Cairo’s historic Abdeen Palace will host the Grand Ball of Monte-Carlo for the first time on November 8, bringing one of the world’s most prestigious royal galas to the heart of the Egyptian capital.
The event, titled “Royalty on the Nile,” is held under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco and is expected to unite European royals, Hollywood stars, world-class artists, and international designers for a night of opera, couture fashion, and royal dance.
The grand hall of the palace will be specially decorated to reflect its royal history, with a lavish banquet prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and performances blending classical music with contemporary dance.
Notable participants will include Princess Béatrice de Bourbon and Prince Joachim Moyrha, alongside representatives of Monaco’s Princely Palace and high-level European officials.
International stars slated to attend include Federico Martello, the Italian tenor known as “The Miracle Voice,” and Erika Bochenko, an icon from the James Bond films. Riccardo Cocciante, the composer of the renowned musical “Notre Dame de Paris,” will participate as a special guest of honour.
Egyptian icon Safaa Abu Al-Saud will also perform a special musical segment at a closing ceremony at the Cairo Opera House, representing Egyptian art.
The ball is part of the Global Hope Giver Campaign, which supports humanitarian causes that uplift children, women, and the arts.
Traditionally held in exclusive venues like Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris and Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, the Grand Ball’s Egyptian debut marks a historic moment, celebrating the country’s artistic and cultural legacy.
The choice of Abdeen Palace is symbolic, reflecting Cairo’s return to the centre of the global cultural scene. Built by order of Khedive Ismail in 1863, the palace served as the seat of government and features a lavish European design blended with authentic oriental spirit. It contains over 500 rooms and halls, as well as royal museums housing rare weapons, presidential gifts, and historical documents.
