The onset of the coronavirus pandemic forced some of the region’s biggest pop stars to approach music videos from a different angle.
With social distancing and travel restrictions in place, the normal industry practice of lavish shoots in exotic locales have been ditched for fresh and innovative ideas.
Some of these new perspectives include embracing video conferencing formats, creating story concepts involving physical distancing and harnessing technology for epic choral performances.
Here are 10 music videos produced and released amid the pandemic. Not only do they point to the resilience of the regional music industry, but they form a growing body of work soundtracking these uncertain times.
1. ‘Hanaghani Kaman Wa Kaman’ by Elissa
In April, Lebanese star Elissa delivered the first taste of her hit new album, Sahbit Raey. The single Hanaghani Kaman Wa Kaman, bursting with Egyptian pop flavours, came with a fun video encouraging people to stay home as a safety measure against Covid-19.
Presented in the style of a video conference by Lebanese filmmaker and visual artist Eli Rezkallah, the accompanying video had Elissa joined by fellow compatriot and singer Haifa Wehbe, family members and fans as they danced along from their respective homes.
2. ‘Mashallah’ by Sons of Yusuf
The Kuwaiti hip-hop duo Sons of Yusuf made use of their idyllic quarantine surroundings by using it as the setting for Mashallah. Shot in the brothers' beachside chalet, the video was all recorded on mobile phone, mostly in one take, and in the span of a day.
3. 'Yally Ahebak Mout' by Majid Al Mohandis
The pandemic forced Majid Al Mohandis to downscale his normally lavish videos. Instead of the grand European backdrops he often favours, he instead settled for a simple studio where he crooned in front of large screen depicting his love interest.
4. ‘Al Faraj’ by Omar Abdallat
Omar Abdallat kept it close and personal for his new single Al Faraj. The Jordanian singer had the camera basically shoot him singing the song in the studio and it surprisingly works. The black-and-white visuals give the video a timeless feel and without all the production bells and whistles, one can appreciate Al Abdallat's towering voice.
5. ‘Entou Amalna’ by Ragheb Alama
In April, Lebanese crooner Ragheb Alama released this stirring video dedicated to compatriots working on the frontline of the pandemic. Translated to mean "You Are Our Hope", the video juxtaposes footage of Alama singing from a makeshift studio at home with masked doctors and nurses working in the field.
6. ‘Bel Hajr El Sohi’ (Quarantine) by Chantal Bitar and Rayan Habre
What began as a series of resonating tweets became a soulful new song released in April. Composer Rayan Habre, son of famed Lebanese composer Khaled El Habre, started an isolation Twitter diary documenting conversations with friends, his thoughts and insights while staying home in Beirut.
Such was the reception that he adapted the words into a folk song and asked friend, Chantal Bitar, to provide vocals. A simple video was shot with Bitar, Habre and band members performing the song in a video teleconference visual style.
7. Dalaa Dalouna by Mohammed Assaf
Released on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr in May, the Palestinian singer Mohammaed Assaf goes back to his roots with this thumping ode to his homeland. The video features evocative images of Palestine, where his band members perform the track, while Assaf is shown providing his vocals in a studio.
8. ‘Khalik bil Bait’ by The Mosaica Singers
You will be hard pressed to find a more charming public service announcement than this. In a bid to encourage the country's residents to stay home, Jordanian choir The Mosaica Singers released the enchanting song Khalik bil Bait, accompanied with a video made up of edited footage of members recording their respective vocal parts from home.
The song's lullaby nature is down to its fusing of late 19th-century Italian folk song Bella Ciao (recently made famous by the Netflix hit Money Heist) with Hashishet Albi by Lebanese songwriter Khaled Mouzanar.
9. ‘Bon Voyage’ by Carole Samaha
Lebanese singer Carole Samaha shot this music video amid the pandemic. And, as the behind-the-scenes footage (added to the end of this video) shows, the production took no chances with every member on set submitting to temperature checks and wearing face masks. As for the concept of the video, Bon Voyage finds Samaha jealously pining for her partner, played by Egyptian actor Bassel Al Zaro, who is abroad. Her only contact with him is through video conference calls and she suspects he may not be alone.
10. ‘Waqe’ Majnoun’ by Samira Said
For the Moroccan singer and actress, the pandemic added an extra layer of resonance to this video. Released in late March, the song raises awareness of issues surrounding mental health. With the pandemic beginning to shut down the entertainment sector around that time, the video's cast of characters shot their footage separately with Said only appearing for brief moment at the end.
And here is one more to make you smile …
‘Angelina’ by DJ Stan performed by Afro by Sarah
OK, Lebanon's Sarra Karrit may not be a professional performer, but family music videos shot while isolating at home in Beirut garnered her a cult following.
In this fun video, shot as part of a TikTok dance challenge, the Lebanese Afrobeat dance instructor and her funky clan show us how to disinfect your place, Afrobeat-style. Try watching this without grinning.
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Read more:
The 11 best Arab independent musicians you should be listening to right now
9 songs that capture Lebanon's passion and heartache: 'even in your madness I love you
20 songs that turn 20 in 2020: from Coldplay to Creed and Britney to Baha Men
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If you go
The flights
Emirates (www.emirates.com) and Etihad (www.etihad.com) both fly direct to Bengaluru, with return fares from Dh 1240. From Bengaluru airport, Coorg is a five-hour drive by car.
The hotels
The Tamara (www.thetamara.com) is located inside a working coffee plantation and offers individual villas with sprawling views of the hills (tariff from Dh1,300, including taxes and breakfast).
When to go
Coorg is an all-year destination, with the peak season for travel extending from the cooler months between October and March.
UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised
General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.
"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.
He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
88 Video's most popular rentals
Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.
Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.
Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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.
Full Party in the Park line-up
2pm – Andreah
3pm – Supernovas
4.30pm – The Boxtones
5.30pm – Lighthouse Family
7pm – Step On DJs
8pm – Richard Ashcroft
9.30pm – Chris Wright
10pm – Fatboy Slim
11pm – Hollaphonic
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
