Shubbak Festival is the UK's largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture. It brings new and unexpected voices alongside established artists to London every two years. An ambitious programme connects London audiences and communities with the best of contemporary Arab visual arts, film, music, theatre, dance, literature and debate. Discover the upcoming 2023 Festival and find details of past festivals below.
Shubbak Festival 2023
23 June–9 July 2023
Whatever your walk of life, your tribe, creed, belief, we invite you to join us from 23 June to 9 July 2023 to take an Arab breath with us across London and beyond.
Welcome message
Reflecting on Shubbak 2023
In pictures: Shubbak 2023
Explore the festival programme
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Shubbak Festival 2021
The tenth edition of Shubbak Festival took place between 20 June–17 July 2021. The programme was curated in response to the unusual post lockdown situation. Through an extended range of partnerships, a range of festival events were broadcast from different locations across the globe including Gaza, Doha, Riyadh, Khartoum and Slemani.
About the 2021 festival
Read reflections on the festival
2021 festival overview PDF 24Mb
Shubbak Festival 2019
In 2019 audiences of over 55,000 enjoyed performances from 150 artists at more than 60 events across London at Shubbak Festival, 28 June–14 July 2019. Watch our highlights or browse the festival guide publication to see what took place.
About the 2019 festival
Watch our festival highlights
2019 festival guide PDF
Shubbak Festival 2017
Shubbak's 2017 festival included over 130 artists, originating from 18 Arab countries, across 70 events in more than 40 venues across London. The festival featured 16 full days of concerts, performances, screenings, talks, exhibitions and installations, performing to a total audience of over 50,000.
Shubbak Festival 2015
Shubbak's 2015 festival presented over 60 events across London from 11-26 July 2015, featuring 16 full days of concerts, performances, screenings, debates, exhibitions and installations from over 100 international artists, as well as over 30 artists based in the UK.
Shubbak Festival 2013
Shubbak's 2013 festival took place over 15 days in the summer of 2013, presenting over 55 events, spread across 42 venues, attracting an audience of over 50,000 people. We brought together a wonderful range of partners, from London’s largest museums to intimate theatres, from the largest concert halls to specialist cinemas.
Shubbak Festival 2011
Initiated by the Mayor of London, the Shubbak Festival 2011 was the first of its kind in Europe. The programme was devoted to showcasing contemporary Arab writers, photographers, painters, directors, composers and other creative artists. It was an opportunity not just for people curious about the Middle East, but for resident Arab citizens keen to engage with contemporary culture and and share in the accomplishments of the region with which they have personal ties.