The Arab stars performing in the UAE during Eid
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The joy and celebration of Eid is not limited to family and other social gatherings: the festive season also marks the return of music and, traditionally, presents a bevy of concerts featuring top local and regional talent. This year is no different, offering a week’s worth of performances in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai featuring nearly a dozen artists. They cover a wide range of styles, and include Emirati pop king and queen Hussain Al Jasmi and Ahlam; seasoned veterans Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Abdo and Iraq’s Kadim Al Sahir; and promising new local talents Habib Al Yasi and Balqees.
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Abu Dhabi Summer Season: Mohamed Abdo, Saturday, du Forum, Yas Island
The Saudi singer Mohamed Abdo is a music institution and one of the first Gulf acts to garner a fan base across the Arab world. With more than 20 albums spanning four-plus decades, the 66-year-old is responsible for introducing Saudi folk music to fellow Gulf neighbours, with performances in the UAE as early as the 1970s. The following decade saw him focusing his efforts in building a pan-Arab fan base and thus opening the doors for other Gulf stars such as Hussain Al Jasmi and Ahlam. Indeed, even the normally boisterous Ahlam quiets down in awe whenever mentioning Abdo’s name – she refers to him as “my teacher” when talking to the media.
• Tickets from Dh75 on www.ticketmaster.ae
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Abu Dhabi Summer Season: Habib Elyasi, Saturday, Al Ain Municipal Theatre; Sunday, du Forum, Yas Island
Habib Elyasi is working twice as hard this Eid: the Emirati singer will perform on two consecutive dates. It is a case of good timing for Elyasi as he is gearing up to launch his as-yet-untitled album. The album, reportedly an eclectic affair,
