Singer Kadim Al Sahir performing as part of the Infinite Nights series at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
Singer Kadim Al Sahir performing as part of the Infinite Nights series at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
Singer Kadim Al Sahir performing as part of the Infinite Nights series at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
Singer Kadim Al Sahir performing as part of the Infinite Nights series at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters

Kadim Al Sahir and Rahma Riad to perform at Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony in Iraq


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

Basra ahead of hosting the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup — in pictures

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Schedule:

Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)

Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)

Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)

Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)

Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four

Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai) 

Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)

Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)

Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Sept 28: Final (Dubai)

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

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While you're here
Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

GP3 race, 12:30pm

Formula 1 final practice, 2pm

Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm

Formula 2 race, 6:40pm

Performance: Sam Smith

Updated: January 07, 2023, 10:58 AM`