Hussain Al Jassmi has released a stirring new single that addresses the coronavirus pandemic, encouraging fans to stay optimistic – and stay at home.
The Emirati singer shared the powerful ode Benaady on his social media and YouTube pages on Friday, April 3.
With lyrics by Emirati poet Anwar Al Mashiri and music by Kuwaiti composer Fahad Al Nasser, the song has already had nearly 100,000 views on YouTube alone.
The optimistic tracks vows that this crisis "will pass" because "we are stronger".
"We have been through worse and with God's grace this will pass, and we will overcome it," Al Jassmi sings.
"Together hand in hand with determination and purpose we will overcome. It won’t be long for us to overcome this crisis."
The singer adds: "Everyone is responsible for the fate of all.
"We are always together in joy and grief; we shall prevail."
The corresponding video features scenes of key workers in the GCC fighting the virus on the front lines, including healthcare workers and emergency services.
The video also features sweeping views of the region's landmarks, including Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road and the Kuwait Towers.
The final shots show people applauding the response efforts, including Dubai Police, doctors and patients in hospital.
The UAE on Friday announced 240 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total to 1,264, with nine deaths confirmed
There are an extra 12 people who have recovered, taking that count to 108.
Boushret Kheir star Al Jassmi has been regularly sharing health advisories and government messages with his 3.4 million Instagram followers.
From the UAE's medical support phone numbers to ways to protect yourself against Covid-19, the Emirati singer has become a key figure encouraging preventative measures and self-quarantining in the UAE.
Al Jassmi also released a short song last week, entitled United and Defiant, in association with the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention. The track was designed to promote responsible hygiene and social distancing measures.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (Turf) 1,000m
7.40pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (D) 2,200m
8.15pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
10pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
Sector: Clothes rental subscription
Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
