One of the UAE's newest performing venues is set to host a concert series.
The stunning Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, on Sharjah's east coast, will host a number of Arabic music concerts over the cooler months, with Assala Nasri and Abdallah Al Rowaished set to be the first to perform next Friday.
Under the banner of Let’s Khorfakkan, the Syrian and Kuwaiti singers, respectively, will take the stage for an evening of regional hits spanning 30 years.
Nasri is no stranger to such an occasion, having been one of the first Arab artists to play at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena in July as part of Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Al Rowaished is a firm Sharjah favourite, having sold out a 2019 concert at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre.
The news comes after the initial opening concert featuring Iraq's Majid Al Mohandis and Saudi singer Dalia Mubarak was pushed back to Friday, January 14.
Also announced for Let's Khorfakkan is Nawal El Kuwaitia, with the Kuwaiti songbird playing on Thursday, November 18.
An imposing structure
The concert series marks a worthwhile spectacle for one of Mena's most striking music venues.
Formally inaugurated in 2020 by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, the semi-circular structure has an imposing stone facade that includes 234 arches and 295 columns.
The project is part of a plan to promote tourism in Khor Fakkan. Old markets have been restored, shops rejuvenated and plans are in place to develop boutique heritage accommodation in the town.
Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi headlined the first concert at the amphitheatre on New Year's Eve 2020.
The beat goes on
Let's Khorfakkan is one of a number of concerts currently taking place in the UAE.
Expo 2020 Dubai is hosting a number of in-house music festivals until March including Infinite Nights, featuring concerts by Arab pop stars including Nancy Ajram, as well as Jalsat Nights which is dedicated to sounds from the Gulf.
This month, Abu Dhabi Classics also returned with an opening concert by Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon and French harpist Xavier de Maistre, at the Cultural Foundation.
Four more concerts have been announced for the UAE capital as part of the series, including a gala show by La Scala Academy Orchestra, the in-house ensemble of Milan's prestigious Scala Theatre, at Etihad Arena on Thursday, November 25.
Scroll through the gallery below for images of the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre:
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An eye-catching view of the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre. Pawan Singh / The National -
The impressive open-air venue is already proving a popular tourist attraction. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors gaze at the artificial waterfall near the site. Pawan Singh / The National -
The steep design of the amphitheatre is reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum. Pawan Singh / The National -
The striking amphitheatre features 234 arches and 295 columns. Pawan Singh / The National -
A view of the restaurant on top of the artificial waterfall. Pawan Singh / The National -
The waterfall and restaurant. Pawan Singh / The National -
The amphitheatre by night. Pawan Singh / The National -
The venue can accommodate more than 3,000 people. Pawan Singh / The National -
The terrace of the amphitheatre restaurant is a prime spot to unwind. Pawan Singh / The National -
The structure is inspired by Roman architecture. Pawan Singh / The National -
Khor Fakkan's Arabian Sea coast can be seen here. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors take in the vista and Roman-style columns. Pawan Singh / The National -
An aerial view of the 17,650-square-metre, semi-circular Khorfakkan Amphitheatre. Wam -
Visitors enjoy the venue by night. Pawan Singh / The National -
The spectacular venue is captured by aerial drone -
At the venue's opening festivities, thousands viewed the 'Khor Fakkan' film, depicting the emirate's struggle against a Portuguese invasion in the 1600s -
The venue proved to be a major tourist attraction only days after its opening in December 2020
