Eid is here and the celebration extends to the UAE music scene with a jam packed weekend featuring a plethora of regional pop stars, a jazz legend, taste-making DJs and some of the leading lights from Bollywood and Pakistan.
Nawal
Opening a big weekend of international talent coming to Dubai World Trade Centre is the veteran Kuwaiti song-bird Nawal El Kuwaitia, who returns to the UAE with her soaring, husky voice and a raft of hits. Thursday, 9pm, at Dubai World Trade Centre. Tickets from Dh500 at platinmulist.ae
Gappy Ranks
The London-based dance hall artist – whose roots are of Jamaican and Dominican descent – makes his UAE debut off the back of last year's sixth album, Generation, supported by Kenya's The Mighty Rastyle Sounds. Thursday, 9pm, at The Music Room, Bur Dubai. Dh100.
Abu Dhabi Eid concert
Two top singing stars of the Arab world will shine onstage at the capital's biggest Eid concert. Lebanon's reigning Queen of the Stage, Myriam Fares, performed across more than 30 countries, crossing over to an international crowd with an ear-pleasing fusion of Arabic and pop music. Also on the bill is acclaimed Iraqi singer and composer Walid Al Shami, best known for penning Ya Mhajir, performed by his countryman Hatem Al Iraqi. Friday, 8pm, at Al Raha Beach. Tickets from Dh150 at tixbox.com, or from 056 675 68 34/35 or 800 TCA.
Jashn E-Eid
Sufi-influenced acoustic rocker Rabbi Shergill – the voice behind popular AR Rahman tunes Challa and Tu Mun Shudi – tops the bill at this Bollywood celebration. Also performing is Bathroom Singer star Shibani Kashyap, best known for Sajna Aa Bhi Ja and Soneya, and the UAE-based expat attraction Maya Venus. Friday, 7.30pm at The Indian High School, Oud Metha, Dubai. Advance tickets from Dh100 available from Virgin Megastores.
Musicians United Maximum Force Edition
Expect to hear classic 1970s and 1980s rock and metal hits from headliners Sandstorm at this mini headbangers’ festival, while melodic doom merchants Angmar and progressive metallers Gates of Gomorrah and Cathect complete the bill. Friday, 9pm, at The Music Room, Bur Dubai. Dh70.
MTV Undivided
An all-star bill symbolically merges Indian and Pakistani headliners to present a diverse weekend strafing Sufi, Bollywood, folk, pop and rock. Taking top billing on Friday is Pakistani classical vocalist Shafqat Amanat Ali, alongside sets from Indian folk-fusion singer Papon and Pakistani starlet Komal Rizvi. On Saturday, Indian pop-rock star Kailash Kher headlines, plus support from Punjabi folk singer Arif Lohar. Friday and Saturday, from 7pm, at Dubai World Trade Centre. Tickets from Dh100 at platnumlist.ae.
Rogue Sessions with Roy Ayers
American jazz legend-turned-funk pioneer Roy Ayers performs a two-night stand at R Trader, launching a classy new, 100-capacity gig concept, Rogue Sessions. After making his name in the thriving 1960s jazz scene as a sideman for noted flautist Herbie Mann, vibes player Ayers – now 75 – went on to play an influential role in the 1970s evolution of funk and soul, authoring a distinctly restrained, instrumental approach combining the cool of both schools. Now regarded as something of a living legend, Ayers’s appearance in the UAE is not to be missed. Friday and Saturday, 10pm, at R Trader, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC. Dh200 (guest list entry with standing room, plus two drinks), Dh699 (VIP package with three-course meal and free-flowing drinks). Email eat@rtrader dubai.com or call 04 343 5518.
Rashed Al Majed
Expect a romantic mood and more than a whiff of nostalgia from the long-standing and hugely popular Saudi singer, who returns after a significant spell away from the limelight, to draw on hits from across his enviable three decade career. Saturday, 9pm, at Dubai World Trade Centre. Tickets from Dh500 at platinmulist.ae.
rgarratt@thenational.ae