The Dubai Shopping Festival isn’t only about retail – the event is celebrating its 20th anniversary with four weeks of live music from some of the biggest stars of the Arab-music world.
Starting today and for the rest of the month, there will be concerts every weekend at the Dubai Media City Ampitheatre, featuring more than a dozen artists.
As well as providing a chance to see some your favourite singers perform under a cool night sky, the gigs also offer great opportunity for those interested in discovering or learning more about some of the leading performers from the region.
The genres range from khaleeji and Lebanese folk to modern pop. Here is a look at some of the big acts coming your way each week.
Week 1, today until Saturday
Featuring Saber Rebaï, Najwa Karam and Amr Diab
The musical event starts with a bang, the opening weekend featuring a line-up of stars, each of whom could top any regional festival bill on their own.
Saber Rebai kicks off the programme tonight. Thanks to his popular role as a judge on The Voice Arabia, the Tunisian crooner has attracted a new generation of fans. His live shows are always a treat, with the 47-year-old renowned for his easy rapport with the crowd.
His support act will be the youngster Melhem Zain.
Tomorrow night is a Lebanese superstar double bill, with Najwa Karam and Assi El Helani each performing a set. Expect Karam to take the stage dressed as a princess as she performs nearly three decades worth of hits, while Helani will keep the crowd entertained with his jaunty folk tunes and evocative ballads.
On Saturday, the best of modern Egyptian pop will be on display, with performances by Amr Diab and Nancy Ajram. Both artists perform regularly here but this rare chance to see them on the same evening is an Arab-pop fan’s dream.
Week 2, January 15 -17
Featuring Elissa, Balqees and Ahlam
There is something for the older crowd on January 15, as the Lebanese diva Elissa returns to the UAE to perform alongside Iraq’s Majid Al Muhandis.
Anyone who saw Elissa’s performance as part of the Abu Dhabi Formula One After Race Concerts knows that she is all about grandeur, with a backing band of symphonic proportions.
Al Muhandis has released eight albums, his smooth style best displayed on singles Ana Wayak and Jeet Behebek.
The following night, Balqees is sure to attract a large local crowd. The 26-year-old Emirati-Yemeni singer is a rising star thanks to her solid 2012 Khaleeji pop debut Majnoon.
Also on stage will be the Saudi crooner Khalid Abdulrahman, whose nocturnally themed ballads have earned him the title Makhawi Al Layl, (The Friend of the Night).
On January 17 two generations of khaleeji pop stars will come together as the UAE’s Ahlam performs alongside the Saudi legend Mohammed Abdou.
After being stuck behind a desk as judge on the recently concluded third season of Arab Idol, Ahlam should be raring to hit the stage once again in what will be a hometown show.
As for the 65-year-old Abdou, new releases may be getting increasingly rare but with four decades of material to draw from, his gigs are never dull.
Week 3, January 22-23
Featuring Sherine Abdelwahab and Nawal Al Kuwaitiah
Sherine will be looking forward to making headlines for all the right reasons when she performs on January 23.
The Egyptian singer’s career has been mired in controversy over the past six months after facing legal action in her homeland for insulting Egyptian actor Sherif Muneer.
Dubai fans can expect her to perform songs from her new album, Ana Kateer, as well as the hits Ma Btefrahsh and Kteer Ben'sha.
Sharing the bill with her is Rabeh Saqer. The Saudi singer is a UAE favourite and a prolific artist, with more than 30 albums to his name. Expect big cheers when he performs hits such as La La and Gharam Itfal.
The next evening belongs to fans of vintage Khaleeji pop courtesy of the Kuwaiti singers Nawal El Kuwaitiah and Abdallah Al Rowaished.
Both artists have benefited from the glut of recent television talent shows, with many contestants choosing their dynamic ballads to showcase their vocal chops. They now get the chance to show the kids how it’s done.
Week 4, January 29-30
Featuring Hussain Al Jasmi, Kadim Al Sahir and Mohammed Assaf
The festival concert series concludes with a mix of the old and new.
On January 29, the 2012 Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf returns to Dubai. Fortunately, his live performances have been given a much-needed overhaul thanks to the release last year of his self-titled debut album.
He is supported by the Lebanese-Emirati singer Diana Haddad, who will perform selections from her just-released 13th album Ya Bashar.
The last concert, on the 30th, features two titans of Arab music – UAE superstar Hussain Al Jasmi and Iraq’s Kadim Al Sahir, who will close the series in typical star-studded Dubai style.
• For more details and ticket prices visit www.mydsf.ae
