Some of the Arab world’s biggest pop stars and celebrities have taken part in new Ramadan-themed songs as the holy month gets under way.
Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi, Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah are some of the high-profile personalities getting involved with Egyptian corporate campaigns, ranging from telecommunications providers to banks.
A standard industry practice during the holy month, big companies often tap singers and celebrities to provide the soundtrack and take part in big-budget Ramadan advertisements.
Thankfully, these glitzy productions are created more as a social corporate responsibility measure as opposed to a full advertising project. Therefore, these videos are often heartfelt and focus on the family values of Ramadan, with a little company logo splashed on the corner of the screen or appearing at the end.
Here are four campaigns that have been released during the first days of Ramadan.
Sunat Al Hayat by Hussain Al Jassmi
Al Jassmi and Egyptian pop are an ideal match. Not only did that musical marriage result in Al Jassmi's biggest hit, the viral sensation that was Boshret Kheir in 2014, but the carefree sounds and ebullient melodies of the genre showcase a lighter and fun side of the Emirati singer.
Sunat Al Hayat (translated to mean "a life norm") is a case in point. It is a life-affirming ditty for Orange Egypt. Since they are a telecommunications company, the song's message is, unsurprisingly, about the need for connection during Ramadan.
Anta Al Nouska Al Asliya, Inta Isthina'i by Mahmoud El Esseily
It has been a busy time for El Esseily: not only did he compose the track Sunat Al Hayat for Al Jassmi, but he also contributed to the Ramadan stakes with another tune.
Used as part of Banque Misr's Ramadan campaign, the unwieldy title translates as: “You are the original copy. You are exceptional.”
The anthem pays tribute to society’s underappreciated heroes, from medical workers and firemen to people of determination. Beautifully shot in Cairo’s streets and laneways, the track’s uplifting nature makes you want to pat yourself on the back.
Ezwatna Malayeen by Sherine Abdel Wahab
Translated to mean "our solace in millions", this star-studded track, sung by Sherine Abdel Wahab for Vodafone Egypt, focuses on how Egyptian celebrities are spending Ramadan in isolation.
It looks like Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has a football pitch for a backyard in his cameo, as we see him play with his adorable daughter Makka.
Actress Mona Zaki, meanwhile, is spotted washing her large white SUV with her two kids.
Singers Amir Eid and Ahmed Bahaa are busy recording a song from their respective home studios, comedian Mohamed Henedy is chilling on the couch scrolling through his messages and Esaad Younis seems to be Zooming with friends.
Other personalities in the video include actors Ahmed Fahmy, Amina Khalil, Abdul Rahman Abou Zahra and Hashim Majid.
Qadrin by Moustafa Amar, Ehab Tawfiq, Hisham Abbas and Hamid Al Shairi
The stars of the 1980s and 1990s Egyptian music scene turn back the years in this delightful slice of nostalgic pop.
With a title that translate as “able”, the song was composed for the 19011 chain of pharmacies. The video, meanwhile, is love letter to the times when VHS cassettes were our Netflix and going out for good time meant playing a game of pool.
Best part of all, all four singers are in great form. Bring on the post-pandemic joint tour.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE finals day
Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
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Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
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Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
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