TikTok fans can now make viral videos soundtracked by some of the Arab world’s biggest pop stars.
As part of a new licensing agreement between the social media platform and major label Rotana Music Group, TikTok users now have access to the Saudi-owned company’s extensive catalogue of tracks featuring hits by regional superstars including Elissa, Amir Diab, Najwa Karam and Mohammed Abdo.
These tracks were previously not available and unauthorised uploads were swiftly deleted from the platform.
Rotana Music Group chief executive Salem Al Hendi said the move will reveal the Middle East and North Africa's vibrant music scene to the world.
"We at Rotana are very thrilled with this licensing agreement, which will facilitate Arab music reach into the Mena music industry and young communities,” he said.
“The creative culture in Mena is so vibrant and diverse, and this agreement will enhance the exchange of music content, while promoting and supporting local artists on a proven leading platform for short-form videos.”
Hari Nair, TikTok head of music for Middle East, said the deal increases the diversity of the music catalogue from which content creators can choose.
“As TikTok continues to grow across the Middle East and North Africa, becoming a cultural force in the region, we’re delighted to bring the biggest independent catalogue to our platform,” he said.
“TikTok is committed to licensing and ensuring a broad, diverse range of sounds in our library for our global community to enjoy.”
What songs are now available?
Formed in 1993, Rotana Music Group is one of the Arab world's largest record labels, with more than 100 artists signed in genres ranging from pop and classical Arabic music to the spiritual sounds of nasheed.
With the agreement, TikTok users will now have a treasure trove of hits to choose from.
Some of the big tracks now accessible include Mohamed Ramadan’s Corona Virus and Dawsha, Tamer Hosny’s Mabatalnash Ehsas, Assala’s Ghalban and Karam's Maloun Abou L Echeq.
Diab fans can now also upload some of the Egyptian superstar's earliest hits exclusively recorded for Rotana, including 2009's Wayah and 2013's El Leilah.
Those looking to create some wholesome and Ramadan-inspired content can dip into key nasheed tracks by Kuwaiti singer Mashary Rashed El Afasi.
Those looking for new sounds from the label should look for tracks by Iraqi singer Majid Al Mohandis (Basrawi Talaganah), Lebanon's Fares Karam (Hallah Ya Deni) and Saudi singer Naseer Naif (Wetha Yanni), all released this week.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
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Who is Enric Sala?
Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.
What is biodiversity?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.
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