Hay Festival Abu Dhabi concluded its opening night on Tuesday with a sparkling pair of performances at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
While fierce singer-songwriter Souad Massi and electro-poppers Mashrou’ Leila come from different sides of the tracks musically, it makes sense for the two to take part in the Abu Dhabi iteration of the famous literature festival.
The key reason being the role lyricism plays in both their works. For a decade, Mashrou’ Leila managed to capture the anxiety and disaffection of Arab millennials to such an extent that their songs went on to form the pseudo soundtrack for the present protests sweeping Lebanon. Massi, on the other hand, spins yarns in the great singer-songwriter tradition. Her songs are often mini stories or sketches of characters overcoming the loss of exile, in order to look forward.
"The lyrics are of primary importance and it has always been," Massi told The National before her concert. "I have to sing about something meaningful. Whether it is personal or something more general, it has always been about me conveying some sort of message."
Carl Gerges agrees. Sitting with The National before the band's anticipated appearance, the Mashrou' Leila drummer explained that while they never set out to make political songs, the band's evocative lyricism is malleable enough to be applied to different scenarios: "We never thought 'okay, let's tackle this political topic or that'," he said. "We often write what we are feeling and they are interpreted in various ways. We don't write political statements. It just ended up becoming that way."
Souad Massi delivers an enchanting performance
Could we have just witnessed a potential new favourite live music spot in the capital? Well, event ogranisers should take note of the Hay Festival Garden stage.
Located on the green grounds of the arts complex, the venue is essentially a well-built marquee with intimate staging and lighting. It may not look flashy, but with the lovely floral surroundings and fresh night air, it made for a serene atmosphere that Massi and her band reveled in.
Not that Massi needed the atmospheric help. The singer, 47, has been enchanting fans for nearly two decades with a body of work exploring everything from 12th century Arab figures Ibn Khaldun and modern day Algerian poet Ait Menguellet, to tender love songs and rock.
These strands came together for a truly spellbinding performance. Backed by her four-piece band, which included a violinist, guitarist, drummer and percussionist, Massi took us through a 90-minute set featuring favourites and new cuts from her recently released album Oumniya.
With the latest release having Massi venturing back to her intimate folk sound, the new songs all came across beautifully in Abu Dhabi. The album’s title track has a wistfulness that was only betrayed by its accusatory lyrics: “I gave you my hand…but you stabbed me.”
Another low-key highlight was Pays Natal. With lyrics supplied by French songwriters Marie Paule Belle and Francoise Mallet-Joris, the acoustic number is a mixture of tender folk and flamenco flair, with Massi's voice quietly anxious as she ponders a life in exile: "I have memories that remain in me/ There was nothing to regret there/ Yet I'm still thinking about it and I'm a little sore."
It wasn't all downbeat. Massi lifted the mood occasionally through a series of folk songs from the Algerian and Amazigh traditions. By the time the encore of signature Algerian chaabi tracks Nawsik Ya Qalbi and Raoui came along, the crowd were on their feet. It was a fitting end in what was a supremely elegant performance.
The deep groove of Mashrou’ Leila
When it comes to the Lebanese four-piece, who performed at the Atrium of Manarat Al Saadiyat, just being on your feet is not an option. The band’s throbbing grooves and percolating hooks command you to move.
It’s that universal quality that allowed the group to play all sorts of gigs, from indie-rock festivals in the UAE to dance music festivals in Europe.
However, while non-Arab speakers may enjoy the band on a purely sonic level, there is always an extra level of pathos when these songs are experienced in the Arab world.
For one thing, it all sounds so brilliantly vital. Where the Arab protest song has been confined to traditional folk compositions, Mashrou’ Leila updated the template by pairing their searing lyricism with a lavish lathering of synths, propulsive beats and the ingenious and unorthodox use of violins.
On top of it all is the vocals and presence of front-man Hamed Sinno. He is an enigmatic and intense vocalist who doesn't sing as much as mournfully wails. It works, as it beautifully blunts the razor sharp musicianship of the band, thus allowing tracks like the funky Salam and the groove-ridden Radio Romance to penetrate deeper.
This also often explains the emotional reactions fans have to their shows. Like in previous UAE gigs, a few young and spent fans were spotted wiping away tears at the end. This is not surprising, as Mashrou’ Leila perform dance music that releases and nourishes at the same time.
What’s next?
Ever see a harp played with rhythm and groove? Well, then check out Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita perform on Wednesday, February 26. It may read as an unusual pairing, but together on stage the duo perform music that is loose, vibrant and joyous.
Show runs from 10pm to 11.30pm. Etihad Garden Stage. Tickets are Dh100 from www.hayfestival.com
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
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GAC GS8 Specs
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The years Ramadan fell in May
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Install an air filter in your home.
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Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Saab, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Majd Al Gharbia, Saif Al Balushi, Ridha ben Attia
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7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh 70,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Kafu, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
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UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Real Madrid (2) v Bayern Munich (1)
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
When: 10.45pm, Tuesday
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
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Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
