Hussain Al Jassmi, Kadim Sahir and Yara to perform online Eid concerts for Abu Dhabi

Hussain Al Jassmi and Kadim Al Sahir lead a star-studded series of online concerts organised by Abu Dhabi cultural bodies.

The Emirati star and Iraqi crooner will join three other artists in performing concerts hosted by Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.

This comes as part of the Abu Dhabi government's initiative #StayCurious, which aims to provide education, entertainment and cultural programming for audiences in the UAE and beyond.

The shows are also a chance to spread some much-welcomed cheer in what has already been an exceptionally difficult year.

“DCT Abu Dhabi felt the importance of creating a series of events that spreads the joy of Eid and helps generate excitement and happiness amongst worldwide audiences,” said DCT Abu Dhabi acting undersecretary Saood Al Hosani.

“We thank all the artists and speakers who have joined our brilliant roster of stars for this series, and we hope that everyone will tune in and enjoy the shows we have prepared for them.”

How to watch the concert

Both Al Jassmi and Al Sahir will perform separate live concerts at undisclosed locations, which will be streamed on the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation’s YouTube channel.

First up will be Al Sahir on Sunday, May 24 at 8pm. Dubbed "Caesar of Arabic Music", the singer and former mentor on the Arabic version of The Voice (Ahla Sawt), will perform a selection of hits, including Ana Wa Laila and Habibati, chosen from his nearly four-decade career.

The following night will see Al Jassmi taking to the virtual stage. Unlike many of his peers, the Emirati star has been particularly active during the pandemic. Earlier this month he was the only Arab artist to perform as part of the global One World Together concert. He also released the song Benaady, an ode to resilience in the face of adversity.

Live with Fayez concert series

Emirati singer and composer Fayez Al Saeed will also host a trio of online concerts, organised by DCT Abu Dhabi and streamed on its YouTube channel and Facebook page from Saturday to Monday, May 23 to 25.

On Saturday, May 23, at 9.30pm, Yara will perform. The Lebanese singer is renowned for her technical prowess and a dynamic voice that's easily at home on ballads (Hob Kabeer) and traditional folk tunes, such as Shefto min biid.

On Sunday, May 24, at 9.30pm, Iraqi singer Waleed Al Shami will bring his thumping brand of Levantine pop tunes and smooth balladry to the mix. The concert will also be his chance to perform a bunch of new songs that have been released this year, including Baadeen way Jamalk and Zujaj.

Closing off the series on Monday, May 25 at 9pm will be Bader Al Shuaibi. After winning fans with appearances on the Kuwaiti series Thamen Omri, the Saudi artist launched his music career last year with debut album Shay Mokhtelif and hits such as Malt Alek and Fina.

Local sounds with Kris Fade

If you are looking for tunes from the next generation of UAE artists, then check out the Flash Live Eid Celebrations online concert on Monday, May 25.

The event – organised by Flash Entertainment and Abu Dhabi media and entertainment hub twofour54 – will be streamed on Flash's online platforms from 8pm.

Hosted by Virgin Radio’s Kris Fade, the event features home sets from RnB singers Layla Kardan and Fafa, rappers Freek and Moh Flow, Emirati soul singer Abri and singer-songwriter Danny Aridi.

The concert aims to support essential workers on the front lines of the pandemic by allowing viewers to donate to the Together We Are Good website, organised by Ma'an, the Authority of Social Contribution.