While many UAE residents will be travelling abroad this summer to escape the heat, there are still plenty of entertainment options to look forward to closer to home for fans of Arabic music and comedy.
With preparations for Eid celebrations already underway, Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host a series of concerts and shows across the capital that will include performances by Saudi singer Mohamed Abdo, Emirati singer Habib Elyasi and one of the region’s most popular comedians, Bader Saleh.
Things kick off at the du Forum, Yas Island on July 18 in a musical showcase headlined by Mohamed Abdo, popularly known as ‘the artist of the Arabs’. Overcoming humble beginnings as the son of a poor fisherman, Abdo has been the embodiment of traditional Middle Eastern musical fare for over five decades and is often credited with helping to preserve some of the region’s most important classical poetry and songs. A beloved cultural treasure in his home country, he remains a skilled Oud player and vocalist with diasporic fans in every corner of the globe.
Emirati singer Habib Elyasi will be taking over the stage the following night on July 19 for a performance that is sure to highlight his growing popularity with young music fans across the country. The dashing singer has garnered a multi-generational fan base in recent years for his lilting music and lyrical prowess, helping him to become a strong proponent for traditional Gulf music with a youthful touch.
The following month will turn the focus from music to laughter with the help of Internet star Bader Saleh when he brings his stand-up comedy show to the capital on August 28.
The Jeddah native is the first person in the Middle East to receive the coveted Golden Button from YouTube for his online comedy contributions, and his channel - aptly named “Eysh Elly” which means “What is” in Arabic - continues to be the most popular in his country. With his fame on the rise, Saleh has taken his new stage show to places including the United States and UK, and his upcoming gig in Abu Dhabi promises to showcase his famous biting wit.
Tickets to each show range from Dhs75 - Dhs200, available from www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastore outlets.
By Mohamad Kadry
