Al Maryah Island once again played a key role in Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Thousands of people flocked to the shopping district’s promenade from sunset yesterday for hours of festivities that included a free concert featuring by two of the Arab world’s biggest pop stars. Performing on a specially built stage on the waterfront were Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram and Egypt’s Tamer Hosny. It was the former who took the stage first at 9pm for a resounding set that included the hits <em>Akhasmak Ah</em> and <em>Ya Salaam</em>. Hosny arrived at 10.30pm with a charming performance, featuring the tracks <em>Eish Besho'ak</em> and <em>Kol Haga Bena</em>, that took the audience right through to a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. The event’s success has cemented Al Maryah Island’s standing as one of Abu Dhabi’s key entertainment destination. In November, the promenade hosted its inaugural Block Party, a free music festival featuring an eclectic line-up that included Filipina actress and singer Nadine Lustre, Indian rapper Yo Yo Singh and hip-hop DJ Jazzy Jeff.
