EidFest Abu Dhabi to feature best of Mideast singing talent

Event will feature live performances by Arabic singers, including the UAE's own Mansour Zayed.

Mansour Zayed is the only Emirati artist on the bill at the EidFest.

ABU DHABI // The emirate's tourism authority has promised a feast of entertainment to lift this weekend's celebrations for the end of Ramadan, with its inaugural EidFest Abu Dhabi.

The emirate-wide event on Sunday and Monday will include performances by popular Middle East singers, such as Abu Dhabi's own Mansour Zayed.

There will be activities in venues including Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec).

EidFest will rely heavily on feedback from visitors this year for future events, said Faisal Al Sheikh, the authority's events manager.

"This is the first of a regular EidFest Abu Dhabi campaign which is being promoted to ensure visitors and residents can come together to share the atmosphere and celebrations of this festive time," Mr Al Sheikh said.

"From this initial campaign we will assess response, factor in feedback and use it to consistently enhance future and bigger EidFest Abu Dhabi promotions."

The main shows, which will take place at Adnec on both nights, involve dinner and a concert.

Other artists to perform will be the Moroccan singer Mona Amarsha; the Lebanese star of Arabs Got Talent, Najwa Karam; and Melhem Zein, a Lebanese singer discovered through the TV show Super Star 1.

Being on the bill with such established performers should be a boost for Zayed, the only Emirati artist on the bill, said the festival organiser Sultan Al Muhairi.

"Mansour's songs are very popular with young Gulf audiences and this will be a chance to see the next generation's star perform on his home soil," Mr Al Muhairi said.

For younger audiences, a ticketed showing of the popular Jordanian TV show Karameesh will take place at Abu Dhabi National Theatre on Monday.