Two generations of Iraqi music talent will reportedly perform at the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament on Friday.
Arab pop superstar Kadim Al Sahir is set to take to the stage alongside fellow Iraqi singers Rahma Riad and Hussam Alrassam.
While no official announcement has been made by the tournament organisers or the singers on social media, the news has been widely reported in the Iraqi press.
The trio are set to perform at the Basra International Stadium in the lead-up to the opening game, which will have the host nation play Oman. The tournament will last for two weeks in total.
The inclusion of the artists would represent a coup for the tournament, which is running for its 25th event, as well as the Iraqi footballing community.
Last year, football governing body Fifa lifted a ban on international competitions in Iraq that had been in place due to security concerns.
All three artists come to the tournament with their careers in firm footing.
Al Sahir, known for hits such as Ana Wa Laila (Me and Laila), Ha Habibi and Dhomni Ala Sadrak, will undoubtedly be the crowd favourite.
One of Iraq's most successful artists, he is no stranger to big occasions. In 2021 he was the first musician to kick off the Infinite Nights concert series at Expo 2020 Dubai at Al Wasl Plaza.
Nicknamed the Caesar of Arabic songs and Iraq's ambassador to the world, Al Sahir is one of the most successful singers from the Arab region and has been putting out music since the 1980s.
Riad will also be raring to go, having performed as part of the Qatar World Cup closing ceremony last month.
Born to popular Iraqi singer Riad Ahmed, the artist first made a splash in 2010 by appearing in the television talent quest Star Academy before launching a successful career with hits including Al Kawkab and Waed Menni — the latter, released in 2018, has garnered more than 200 million streams on YouTube.
Her latest track is the bilingual Light the Sky, an official song for the Qatar World Cup featuring fellow Arab artists Balqees, Manal and Nora Fatehi.
With mix of balladry and sturdy Iraqi folk songs, Al Rassem also knows how to capture the moment.
For the 2007 Asian Cup, his recording of the official team song Jeeb El Kass (Bring the Cup) became the soundtrack for the team's journey to becoming the tournament's champions.
The Arabian Gulf Cup concludes with the final match on January 19.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
End of free parking
- paid-for parking will be rolled across Abu Dhabi island on August 18
- drivers will have three working weeks leeway before fines are issued
- areas that are currently free to park - around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche - will now require a ticket
- villa residents will need a permit to park outside their home. One vehicle is Dh800 and a second is Dh1,200.
- The penalty for failing to pay for a ticket after 10 minutes will be Dh200
- Parking on a patch of sand will incur a fine of Dh300
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More on Quran memorisation:
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
