Arab World Festival Must-See Shows

From October 31 to November 16, 2025, Place des Arts will thrill to the rhythms of the 26^th edition of the Arab World Festival of Montreal – FMA. This flagship cultural event continues to build bridges between Arab and Western cultures through its exceptional program of music.

This year, ten shows have been assembled to create an artistic mosaic that highlights the harmonious interaction of ancestral traditions and contemporary creations.

Moeen Shreif: An Unforgettable Closing Performance

The highlight of the festival will take place on Sunday, November 16 in Théâtre Maisonneuve, with the closing show by Moeen Shreif.

For his very first appearance at the FMA, this remarkable heir to the musical tradition of the Levant region promises to deliver a memorable evening of song. His voice, described as seismic and magnetic, possesses the rare ability to cover every range with disconcerting ease, whether he is performing heart-wrenching ballads or patriotic songs. Shreif’s raw sincerity and rare expressiveness make him one of the most authentic voices of his generation.

In a tumultuous global context, this concert takes on a particularly symbolic dimension. The FMA organizers are presenting it as a powerful call to resilience and life, a total sensory immersion in which each note resonates as an emotional key. This final performance is sure to leave the audience moved by the magic of a voice that touches the soul and inspires hope.

Other Events

On November 3 in Salle Claude-Léveillée, don’t miss the free talk Ziad Rahbani : Resist the Times of Shipwreck, hosted by Johnny El Hage. Enhanced with readings and musical performances, this event revisits the timeless repertoire of the Lebanese composer, who passed away last July at the age of 69.

On November 4 in Salle Claude-Léveillée, delve into the world of the popular North African musical genre, chaabi. The show Chaâbi de Montréal, algérois et kabyle will take you on a journey to the heart of Algeria, creating an atmosphere that brings ancestral times to life.

November 6 features two remarkable events. In the Cinquième Salle, experience Canticles of Love, an extraordinary musical fresco bringing together singer Khaled Al-Hafez, contralto Gabrielle Cloutier, and the Vox Ensemble to create a sacred harmony that transcends borders. At the same time, in Salle Claude-Léveillée, Y Una Noche blends flamenco and Arab-Andalusian song in an incandescent reverie.

Finally, on November 7 in the Cinquième Salle, fall under the spell of Légendaire Andalousie. Canadian-Algerian soprano Fairouz Oudjida weaves the nūbahs of the Maghreb with the muwashshahat of the Orient in a performance in which classical finesse and emotional depth intertwine.

Not-to-be-missed!

With its exceptional programming that celebrates the diversity and richness of Arab cultures, the Arab World Festival confirms its status as a not-to-be-missed cultural event in Montreal.

Be sure to take this opportunity to experience these unique moments of music, which, in a world searching for meaning, resonate as celebrations of beauty, resilience, and cultural exchange.