Palestinian Mohammed Assaf released a patriotic version of ‘Mawtiny’ for his homeland amid escalating violence between Palestine and Israel. Reuters
Palestinian Mohammed Assaf released a patriotic version of ‘Mawtiny’ for his homeland amid escalating violence between Palestine and Israel. Reuters
Palestinian Mohammed Assaf released a patriotic version of ‘Mawtiny’ for his homeland amid escalating violence between Palestine and Israel. Reuters
Palestinian Mohammed Assaf released a patriotic version of ‘Mawtiny’ for his homeland amid escalating violence between Palestine and Israel. Reuters

Israel-Palestine: Mohammed Assaf and Ramey Sabry among Arab musicians who have released new songs in support of Gaza


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Arab pop stars and independent musicians are rallying in support of Palestine.

In light of the latest violence, which has left almost 200 Palestinians dead and more than 1,000 wounded, mostly as a result of Israeli air strikes, regional musicians are making their voices heard with new songs for the Palestinian cause.

This comes on top of Egyptian actor and rapper Mohamed Ramadan pledging all proceeds from his new single, Versace Baby, to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Let’s look at some of the messages behind these stirring works.

1. 'Mawtini' by Mohammed Assaf

The former Arab Idol contestant has consistently showcased his Palestinian heritage through his work.

In addition to donation drives and a live question-and-answer session with activists on social media, Assaf also released his version of the patriotic song Mawtini on Thursday.

The song is a strident reaffirmation of Palestine's historical roots and its people's right to exist within their land.

The accompanying video blends footage of protests and Al Aqsa Mosque with Assaf performing the song at a previous concert.

2. ‘Resistance’ by Ramy Essam

Hailed by some as the "voice of the Egyptian revolution" for his Tahrir Square anthem Irhal, the Egyptian star has released a sturdy rock ballad saluting the strength of Palestinians.

“Protecting what is right, putting out their fight/ Defending those who were forced out of their homes,” he sings.

3. ‘Palestine’ by MC Abdul

The young Gazan teenager is becoming a viral sensation with this hard-hitting verse about the state of his home city.

Over the beats of Eminem's Cleaning Out My Closet and video shot amid the current wreckage, MC Abdul pledges to keep representing the Palestinian cause.

"Because my only mission is to make people listen," he says. "This one is for Sheikh Jarrah, hoping it can make a difference."

The song was even shared by DJ Khaled on Instagram in a post that has since been deleted.

4. 'Al Qadiya Muktamala’ by Ramy Sabry

The pop star teamed up fellow Egyptian lyricist Tamir Hussein for this short and evocative piece praising the bravery of Palestinian protesters.

The duo state in their lyrics that the struggle for independence will not be forgotten.

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Read more:

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11 Palestinian independent musicians you need to listen to right now: from The Synaptik to 47Soul

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Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.

The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?

My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.

The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.

So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.

 

 

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

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You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

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FINAL LEADERBOARD

1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 65 69 65 69 - 12-under-par
2. Matt Kuchar (USA) 65 71 66 69 - 9-under
3. Li Haotong (CHN) 69 73 69 63 - 6-under
T4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 71 68 69 67 - 5-under
T4. Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67 73 67 68 - 5-under
T6. Marc Leishman (AUS) 69 76 66 65 - 4-under
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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
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  • Financial well-being incentives 
South Africa v India schedule

Tests: 1st Test Jan 5-9, Cape Town; 2nd Test Jan 13-17, Centurion; 3rd Test Jan 24-28, Johannesburg

ODIs: 1st ODI Feb 1, Durban; 2nd ODI Feb 4, Centurion; 3rd ODI Feb 7, Cape Town; 4th ODI Feb 10, Johannesburg; 5th ODI Feb 13, Port Elizabeth; 6th ODI Feb 16, Centurion

T20Is: 1st T20I Feb 18, Johannesburg; 2nd T20I Feb 21, Centurion; 3rd T20I Feb 24, Cape Town

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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
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SCHEDULE

6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
 
Amith's predicted winners:
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7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Uefa Nations League

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League B:
Austria, Wales, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Turkey

League C:
Hungary, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Norway, Montenegro, Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania

League D:
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Playing records of the top 10 in 2017

How many games the top 10 have undertaken in the 2017 ATP season

1. Rafael Nadal 58 (49-9)

2. Andy Murray 35 (25-10)

3. Roger Federer 38 (35-3)

4. Stan Wawrinka 37 (26-11)

5. Novak Djokovic 40 (32-8)

6. Alexander Zverev 60 (46-14)

7. Marin Cilic 43 (29-14)

8. Dominic Thiem 60 (41-19)

9. Grigor Dimitrov 48 (34-14)

10. Kei Nishikori 43 (30-13)

Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1
Calvin Harris
Columbia

The biog

Name: Salvador Toriano Jr

Age: 59

From: Laguna, The Philippines

Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips

Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.

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The Transfiguration

Director: Michael O’Shea

Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine

Three stars