Faouzia is experiencing the flip side of living the dream.
The acclaimed Moroccan-Canadian singer is in the midst of her first world tour, having so far played Europe, and is now experiencing the rigours of life on the road.
Speaking exclusively to The National ahead of her Sunday show at The Agenda, Dubai Media City, Faouzia admits to feeling rundown.
“I have definitely been surprised by the physical demands of touring,” she says. “A lot of people say it’s very difficult and you don't really know how unless you are doing it.
“So, I am trying to find that balance of keeping myself healthy and having fun onstage. I think it will eventually even out in the end.”
A star is born
At 22, Faouzia — full name Faouzia Ouihya — has plenty of time to perfect her approach, with the tour branching off into North America and Canada before concluding in November.
However, the fact she's already amassed such global appeal so early on in her career, is testament to both the material released and industry support.
After gaining attention with appearances in David Guetta single Battle (2018) and Kelly Clarkson’s bilingual track I Dare You (2020), Faouzia is touted as a “rising pop star” by industry publication Billboard.
Her status was further cemented with the launch of new EP Citizens at the Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, in May, as part of its Spotlight concert series to highlight on-trend artists.
Previous acts showcased as part of the initiative include British singer Dua Lipa in 2018 and American hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in 2013.
Faouzia is poised to follow the success of those acts by bringing something fresh to the pop music table.
While all eight tracks are sung in English, Citizens is firmly rooted in the region.
Lead single RIP, Love, with more than 30 million YouTube streams, and the bubbly SoLie neatly meld breezy dance beats with the evocative harmonies and vocal trilling of Arabic pop.
The power ballad Don’t Tell Me I’m Pretty features gentle Arabic percussion and handclaps over ominous keyboards.
Faouzia, who has been writing songs since the age of 14, believes one of the reasons why Arabic harmonies rarely gel with western pop music is the lack of conviction by artists.
She points to the success of Colombian singer Shakira, who helped usher in the new wave of Latin pop currently sweeping the charts, as an example of the pioneering attitude needed to push out a new sound to the masses.
“You really need to be authentic and passionate about it,” Faouzia says. “That was how Shakira managed to infiltrate her roots into pop music, because she was genuine and people really connected with that.
“I am also seeing that same connection with the crowds when I play RIP, Love and SoLie, and that is beautiful to see.”
Complex world view
Faouzia credits her parents for maintaining her love for heritage.
Born in Casablanca, the family moved to Canada when Faouzia was 1 and set up in the rural town of Carman in the central Canadian province of Manitoba.
“It was a very Moroccan household. We would speak Arabic and French, and we would eat Moroccan food; the culture was strong at home. But as soon as I walked outside, I was experiencing Canadian culture and lifestyle, which was all new to me,” she says.
“However, I am glad it was that way and that is something I want to do when I, hopefully, have my own children. I want them to understand they have more than one culture. It will shape them to have a more complex understanding of the world and make them open to and appreciative of other cultures and ethnicities.”
One musician appreciating her attitude is Clarkson. The American musician's aforementioned single I Dare You was recorded in six languages, with Faouzia featuring in the Arabic version, Kantahadak.
In The National's review of the track, Clarkson was praised for an impressive verse sung in Arabic: “The pronunciation and diction is clear, and none of the words chosen is convoluted enough to jeopardise her powerful vocals.”
Faouzia confirms she was coaching Clarkson in the studio before that winning take. “She was so sweet and attentive, and would always ask about the correct pronunciation of the Arabic words,” she says. “She was adamant about getting things right.
“To be chosen to work with her is just so cool.”
The future of Arabic pop
Faouzia points to the need for more Arabic artists to look beyond the region and aim to reach a global audience.
“We do need more representation when it comes to pop music because I feel there is a curiosity and opportunity when it comes to our sound,” she says.
“Just like the growth of Latin American pop and K-pop, which are making a big impact on the world right now, Arabic pop can achieve the same.
“We just have to get more involved and build it for the present and future generations.”
Faouzia performs at The Agenda, Dubai Media City, on Sunday. Tickets begin from Dh195 at dubai.platinumlist.net
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
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The specs: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
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Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 421hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 678Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.1L / 100km
The biog
Favourite book: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Favourite music: Classical
Hobbies: Reading and writing
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Gully Boy
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
Rating: 4/5 stars
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts
Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
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Power: 905hp
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