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The National
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
The songs that made summer: 70 years of Arabic pop's hottest hits
Love and heartbreak are favourite subjects of Arabic songs, no matter the season, but when released during the summer months, the tracks can be more upbeat, wistful, and even playful. From Umm Kulthum's towering Alf Leila Wa Leila to Haifa Wehbe's giddy El Wawa, the diversity and richness of Arabic pop music have allowed summer anthems to emerge, with artists hailing from Morocco to the UAE. In alphabetical order and spanning more than 70 years, here are 25 Arabic songs either released during the summer or that have become seasonal favourites. 1. Ahwak by Abdel Halim Hafez (1953) Released in the summer of 1953 as part of the classic Egyptian film Baeat El Khubz (The Bread Seller), the song was recorded early in the career of the revered singer, who was nicknamed The Black Nightingale. Ahwak (I Love You) is an ideal showcase of Hafez's sonorous vocals. The lyrics by Hussein El Sayed aim directly at the heart. 'I love you and I wish that if I ever forget you, I also forget my soul with you,' the song begins. 'And if it gets lost, it is acceptable if you have forgotten me.' 2. Alf Leila Wa Leila by Umm Kulthum (1969) This arguably remains a pinnacle of the classical Arabic music form called tarab. For all its nocturnal themed lyrics, Alf Leila Wa Leila (One Thousand and One Nights) went on to become a popular mainstay of languid morning coffee sessions in Levant cafes. Kulthum's powerful vocals are dynamic as she details the vagaries of love. Indeed, Alf Leila Wa Leila's lyric is full of quotable lines pertaining to matters of the heart; the most popular being the starry-eyed declaration: 'What is life, but a night like tonight.' 3. Batwanes Beek by Warda (1986) Released at the onset of summer, this gem – meaning 'I enjoy your company' – should be heard for the sweeping orchestral introduction alone. The rich voice of Algerian singer Warda is why Batwan Beek, a song about the joy of companionship, is hailed as one of tarab music's greatest tracks. 4. Lolaki by Ali Hemeid a (1988) One of the defining summer hits of the 1980s by Egyptian singer Ali Hemeida, Lolaki (a colloquial term meaning 'for you') is a sun-kissed pop affair with a memorable chorus now synonymous with sunny days at the beach. 5. Shiloha Sheila by Miami Band (1997) Kuwaiti group Miami Band, a Gulf favourite, released this effervescent track full of propulsive Khaleeji percussion as well as catchy call and response vocals. 6. Amarain by Amr Diab (1999) Meaning 'two moons', Amarain is one of Amr Diab's many summer anthems and another example of his fusion of Levant and Mediterranean instrumentation and melodies. The Egyptian superstar's vocals are rich and tender as he pines for a love that is rare and transformative. 7. Ah Ya Leil by Sherine (2002) Sherine Abdel-Wahab's chirpiness is her enduring trademark and it is all over this effervescent hit. Powered by pulsating percussions, the Egyptian singer delivers one of her best vocal performances in this ode to unrequited love. The title is translated to Oh The Nights, as Sherine yearns for those summer evenings with her beau and pleads for him 'to end his absence, I don't want anyone but him with him with me'. 8. Ah Wa Noss by Nancy Ajram (2004) A summer staple with its propulsive darbuka percussion and groove-laden synthesisers. Ajram delivers her most confident vocals to date. The song title is a Lebanese colloquial term meaning 'oh and a half' that details the excitement of a new romance. 9. El Hob El Kebir by Ragheb Alama (2004) Known for his romantic ballads, El Hob El Kebir (The Big Love) finds Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama recalling 'the great love of his life'. Released in the summer and fashioned as an upbeat pop track, the song's sentiments about a relationship that's strong and enduring has made it a Valentine's Day and wedding favourite. 10. El Wawa by Haifa Wehb e (2006) This Arab pop gem is saved from being a mere novelty track because of Haifa Wehbe's charming performance. Mixing Arabic percussion with vibrant synthesisers and festive horns, El Wawa is an earworm with lyrics using the playful Arabic term for a small bruise as a metaphor for the first pangs of love. 11. Ya Nabi Salam Alayka' by Maher Zain (2011) It's a track that took the burgeoning nasheed music industry global. Where previously – with the exception of works by the UK's Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) and South Africa's Zain Bhikha – Islamic spiritual music was viewed as niche, Maher Zain made it mainstream with this crossover summer track. Beautifully produced with lyrics praising the Prophet Mohammed, the song managed to successfully marry traditional instrumentation with Zain's pop vocals. The track is now a Ramadan staple, played during the Holy Month across the globe, with the tireless Zain recording versions in English, Arabic and Turkish. 12. C'est La Vie by Cheb Khaled (2012) C'est La Vie showed that Algerian rai singer Cheb Khaled's dramatic vocals could also work in the clubs. Sung in Algerian Arabic and French, the anthemic track is joyous and life-affirming. Not only did it top the charts in countries such as France and the Czech Republic, it went on to become a favourite in football stadiums across Europe and got a salsa makeover in 2013, when Marc Anthony covered the track. 13. Boushret Kheir by Hussain Al Jassmi (2014) The Emirati pop star may have released the track as a fun public announcement, but Boushret Kheir went on to become the biggest hit of his career and an annual summer favourite. Released before the Egyptian election in 2014, this fun and giddy track was composed as a rallying cry for Egyptians to vote. Backed by a video that went viral and was shot in eight different provinces, the song's appeal spread across the region with versions sang in the Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian dialects. 14. Lm3allem by Saad Lamjarred (2016) Everything about Lm3allem is brilliant. It is built upon a first-rate stuttering beat and a stalking, icy synth riff that sounds exciting and futuristic. Lamjarred's assertive, deep and joyful vocals are also a far cry from the mindless dramatics of his peers. Complemented by a slick video that resembles images from a Hassan Hajjaj artwork, the track has amassed more than one billion views on YouTube. 15. Daqat by Abu featuring Yousra (2017) Egyptian singer Abu captures the wistfulness of a summer romance with lyrics comparing love at first sight to the intemperate rhythm of a drum. 'When I saw her, my heart beat three times / The drum entered in my head playing with the things inside / When the riq [a hand percussion instrument] entered in my heart, I fell in love / What could I do? I began to sing.' An instant summer hit, 3 Daqat received more than 125 million views on YouTube in the first three months of its release. 16. Decapotable by Zouhair Bahaoui (2018) Moroccan melodies meet Latin reggaeton rhythms in this irrepressible hit. Decapotable took over the summer in 2018 and made relatively little-known singer Bahaoui a star in his native Morocco and the Arab world. Meaning 'convertible' in French, which is also a metaphor for adventure, Decapotable is an exuberant feel-good track perfect for summer beach parties. 17. Maloun Abou L Echeq by Najwa Karam (2019) One of Najwa Karam's best songs and translated to 'cursed by love', this is a thumping Lebanese folk-pop track. Karam's voice is husky and powerful and the striking video has her performing with a troupe of dabke dancers in the middle of a Beirut street. 18. Ma Nedikch A L'Vacancia by Aymane Serhani (2020) French-Moroccan artist Aymane Serhani brought the vibrant sounds of rai music to life, soundtracking the North African summer with his brilliant modern twist. While maintaining the genre's folk melodies and accordion, the song benefits from electronic beats, electric guitars and Serhani's silky vocals. Meaning 'I won't take you on holiday', Ma Nedikch A L'Vacancia is a fun showcase of modern rai music. 19. Sidi Mansour by Saber Rebai (2020) Saber Rebai's take of the Tunisian folk music staple announced him to the Arab world. This is thanks to the track's modern production which maintained Sidi Mansour 's timeless melodies and traditional instrumentation, such as the oud and kanoon, while adding subtle electronic beats and synthesisers. 20. Corona Virus by Mohamed Ramadan (2020) The summer of 2020 was one of the bleakest in recent memory, with much of the world under strict social restrictions due to the spread of Covid19. Even so, the irrepressible Mohamed Ramadan brought his trademark wit and flair to Corona Virus, a catchy ode to the pandemic. As much a public safety message as it is a showcase of Egypt's mahraganat genre, the song is packed with zany rhymes urging listeners to stay responsible. 'Take care of yourself, my friend. Say, 'I am looking after my family and home,'' Ramadan raps. 'Coronavirus is officially here, it is my enemy. I will keep it away from me before it enters my body.' While the track now feels like a time capsule, it also proves Ramadan's instinct for capturing the moment rarely fails. 21. El Bint El Awiye by Wael Kfoury (2021) Known for his overwrought ballads, Kfoury dialled down the trademark drama for the sun-kissed Mediterranean feel of El Bint El Awiye. Meaning 'the strong girl', flashes of flamenco guitar abound as Kfoury jettisons his yearning vocals for a more playful staccato delivery in a song that explores the upside of heartbreak. 22. Min Awel Dekika by Elissa and Saad Lamjarred (2022) Elissa's duet with controversial Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's a lush, string-laden ballad making use of both singer's strengths. The response was immediate with the song trending regionally and amassing more than 300 million streams on YouTube. 23. Sayrena Ya Donia by Ahmed Saad (2022) Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad finally got the respect he deserves when this emotive pop track went on to become a regional hit and a summer favourite. Translated as 'make us happy, oh world', the song is an affectionate plea for resilience and a fine showcase of his intensely soulful vocals. 24. Mahboul Ana by Lazaro (2024) One of the highest-charting Arabic songs on YouTube's Top 100 Music Videos Chart, surpassing entries by Coldplay and Bad Bunny, this breezy track by Moroccan singer Lazaro was arguably the song of the summer of 2024 in Northern Africa. With nearly 200 million streams on YouTube, the bittersweet number about unrequited love marries anguished lyrics with percolating keyboards and regional percussion. The music video, in which Lazaro and his mates are seen simply enjoying themselves in Marrakesh, only adds to the overall charm of Mahboul. 25. Khatiye by Bessan Ismail & Fouad Jned (2025) A collaboration between Syrian singers Bessan Ismail and Fouad Jned, Khatiye is already on track to be one of the year's biggest hits – racking up more than 70 million views in its first week. And it's not hard to see why. A euphoric pop song with a welcome dose of drama, it plays with familiar themes of heartbreak and resilience.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE to help tackle Kuwait's power supply crisis: report
Kuwait has finalised a deal with the UAE to seek its help in tackling a festering power supply crisis by investing in renewable energy projects, a Kuwaiti newspaper has revealed. The memorandum of understanding allows Kuwait to benefit from the UAE's 'vast' experience in solar energy, mainly through the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar , one of the largest renewable energy companies in the region. The Arabic language daily Alqabas, quoting 'informed' sources in Kuwait, said the two partners in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed the MoU recently and that it focuses on cross-border renewable energy projects. 'This is a strategic MoU which aims to expand energy cooperation between the two countries and encourage investment in renewable energy projects,' the report said. 'The agreement coincides with Kuwait's efforts to resolve its power supply shortage…Kuwait hopes that this agreement will enable it to develop its power network in line with its renewable energy targets as part of the country's Vision 2035.' Kuwait has been rationalising electricity consumption during summer due to the widening supply gap caused by a surge in domestic demand and the absence of major power projects. In recent statements, Kuwait's Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Bushehri revealed plans to embark on large projects to tackle the power supply shortages, including construction of a solar power plant. Bushehri said the new projects would allow Kuwait to attain its target of expanding the share of renewable sources to 30 percent of the total energy mix within the next four years and half the mix by 2050. A government report warned early last year that Kuwait could suffer from a power deficit of more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) in the summer of 2024, which could worsen to nearly 2,000 MW and 2,500 MW in the summers of 2025 and 2026. Masdar, which operates in several countries, is planning to build four solar power plants in Iraq with a combined generation capacity of 1,000 MW, the report said. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Gulf Business
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Foundation laid for first station
Image credit: HH Sheikh Mohammed/X account Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has laid the foundation stone for the first station on the Dubai Metro's Blue Line. Read- The announcement was made on the Dubai Ruler's official X account. The Blue Line is projected to generate total benefits of Dhs56bn. أثناء وضع حجر الأساس لأول محطة ضمن الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي الذي تبلغ إجمالي منافعه 56 مليار درهم .. المحطة تمثل أيقونة معمارية تضاف لأيقونات دبي الحضارية وستكون أولى محطات الخط الأزرق الذي سيمتد 30 كيلومتراً ليصل إجمالي طول السكك الحديدية بدبي 131 كيلومتر و78 محطة.. مترو دبي نقل… — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) The station, an architectural icon, will become a new landmark in Dubai and will be the first on the Blue Line. The line will extend 30 kilometers, bringing the total length of Dubai's rail network to 131 kilometers with 78 stations. The The line will feature a combination of underground and elevated tracks, with a total of 14 stations along its 30-kilometer route. It will include three major interchange stations: Al Khor (Green Line), Centrepoint (Red Line), and International City (1). One of the standout features of the project is a signature station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), which will showcase a unique architectural style. This station is expected to become a key focal point and will be designed to handle 160,000 passengers daily by 2040. The Blue Line will also include the Dubai Metro's first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-metre bridge, adding a striking visual and functional element to the project. Benefits of the Blue Line The Blue Line is expected to reduce road congestion in key areas by 20 per cent, boost property values near stations by up to 25 per cent, and directly connect major hubs like Dubai International Airport (DXB) to residential areas. Al Tayer noted that the new line will offer more efficient travel times—ranging from 10 to 25 minutes — across various neighborhoods. It will also be integrated into Dubai's broader urban planning strategy, including the '20-Minute City' initiative, which aims to ensure over 80 per cent of services are accessible within a 20-minute commute. The Blue Line is designed to serve areas expected to house nearly one million residents by 2040, including key developments like Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, and International City.
Gulf Business
04-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Eid Al Adha 2025: Dubai's Salik announces toll rates
Image credit: Getty Images Dubai's تزامنًا مع ثالث أيام عيد الأضحى المبارك تعرّف على رسوم المرور المتغيرة ليوم الأحد 8 يونيو، 2025 Coinciding with the third day of Eid Al-Adha, learn about the variable toll rates for Sunday, June 8, 2025. — Salik (@Salik_ae) Read- Peak hours – Dhs6 Motorists will be charged a higher rate of Dhs6 during peak hours to encourage the use of alternative routes or off-peak travel. The peak timings are: Morning peak: From 6:00am until 10:00am Evening peak: From 4:00pm until 8:00pm Off-peak hours –Dhs4 For those traveling outside of the rush periods, Salik has reduced the toll to Dhs4. The off-peak hours are: From 10:00am until 4:00pm From 8:00pm until 1:00am (next day) After midnight – No tariff To accommodate late-night travelers and encourage smoother flow during less congested hours, Salik has waived toll charges completely between: 1:00am and 6:00am This special toll schedule is part of broader traffic management initiatives implemented during holidays and peak seasons. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid peak charges and contribute to smoother traffic across Dubai. It was during early May that The agreement will allow customers to make seamless payments for fuel and services at ENOC stations using Salik's e-wallet, with transaction values automatically deducted through vehicle number plate recognition technology.
UAE Moments
01-06-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
UAE Rolls Out ‘Finfluencer' Licence for Finance Creators
The UAE has officially launched the region's first 'Finfluencer' licence, targeting individuals who create and share investment-related content online or through traditional media. This new move, introduced by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), aims to bring financial content creators under regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and investor protection. أعلنت هيئة الأوراق المالية والسلع عن إطلاق رخصة "المؤثر المالي Finfluencer"، وهي الأولى من نوعها على مستوى المنطقة، في خطوة استراتيجية تهدف إلى تنظيم المحتوى المالي الرقمي، وحوكمة أنشطة الأفراد المؤثرين في تقديم التحليلات والتوصيات الاستثمارية، والتسويق المالي عبر المنصات… — SCA UAE (@sca_uae) May 28, 2025 Who Needs the Licence? The licence is meant for anyone offering investment advice, financial analysis, or insights related to regulated financial products or entities within the UAE. It applies to content shared through platforms like social media, YouTube, websites, or even seminars and public talks. This step comes as financial influencers continue to grow in reach and impact, often influencing decisions of everyday investors. Read More: Different types of social media influencers and their characteristics Free for the First Three Years To encourage content creators to sign up early, the SCA is waiving registration, renewal, and legal fees for the next three years. Applicants will need to register with the SCA and follow the rules laid out to promote market integrity and maintain public trust. Setting New Standards in the Digital Finance Space SCA's CEO, Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, described the licence as a strategic step that reflects the UAE's push to lead digital transformation in financial regulation. He said the initiative is about more than just local oversight — it's a move to raise the global bar for how financial content is created, shared, and trusted. This licence marks another major milestone in the UAE's ongoing efforts to balance innovation with investor safety.
