Here is part of our summer guide to some of the hottest events in the UAE.
Some of the region's biggest and brightest young reality-show talents are coming to Emirates Palace. Besides the Arab Idol star Mohammed Assaf (pictured), the Palestinian artist and speed painter Mohammed Al Dairi and the Saudi illusionist Ahmed Al Bayed will also make an appearance.
Considering the bleak situation in Palestine, Al Dairi’s slot should strike a deep chord with the audience. The Gazan artist made it to the final of last season’s Arabs’ Got Talent on the back of his stirring paintings and graffiti illustrating the Palestinian struggle. He possesses a sense of showmanship, rapidly creating works on stage backed by a musical soundtrack. The audience usually is left guessing until the final few strokes.
Another performer sure to keep the crowd on their toes is Ahmed Al Bayed; the Saudi illusionist is a trailblazer and has been credited for pioneering the genre in the Middle East. Born in Jeddah, Al Bayed taught himself magic and card tricks while studying in England. He arrived on the scene after participating in the 2011 season of Arabs' Got Talent.
• Mohammed Assaf, Ahmed Al Bayed and Mohammed Al Dairi will perform on August 14 at Emirates Palace. Show starts at 7.30pm, tickets cost from Dh195, from www.ticketmaster.ae
sasaeed@thenational.ae