Arts & Culture by UIB Foundation confirmed as main patron of El Jem symphony festival for eighth consecutive year

The Fondation Arts & Culture by UIB confirmed on Wednesday 10 June that it will serve as main patron of the International Festival of Symphonic Music of El Jem (FIMS) for the eighth year running, launching the 39th edition of the festival at a press conference held at the Dar Africa museum in El Jem.

The festival runs from 11 July to 15 August 2026, with performances staged inside the Roman amphitheatre of El Jem — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an estimated original capacity of 35,000 spectators.

Moufida Hamza, president of the Fondation Arts & Culture by UIB, said the renewed partnership went beyond financial backing, describing it as a long-term commitment to Tunisia's cultural life and heritage. Festival director Mabrouk Layouni thanked the foundation and noted that without its sustained support, alongside that of other partners, the costs of mounting the annual event would be considerably harder to meet.

UIB director general Pierre Le Run, whose message was relayed at the event, said the sponsorship reflected the bank's wider commitment to culture and heritage and to promoting dialogue between cultures through music.

Programme and performers

The 39th edition opens on 11 July with Dido and Aeneas, performed by the Tunis Opera Theatre. The Symphonic Orchestra of Sousse follows on 16 July, and the Orchestre l'Orphéon is scheduled for 24 and 25 July, with evenings dedicated to Marcel Khalifé and the Boléro de Ravel respectively. The edition also draws ensembles from France, Spain and Italy.

Eight years of patronage

The Fondation Arts & Culture by UIB has been principal patron of FIMS since 2018. It is the cultural arm of the Union Internationale de Banques (UIB), itself a subsidiary of Société Générale. The foundation also supports the International Festival of Dougga, another UNESCO-listed site.

Founded in 1986 by Mohamed Ennaceur, FIMS is the only festival in North Africa devoted exclusively to symphonic and classical music. It is held in one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, situated roughly halfway between Sousse and Sfax in central Tunisia.