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      Saeed Saeed

      Saeed Saeed

      Journalist
      Location
      Abu Dhabi
      Saeed is a features writer for The National, reporting on all things arts and culture happening in the UAE and internationally. With a focus on music and Arabic pop culture, Saeed has interviewed some of the biggest singers in the region and the world. Born in Abu Dhabi, Saeed lived in the UAE until he was nine, before moving to Melbourne, Australia, where, in addition to his journalism, he worked as a security guard, youth worker and video-store clerk. He returned to the city of his birth in 2011 to work for The National. Saeed continues to be amazed at the city’s cultural development and expansion.
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      Articles

      'Batal’: The Arabic word for champion echoes through the World Cup
      Arabic word of the week 'Batal', or champion, echoes through the World Cup

      It can also describe a courageous hero or a story's main character

      CultureJune 26, 2026
      Arabic football commentators give voice to the joy, tension and frustration fans feel during the World Cup. Reuters
      ColumnThe joy and agony of listening to Arabic commentary during the World Cup

      From frantic pleas to poetic monologues, Arab commentators have a knack of articulating what fans are simultaneously shouting at their screens

      Pop CultureJune 26, 2026
      Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi is set to open near Saadiyat Cultural District in 2030. Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
      Six Frank Gehry buildings that offer clues to Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi

      From Berlin to Bilbao, architect's concert halls show how he created intimate performance spaces in buildings that became city landmarks

      Music & On-stageJune 26, 2026
      Sheikha Alia Al Qassimi, managing director of UAE National Orchestra, which toured all seven emirates during its inaugural season. Victor Besa / The National
      How the UAE National Orchestra found its sound in a remarkable debut season

      Managing director Sheikha Alia Al Qassimi on connecting with audiences across the country

      Music & On-stageJune 24, 2026
      Coffee expert Obeid Al Kaabi demonstrates the preparation and serving of Emirati gahwa during Beijing International Book Fair. Wam
      Play01:43
      From folk songs to machboos, Emirati culture takes centre stage in Beijing

      The UAE’s guest-of-honour programme spans music, weaving, coffee and food

      BooksJune 20, 2026
      An Emirati folk group performs at Beijing International Book Fair, where the UAE is the guest country of honour. Photo: China News Service
      At Beijing Book Fair, ancient ceramics reveal Sharjah’s links with China

      The Silk Road was an important driver of cultural and commercial exchange between the Middle Kingdom and the Middle East

      BooksJune 19, 2026
      The UAE pavilion highlights the cultural exchange between the Emirates and China. Wam
      UAE opens Guest of Honour Programme at Beijing International Book Fair

      More than 20 Emirati institutions unite under Al Bait Al Emarati pavilion in Beijing

      BooksJune 18, 2026
      Bla Bla by McGettigan's in JBR, Dubai, has a fan zone for the tournament. Chris Whiteoak / The National
      World Cup 2026: Fan zones, sports bars and venues to go to in the UAE

      Here are some spots to check out in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah

      FoodJune 15, 2026
      Shakira performs in Mexico city during her fourth appearance at a World Cup opening ceremony. Reuters
      After three flat opening ceremonies, is it time for Fifa to rethink the format?

      Separate events in the US, Canada and Mexico fail to excite fans in the stands or at home

      CultureJune 14, 2026
      Arabic football commentary has a phrase for every emotion, from disbelief and frustration to joy and wonder. Getty Images
      'Seer, seer, seer' and other Arabic World Cup phrases fans need to know

      These expressions capture the various emotions felt during a match – joy, panic and frustration

      Film & TVJune 14, 2026
      Jessie Reyez and Elyanna perform during Canada's World Cup opening ceremony in Toronto. Reuters
      Camera8
      Elyanna and Nora Fatehi deliver spark in Canada’s otherwise flat opener

      Toronto show was built on mosaic concept, but the pieces failed to fit together

      Music & On-stageJune 12, 2026
      'Shasha': How the Arabic word for screen has become essential to World Cup viewing
      Arabic word of the weekShasha, or screen, is essential to World Cup viewing

      From phones to cinemas, it carries the glow of everyday life and entertainment

      CultureJune 12, 2026
      Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna, left, and Moroccan-Canadian performer Nora Fatehi are part of the musical line-up in Toronto on June 12. Victor Besa / The National; EPA
      Arabian artists Elyanna and Nora Fatehi to perform at Canada’s opening ceremony

      Both feature on the tournament's official album and bring different routes into global pop

      Music & On-stageJune 12, 2026
      Shakira and Burna Boy perform during the Opening Ceremony before the Fifa World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico City. Reuters
      Review: Shakira scores but Mexico’s World Cup opening ceremony falls short

      First of three opening ceremonies has star power and cultural colour, but not enough time to gel

      Music & On-stageJune 11, 2026
      Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi discusses the Polish translation of Let Them Know She Is Here at Ksiegarnia Korekty bookshop in Warsaw. Photo: Sharjah Book Authority
      How coin found in Sharjah inspired Sheikha Bodour's search for forgotten queen

      Author explains how her book about ancient Mleiha, which took five years to complete, reframes history from a female perspective

      BooksJune 02, 2026
      More Articles

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