When Fairouz took to the stage in Dubai on March 21, 2001, the sold-out crowd were especially grateful.
Not only were they overjoyed to see the Lebanese star, whose music sound-tracked some of the Arab world’s most tumultuous times, but they were also grateful that she chose to perform at the American University Auditorium instead of in front of the Giza Pyramids in Egypt.
According to Egyptian newspaper reports at the time, Fairouz turned down an offer for a return performance at the majestic site for a more intimate occasion organised by the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Fans from the UAE wouldn’t have been too surprised, with the singer accustomed to devoted crowds across the country.
According to newspaper Al Itihad, Fairouz made her debut UAE concert in 1979 as part of the opening ceremony for the Expo Centre Sharjah and returned to do more than 50 shows spanning nearly 40 years.
Sixty-six years old at the time and 10 years away from her last concert in Lebanon, Fairouz cut a regal figure at the American University Auditorium.
Backed by an orchestra, she performed a set of crowd favourites led by the opener Kifak Inta and late career hit, 1999’s Ishtaktellak. The show was shot for a future DVD release.
Fairouz saluted peers and legends by performing a sturdy rendition of Ya Khail by Lebanese singer Sabah, and Marakabna by the Rahbani Brothers, the duo of composers responsible for many of her key works and featuring her late former husband Assi Rahbani.
A new generation of fans can now watch the official concert film after Fairouz’s manager, daughter Reema Rahbani, released the full concert on YouTube in 2018.
There you will see a weathered performer still in complete command of her craft.
Adopting a less-is-more approach, she dressed in an elegant black dress and rarely moved from the microphone as she put all her concentration into delivering songs that moved hearts and nations across the Middle East.
For those complaining about the lack of stage banter, check the video closely.
From that knowing smile when taking to the stage and the dramatic Daak Khilki, where her eyes glimmered with intensity, to that bittersweet expression during concert closer Al Wadaa, Fairouz said it all on stage.
The artist continued to return to the UAE for the next six years, with a return date at the American University Auditorium in 2002 in support of the Dubai Autism Centre, a lavish 2006 concert in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace and again in Sharjah in 2008.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
SCORES IN BRIEF
Lahore Qalandars 186 for 4 in 19.4 overs
(Sohail 100,Phil Salt 37 not out, Bilal Irshad 30, Josh Poysden 2-26)
bt Yorkshire Vikings 184 for 5 in 20 overs
(Jonathan Tattersall 36, Harry Brook 37, Gary Ballance 33, Adam Lyth 32, Shaheen Afridi 2-36).
Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'
Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.
Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.
"Moral education touches on every aspect and subject that children engage in.
"It is not just limited to science or maths but it is involved in all subjects and it is helping children to adapt to integral moral practises.
"The moral education programme has been designed to develop children holistically in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation."
TOUR DE FRANCE INFO
Dates: July 1-23
Distance: 3,540km
Stages: 21
Number of teams: 22
Number of riders: 198
MATCH INFO
Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE
Top 10 most polluted cities
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- Bagpat, India
