AIA International Conference Cairo 2026
Layers of Civilization
11 - 14 November 2026

When: Wednesday 11 November evening - Saturday 14 November 2026 (Optional extension tours: 15 November onwards)
Where: The American University in Cairo Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt

REGISTER HERE

Program

See below for an overview of the program.

Day 0 Program | Day 1 Program | Day 2 Program | Day 3 Program | Extension Tours

Day 0 - 11 November

  • For Full Conference ticket holders. Location TBC.

Day 1 - 12 November

Day 1 will open with a morning of talks. The afternoon tour will take us to Ancient Cairo - first we will head to the Giza Plateau, to see the monumental Great Pyramids and Sphinx, followed by a visit to The Grand Egyptian Museum.

  • Buses pick up participants from recommended hotels and transfer to conference venue.

  • Registration and coffee at AUC Tahrir Square

  • Speaker - Raya Ani, FAIA, RAW-NYC Architects

  • Speaker - Dina Ghobara, Pace

  • Visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza and private access visit to the Sphinx

  • CE: Estimated 3 LU/ HSW for AIA Members

Day 2 - 13 November

Day 2 will likewise start with a morning of talks and panel discussions. This time the tour will focus on Coptic Cairo. Looking at sacred architecture within the Fortress of Babylon, we will be visiting sights including the Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus and the Church of the Holy Family Dwelling.

The day will conclude with an evening Nile Cruise.

Day 3 - 14 November

Saturday 14 November will be a full day of tours taking in the sights of Islamic Cairo. From the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, the Citadel of Saladin to Al-Muizz Street, we will explore many aspects of historic Cairo architecture, from the religious and monumental to the domestic, and how historic buildings have been adapted for contemporary use.  

The conference will close that evening with the Design Awards and the Gala Dinner.

OPTIONAL Extension Tours

Alexandria Tour - 15 November

  • Price - $150

  • Please purchase a tour ticket via the Eventbrite registration page.

  • Tour buses leave from and return to Cairo on Sunday 15 Nov.

  • The tour will move between the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theatre and the Citadel of Qaitbay.

Upper Egypt Nile Cruise - 16-20 November

Download the Upper Egypt Tour PDF here for details of the tour and how to book.

  • Please book by October 1 for the best chance of traveling on the same boat as other conference attendees. Bookings after this date may still be possible, subject to availability, but you may be accommodated on a different boat.

  • Single rooms are strictly limited and must be confirmed by the cruise operator before your booking is finalized.

  • Indicative Price - $600 - $700 per person for double room.

    $950 - $1200 per person for single room.

  • Tour price does not include flights (approx. $200 total) or temple entrance tickets (approx. $100 total).

  • Participants must book this tour directly with the tour provider, Egypt Tours Gateway.

  • Please note: This extension tour is not organized or managed by AIA International or AIA Middle East. All inquiries, bookings, and responsibilities rest solely with the tour provider, Egypt Tours Gateway. AIA International and AIA Middle East assume no liability for these activities.

  • Participants fly to Aswan (please book your own flights). Cruise departs Monday 16 Nov at 9am. Cruise travels from Aswan to Luxor, including visits to Aswan High Dam, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and many more. Fly back to Cairo from Luxor on evening of Friday 20 Nov (please book your own flights).

  • For booking inquiries, please contact Egypt Tours Gateway:











This event is organised by AIA International and we reserve the right based on reasonable assessment of the circumstances to exclude individuals who display unprofessional or disruptive behaviour. AIA International, its programmers and moderators can and will select those questions and comments they deem pertinent to the talk and program.

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