The life of Lebanese singer Sammy Clark, who performed in Arabic and English, was celebrated by fans on social media. Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
The life of Lebanese singer Sammy Clark, who performed in Arabic and English, was celebrated by fans on social media. Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
The life of Lebanese singer Sammy Clark, who performed in Arabic and English, was celebrated by fans on social media. Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
The life of Lebanese singer Sammy Clark, who performed in Arabic and English, was celebrated by fans on social media. Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi

Culture

Music

Sammy Clark dies aged 73: tributes pour in for acclaimed Lebanese singer

He was most prominent for singing the opening song of children's cartoon show 'Grendizer'

Samia Badih
Samia Badih

February 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Lebanese singer Sammy Clark died on Sunday. He was aged 73.

The news was confirmed by his daughter Sandra Clark on social media.

Clark, born Sami Hobeika in 1948, shot to regional fame in the 1960s and '70s for songs in both Arabic and English. His most popular songs include Qomi Ta-norqos Ya Sabiyeh, Mory Mory and Take Me With You. He also sang in French, Italian and Armenian.

Clark is most recognised for singing the opening credits for the children's cartoon Grendizer which was popular in late '70s to '90s. In 2018, Clark performed a rearranged version of the song with Emirati composer Ihab Darwish alongside the Beethoven Academy Orchestra.

"To celebrate 40 years since Grendizer aired in the Arab World, I dedicate this special rearranged medley to all who enjoyed this iconic animation. Together with Sammy Clark with his heroic voice and timeless performance, with his words cheering for our Space Robot Grendizer defending Earth from attacks by intergalactic invaders, I give you this masterpiece to enjoy your childhood memories," Darwish wrote at the time of sharing the new musical arrangement of the track.

Fans and celebrities took to social media to mourn the artist's death, including Darwish.

"I will always be grateful for our friendship, musical co-operation and inspiration. You were the source of encouragement and support in my musical career. Your heritage will stay with us forever. Rest in peace, my friend," Darwish wrote.

Lebanese singer and songwriter Tina Yamout wrote on Twitter: "Your songs live on."

"RIP Sammy Clark. The kids who grew up in the Lebanese Civil War thank you for being the voice of Grendizer (Goldrake). The series and its protagonist offered a glimpse of an alternate reality where justice prevailed and good defeated evil," wrote Farid Talih.

"We were so lucky that we existed in his time," wrote another fan on Twitter.

Clark is survived by his wife Sheila and two children, Sandra and Sami Jr.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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