The General Authority for Cultural Centers decided to hold the Red Sea Art Festival in Port Said instead of Suez. This happened against the backdrop of accusing the minister of culture of inviting Israel to the festival. Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni filed a lawsuit against the newspaper that printed this allegation. Hosni denied such invitation and told Al-Masry Al-Youm: "The festival agenda was not sent to me this year, and I did not invite Israel. I referred the matter to the legal affairs to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the newspaper that printed this news, as it is seeking fame at the expense of the minister of culture. It seems the attack against my UNESCO candidacy has stopped abroad and started at home." Dr. Ahmad Megahid, Chairman of the General Authority for Cultural Centers and Rapporteur of the Festival High Commission, said the idea of Israel's participation was not raised at all. Suez Governor Seif Eddin Galal also said the minister did not invite Israel.
