Encouragement Award – Suez University Team
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