Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama has been suspended from performing in Egypt for “violating the country's customs, traditions and societal values” after being kissed on stage by a fan.
The decision made by the Musicians Syndicate in Egypt came after the circulation of a video of the incident at his recent concert on the North Coast.
Alama, 63, has been summoned to the Musicians Syndicate headquarters for an investigation into what has been described as a “deliberate violation of Egyptian norms, customs and traditions.” His work permit in Egypt has been suspended pending his appearance.
Alama said he plans to attend, and holds the concert organisers responsible for the incident.
“For two days, I have been following shameful behaviour that violates all Egyptian customs, traditions and societal values,” said Mostafa Kamel, head of the Musicians Syndicate in Egypt.
“We have never been accustomed to this in our country before and we will not allow it to be repeated.
“Egypt’s stages have been graced by some of the greatest artists in Egypt and the Arab world, both artistically and in value. They have never been, and never will be, a breeding ground for kisses, undisciplined gestures and disgusting hugs.
He added: “With my sincere respect and appreciation to Mr Farid Bou Said, the head of the Musicians Syndicate in our sister country, Lebanon, and to all our brothers and sisters in the beloved Lebanese people.”
The syndicate has also contacted officials from the Chamber of Tourism Establishments to arrange a meeting with them or their representatives, with the aim of making a joint decision to summon the owner of the tourist venue that hosted the concert.
Alama said in a phone call with Al-Nahar TV: “What happened was that the girl grabbed me in her joy as I was coming off the stage and kissed me. The kiss wasn’t on my mouth. I swear to God, that didn’t happen.”
He added: “I hold the organisers responsible because people were going to the theatre. I respect the audience and I am well aware that tourism in Egypt is a great responsibility.
“I contacted the head of the syndicate and I respect the syndicate’s decision and place myself at its disposal. God willing, I will visit the syndicate next week.”
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Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
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How to keep control of your emotions
If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.
Greed
Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.
Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.
Fear
The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.
Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.
Hope
While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.
Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.
Frustration
Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.
Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.
Boredom
Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.
Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
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Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
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Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
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Explained
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
