Sharjah to host virtual Eid Al Fitr concerts you can watch at home

Mohamed Al Shehhi, Hatem Al Iraqi and Lebanese pop star Yara will perform during the three-day event

Hatem Al Iraqi, Yara and Mohamed Al Shehhi will perform virtual Eid concerts spread over three days. Courtesy Al Majaz Amphitheatre

Eid Al Fitr may feel a little different this year, with families being asked to stay at home amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, there is some semblance of typical celebrations to be found, as Sharjah will host a three-day Eid concert featuring Emirati musician Mohamed Al Shehhi, Iraq singer-songwriter Hatem Al Iraqi and Lebanese pop star Yara. The live gigs will be streamed on Al Majaz Amphitheatre's Instagram, Facebook and YouTube accounts.

Al Shehhi will take to the stage on Monday, May 25, at 9pm, to perform his soulful Khaleeji-style compositions. Hatem will raise the curtain on some of his hits throughout his three-decade career on Tuesday, May 26, at 9pm, while Yara will enthral her fans with her catchy melodies on Wednesday, May 27, at 9pm.

While Eid concerts are typically calendar staples across the UAE, with plenty of high-profile gigs having taken place in the past, Covid-19 has forced more precautionary measures to be taken, with events that would usually attract a large turnout cancelled or postponed. However, it has also opened the door to new virtual ways for people to enjoy the musical experience.

"We have always believed in music as a vehicle of joy, reflection and entertainment. The power of the medium in people together and helping us staying connected cannot be overstated, and is something we need now more than ever, given the restrictions that have been imposed on social interactions and gatherings to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic," says Tariq Saeed Alay, director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau.

"Notwithstanding our challenging circumstances, we sought to brighten up Eid Al Fitr festivities this year for our community and Arabic music lovers across the globe. These star-studded virtual concerts will be exceptional in their quality of entertainment and make for lifelong memories."