Conferences and debates
Index / Activities / Conferences and debates / Aula Árabe Universitaria VIII
Aula Árabe Universitaria VIII
From August 21, 2026 until April 30, 2027
MADRID, CÓRDOBA, GRANADA, SEVILLE AND ONLINE.
See details on venues and times for each lecture.
During the 2026–27 academic year, Casa Árabe is launching the eighth edition of the “Aula Árabe Universitaria” lecture series, organized with the support of Masar al’An / Masar Ahora—the regional program for cooperation with the Arab world run by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID)—and in partnership with IEMed’s “Aula Mediterrània.” See the information below.
This year’s lecture series features the collaboration of 33 undergraduate and graduate programs from twelve universities in Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Córdoba, Granada, Salamanca, Segovia, and Seville, as well as the UNED, through 16 lectures in Madrid, three in Córdoba, and one each in Seville and Granada. The lectures cover a wide range of topics—from geopolitics and oil to social movements, water issues, heritage protection, and conflicts, as well as archaeology, history, literature, and film—allowing students to explore the Arab world alongside experts in each field.
The opening ceremony for this eighth edition will take place on Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., featuring an official opening ceremony and a lecture by Karima Dirèche, research director at the TELEMNe Laboratory (Temps, Espaces, Langages, Europe Méridionale, Méditerranée) of the CNRS (Maison Méditerranéenne des Sciences de l'Homme, Aix-en-Provence), on “Contemporary Maghreb Societies: Transformations and Resistance.”
As in the previous edition, this eighth installment for the 2026–27 academic year is organized in collaboration with Masar al’an / Masar Ahora, the regional program for cooperation with the Arab world run by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), with the shared goal of fostering knowledge and dialogue regarding sustainable development in Arab countries.
Aula Árabe Universitaria is also partnered with the Aula Mediterrània lecture series, organized by the IEMed in collaboration with university programs in Barcelona, facilitating the exchange of speakers between the two lecture series and organizing joint meetings between faculty and students from the respective university programs.
To help students navigate the journey of participating in the lecture series, they receive a passport—the “Passport to the Arab World”—which they personalize with their name the first time they attend a session and where their attendance at each session is stamped.
Once the series is over, and as proof of the experience gained during the journey, all students (whether from programs participating in AAU or not) who have attended more than 40% of the lectures may apply for the Aula Árabe Universitaria certificate.
Students from the Community of Madrid must verify their attendance in person through the Passport to the Arab World.
Students from other regions, including those in programs associated with Aula Mediterránea, must verify their attendance online by filling out a form that will be posted on Casa Árabe’s YouTube channel, where the lectures are streamed live.
As in previous years, thanks to the partnership between Aula Árabe Universitaria and Aula Mediterrània, students can also have their attendance at lectures in this series organized by the IEMed in Barcelona recognized—either online or in person—up to a maximum of two lectures. In other words, if students from Aula Árabe Universitaria log in online to an Aula Mediterrània lecture, that attendance will be recognized toward earning the Aula Árabe Universitaria certificate. Similarly, students from Aula Mediterrània who attend an Aula Árabe lecture online will have that attendance recognized toward their Aula Mediterrània certificate.
The lectures will be held at a venue to be determined. They are open to the general public and available as videos on Casa Árabe’s YouTube channel and as podcasts on SoundCloud and Spotify.
To receive announcements and updates about each AAU lecture, subscribe to Casa Árabe’s newsletter and select “Aula Árabe Universitaria” under “Interests.”
Previous editions:
AAU1 (2019-20)
AAU2 (2020-21)
AAU3 (2021-22)
AAU4 (2022-23)
AAU5 (2023-24)
AAU6 (2024-25)
AAU7 (2025-26)
The opening ceremony for this eighth edition will take place on Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., featuring an official opening ceremony and a lecture by Karima Dirèche, research director at the TELEMNe Laboratory (Temps, Espaces, Langages, Europe Méridionale, Méditerranée) of the CNRS (Maison Méditerranéenne des Sciences de l'Homme, Aix-en-Provence), on “Contemporary Maghreb Societies: Transformations and Resistance.”
As in the previous edition, this eighth installment for the 2026–27 academic year is organized in collaboration with Masar al’an / Masar Ahora, the regional program for cooperation with the Arab world run by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), with the shared goal of fostering knowledge and dialogue regarding sustainable development in Arab countries.
Aula Árabe Universitaria is also partnered with the Aula Mediterrània lecture series, organized by the IEMed in collaboration with university programs in Barcelona, facilitating the exchange of speakers between the two lecture series and organizing joint meetings between faculty and students from the respective university programs.
To help students navigate the journey of participating in the lecture series, they receive a passport—the “Passport to the Arab World”—which they personalize with their name the first time they attend a session and where their attendance at each session is stamped.
Once the series is over, and as proof of the experience gained during the journey, all students (whether from programs participating in AAU or not) who have attended more than 40% of the lectures may apply for the Aula Árabe Universitaria certificate.
Students from the Community of Madrid must verify their attendance in person through the Passport to the Arab World.
Students from other regions, including those in programs associated with Aula Mediterránea, must verify their attendance online by filling out a form that will be posted on Casa Árabe’s YouTube channel, where the lectures are streamed live.
As in previous years, thanks to the partnership between Aula Árabe Universitaria and Aula Mediterrània, students can also have their attendance at lectures in this series organized by the IEMed in Barcelona recognized—either online or in person—up to a maximum of two lectures. In other words, if students from Aula Árabe Universitaria log in online to an Aula Mediterrània lecture, that attendance will be recognized toward earning the Aula Árabe Universitaria certificate. Similarly, students from Aula Mediterrània who attend an Aula Árabe lecture online will have that attendance recognized toward their Aula Mediterrània certificate.
The lectures will be held at a venue to be determined. They are open to the general public and available as videos on Casa Árabe’s YouTube channel and as podcasts on SoundCloud and Spotify.
To receive announcements and updates about each AAU lecture, subscribe to Casa Árabe’s newsletter and select “Aula Árabe Universitaria” under “Interests.”
Previous editions:
AAU1 (2019-20)
AAU2 (2020-21)
AAU3 (2021-22)
AAU4 (2022-23)
AAU5 (2023-24)
AAU6 (2024-25)
AAU7 (2025-26)
Session 1 - September 28, 2026
Contemporary Maghreb Societies: Transformations and Resistance
Karima Dirèche, Research Director at the TELEMNe Laboratory (Temps, Espaces, Langages, Europe Méridionale, Méditerranée), CNRS, Aix-Marseille University
In collaboration with the Master’s Program in Contemporary Arab and Islamic Studies and the Bachelor’s Program in Social and Cultural Anthropology at UAM
Session 2 – October 29, 2026
A “whispered” conversation about the secrets of identity and the power of silence. Screening of the film “Three Women” followed by a discussion.
Eya Bouteraa, actress and lead in “Three Women” (Tunisia, 2026).
In collaboration with the Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Communication at UC3M
Session 3 – November 3, 2026
Genocide and anti-colonial resistance in Libya
Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, professor of Political Science at the University of New England
In collaboration with the Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and the Master’s Degree in International Relations: Global Governance and Regional Studies at UCM
Session 4 – November 10, 2026
Analysis of the Current Situation in Algeria - POSTPONED
Louisa Driss Ait Hamadouche, Professor of Political Science, University of Algiers 3
In collaboration with the Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies at UCLM and the Master’s Degree in “The European Union and the Mediterranean: Historical, Cultural, Political, Economic, and Social Foundations” at UCM.
Where Is the Oil? Geopolitics and Economics in the Strait of Hormuz
Aurelia Mañé Estrada, professor of Economic Policy at the University of Barcelona, and Gonzalo Escribano, principal researcher and director of the Energy and Climate Program at the Elcano Royal Institute.
In collaboration with the Master’s Program in International Economics and Development at the UCM.
Session 6 – November 25, 2026
Spaces of Socialization and Protest in the Islamic World: From the Middle Ages to the Present
Amina Elbendary, Associate Professor of Middle East History, The American University in Cairo
In collaboration with the Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the UAM
Session 7 – December 1, 2026
History of Palestine: Decolonial Perspectives
Jorge Ramos Tolosa, Professor of Contemporary History, University of Valencia
In collaboration with the URJC’s Master’s Program in Journalism and International Order and the UAM’s Master’s Program in Publicly Oriented Anthropology and Doctoral Program in Human Sciences: Geography, Anthropology, and African and Asian Studies
Session 8 – February 2, 2027
The Geopolitical Role of the Gulf Monarchies in the Regional Conflict in the Middle East
Wadah Khanfar, President and Co-founder of Al Sharq Forum and President of the Common Action Forum
In collaboration with the UAM’s Master’s Program in International Relations and African Studies and the IEMed’s Aula Mediterrània
Session 9 – February 8, 2027
Water Policy: Scarcity, Discourse, and Power in the Middle East
Hussam Hussein, Researcher in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University
In collaboration with the Master’s in Political Science and Public Affairs at SLU – Madrid Campus, the Bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Administration at USAL, and the Master’s in Continuing Education in Economic and Geopolitical Intelligence at UAM
Session 10 – February 16, 2027
Syria After the Fall of al-Assad: Sociopolitical Reconfigurations and the Challenges of Transition
Laura Ruiz de Elvira, Principal Researcher, Ceped (Centre Population et Développement), IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement)
In collaboration with the Master’s Program in Contemporary Studies on the Arab World and Muslim Communities: Social Mediation and Conflict Management at UCM
Session 11 – February 23, 2027
From Rome to Islam in North Africa: The Archaeology of a Transformation
Corisande Fenwick, Professor of Late Antiquity and Islamic Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology Gordon Square, University College London
In collaboration with the Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, the Master’s Degree in Archaeology and Heritage, the Bachelor’s Degree in History, and the Master’s Degree in the Medieval Iberian World: Hispania, Al-Andalus, and Sefarad at the UAM, and the Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Heritage at the UCLM
Session 12 – March 31, 2027
Rethinking the Distribution of Power in the Middle East
John Nagle, Professor of Sociology, Queen’s University Belfast
In collaboration with the URJC Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations
Session 13 – April 6, 2027
Transcultural Dimensions of Islamic Architecture
Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor and Director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
In collaboration with the UCM Bachelor’s Degree in Art History
Session 14 – April 12, 2027
The Non-Radicalization of Muslims in Southern Europe: Debates on Migration and Integration
Marina Eleftheriadou, Professor of International Relations and Contemporary International Politics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
In collaboration with the EUROSUD - South European Studies Master’s Program and the Democracy and Government Master’s Program at the UAM
Session 15 – April 19, 2027
Women, Literature, and Identity
Speaker to be confirmed
In collaboration with IE University, IE School of Humanities
Session 16 – April 27, 2027
China–Gulf Relations in a Changing International Order
Julia Gurol-Haller, Researcher, German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)
In collaboration with the Master’s Program in Political Science: Political Analysis, Public Policy, and International Politics at UNED
Session 1 – February 23, 2027
From Rome to Islam in North Africa: The Archaeology of a Transformation
Corisande Fenwick, Professor of Late Antiquity and Islamic Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology Gordon Square, University College London
In collaboration with the UCO’s Bachelor’s Degree in Art History
Session 2 – (date to be confirmed)
The Arab World, Mysticism, and Cinema.
Conversations with Oliver Laxe (to be confirmed)
In collaboration with the UCO’s Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Culture
Session 3 – April 8, 2027
The Destruction of Heritage in the Contemporary Arab World
Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor and Director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
In collaboration with the UCO’s Master’s Degree in Municipal Heritage Management
From Rome to Islam in North Africa: The Archaeology of a Transformation
Corisande Fenwick, Professor of Late Antiquity and Islamic Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology Gordon Square, University College London
In collaboration with the UCO’s Bachelor’s Degree in Art History
Session 2 – (date to be confirmed)
The Arab World, Mysticism, and Cinema.
Conversations with Oliver Laxe (to be confirmed)
In collaboration with the UCO’s Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Culture
Session 3 – April 8, 2027
The Destruction of Heritage in the Contemporary Arab World
Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor and Director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
In collaboration with the UCO’s Master’s Degree in Municipal Heritage Management
SEVILLE
Session 1 – November 5, 2026
Genocide and Anti-Colonial Resistance in Libya
Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, Professor of Political Science at the University of New England
In collaboration with the International Relations Bachelor’s Program at Loyola University
GRANADA
Session 1 – November 23, 2026
Spaces of Socialization and Protest in the Islamic World: From the Middle Ages to the Present
Amina Elbendary, Associate Professor of Middle Eastern History, The American University in Cairo
In collaboration with the University of Granada’s (UGR) Bachelor’s Degree in History
Session 1 – November 5, 2026
Genocide and Anti-Colonial Resistance in Libya
Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, Professor of Political Science at the University of New England
In collaboration with the International Relations Bachelor’s Program at Loyola University
GRANADA
Session 1 – November 23, 2026
Spaces of Socialization and Protest in the Islamic World: From the Middle Ages to the Present
Amina Elbendary, Associate Professor of Middle Eastern History, The American University in Cairo
In collaboration with the University of Granada’s (UGR) Bachelor’s Degree in History
1. Bachelor’s Degree in History (UGR)
2. Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (URJC)
3. Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (UCM)
4. Bachelor’s Degree in Semitic and Islamic Studies (UCM)
5. Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Communication (UC3M)
6. Master’s Degree in Contemporary Arab and Islamic Studies (UAM)
7. Doctorate in Humanities: Geography, Anthropology, and African and Asian Studies (UAM)
8. Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Culture (UCO)
9. Bachelor’s Degree in Art History (UCO)
10. Master’s Degree in Municipal Heritage Management (UCO)
11. Master’s Degree in Political Science and Public Affairs (SLU – Madrid Campus)
12. Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Heritage (UCLM)
13. Master’s Degree in the European Union and the Mediterranean: Historical, Cultural, Political, Economic, and Social Foundations (UCM)
14. Master’s Degree in International Economics and Development (UCM)
15. Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies (UCLM)
16. Master’s Degree in EUROSUD – South European Studies (UAM)
17. Master’s Degree in Democracy and Government (UAM)
18. Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology (UAM)
19. Master’s in Archaeology and Heritage (UAM)
20. Bachelor’s in International Relations (Loyola)
21. Master’s in Political Science: Political Analysis, Public Policy, and International Politics (UNED)
22. Bachelor’s, IE School of Arts & Humanities (IE University)
23. Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology (UAM)
24. Master’s Degree in Public-Oriented Anthropology (UAM)
25. Master’s Degree in Journalism and International Order (URJC)
26. Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
27. Master’s Degree in Continuing Education in Economic and Geopolitical Intelligence (UAM)
28. Master’s Degree in International Relations: Global Governance and Regional Studies (UCM)
29. Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration (USAL)
30. Bachelor’s Degree in History (UAM)
31. Master’s Degree in the Medieval Iberian World: Hispania, Al-Andalus, and Sefarad (UAM)
32. Master’s Degree in International Relations and African Studies (UAM)
33. Bachelor’s Degree in Art History (UCM)
34. Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages and Literatures (UCM)
2. Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (URJC)
3. Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (UCM)
4. Bachelor’s Degree in Semitic and Islamic Studies (UCM)
5. Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Communication (UC3M)
6. Master’s Degree in Contemporary Arab and Islamic Studies (UAM)
7. Doctorate in Humanities: Geography, Anthropology, and African and Asian Studies (UAM)
8. Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Culture (UCO)
9. Bachelor’s Degree in Art History (UCO)
10. Master’s Degree in Municipal Heritage Management (UCO)
11. Master’s Degree in Political Science and Public Affairs (SLU – Madrid Campus)
12. Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Heritage (UCLM)
13. Master’s Degree in the European Union and the Mediterranean: Historical, Cultural, Political, Economic, and Social Foundations (UCM)
14. Master’s Degree in International Economics and Development (UCM)
15. Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies (UCLM)
16. Master’s Degree in EUROSUD – South European Studies (UAM)
17. Master’s Degree in Democracy and Government (UAM)
18. Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology (UAM)
19. Master’s in Archaeology and Heritage (UAM)
20. Bachelor’s in International Relations (Loyola)
21. Master’s in Political Science: Political Analysis, Public Policy, and International Politics (UNED)
22. Bachelor’s, IE School of Arts & Humanities (IE University)
23. Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology (UAM)
24. Master’s Degree in Public-Oriented Anthropology (UAM)
25. Master’s Degree in Journalism and International Order (URJC)
26. Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
27. Master’s Degree in Continuing Education in Economic and Geopolitical Intelligence (UAM)
28. Master’s Degree in International Relations: Global Governance and Regional Studies (UCM)
29. Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration (USAL)
30. Bachelor’s Degree in History (UAM)
31. Master’s Degree in the Medieval Iberian World: Hispania, Al-Andalus, and Sefarad (UAM)
32. Master’s Degree in International Relations and African Studies (UAM)
33. Bachelor’s Degree in Art History (UCM)
34. Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages and Literatures (UCM)