Gas cylinder delivery man Mountazar Abbas sings from his rickshaw to announce his arrival in the Karrada district of Baghdad. AFP
Gas cylinder delivery man Mountazar Abbas sings from his rickshaw to announce his arrival in the Karrada district of Baghdad. AFP
Mr Abbas unloads gas cylinders from his rickshaw. AFP
Mr Abbas unloads gas cylinders from his rickshaw. AFP
Residents of the Karrada district wake each morning to hear his dulcet tones. The tradition was once a nationwide phenomenon, but Mr Abbas is now a solo act. AFP
Residents of the Karrada district wake each morning to hear his dulcet tones. The tradition was once a nationwide phenomenon, but Mr Abbas is now a solo act. AFP
Mr Abbas, 22, says he is carrying on the trade of his father. AFP
Mr Abbas, 22, says he is carrying on the trade of his father. AFP
He has been traversing the streets and alleyways of the Baghdad shopping district since 2007. AFP
He has been traversing the streets and alleyways of the Baghdad shopping district since 2007. AFP
Some residents say they prefer to buy gas from Mr Abbas, rather than dealing with delivery men who play music from loudspeakers. AFP
Some residents say they prefer to buy gas from Mr Abbas, rather than dealing with delivery men who play music from loudspeakers. AFP

Iraq

Iraqi man keeps tradition of gas bottle delivery singing alive

Mountazar Abbas, 22, is the last gas delivery man in Baghdad

AFP

June 03, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

In the Karrada district of Iraq's capital, residents awake to a gas bottle delivery man's dulcet tones – once a countrywide tradition, but now a solo act.

Mountazar Abbas, 22, is the last gas delivery man in Baghdad to announce his arrival by singing.

"My heart rediscovers love, as if it learnt nothing from past suffering," croons Mr Abbas, in homage to famous Iraqi singer Yass Khodr.

When he sings from of his cylinder-laden rickshaw, he brings smiles to customers' faces.

"When people recognise my voice, they open the door of their home and shout out to me," Mr Abbas said. "Others call me on the phone – but they still ask me to sing."

Carrying on the trade of his father, Mr Abbas has traversed the streets and alleys of the shopping district in the heart of Baghdad since 2007.

Grocer Ahmad Ali, 30, says he supports the tradition of the singing gas delivery man.

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"There were many in the past, but it's over," he said.

Other delivery men now play recordings of music to announce their arrival, Mr Ali said.

Many broadcast songs by famous artists through loudspeakers.

"Frankly, it's annoying," said Mr Ali.

"I buy my supplies from [Mr Abbas] … who has a nice voice."

The often melancholy choices of delivery men who opt for recordings sometimes lead to online ridicule.

"Why do they then want to subject us to sad tunes when they deliver our gas?" asked Mukhtar Taleb.

In the past, there were many singing delivery men, said Kamal, a 55-year-old resident of Al Jadida district of Baghdad.

"I used to tell them that they had a beautiful voice and I even encouraged several of them to take part in competitions on the radio," he said.

Under dictator Saddam Hussein, who was deposed in the US-led invasion in 2003, a panel on Iraqi TV and radio assessed talented singers.

The panel comprised musicians, art critics and poets, and its favourite singer would record a song.

It was a launch pad for many musical careers.

After the invasion, which was followed by bouts of sectarian violence, the panel disappeared.

From 2005 to 2007, extremists who controlled parts of Baghdad banned singing and carried out a purge – some musicians were killed, while others saw their instruments destroyed.

The tradition of the singing delivery man has also disappeared across much of the wider region.

In Jordan's capital Amman, authorities have since 2012 required gas sellers to broadcast Beethoven's For Elise only, so as to avoid a cacophony of competing sounds.

In Lebanon and Syria, sellers once delivered gas on donkey-drawn carts and announced their arrival by honking a horn.

But now customers go directly to suppliers.

"Everyone does as they see fit. I opted for the traditional way and most of my clients prefer to see me sing," Mr Abbas said.

But there is little chance that Mr Abbas will pass the trade on to his own children.

"It is a tough and badly paid trade," he said.

Mr Abbas also sings at home, with friends and at family reunions.

He even dreams of following in the footsteps of Hatem Al Iraqi, an Iraqi singer-songwriter who now lives in Dubai.

"Hatem is, like me, originally from Sadr City", a poor district of Baghdad, Mr Abbas said.

"And before he became successful, he was in the same trade as me. He had a very beautiful voice … I would like to follow his path."

Orchestra conductor Mohammed Mahmoud leads the Watar orchestral ensemble, playing for the first time at the restored Al Rabea Theatre in Iraq's northern city of Mosul on April 8, 2021. AFP
Orchestra conductor Mohammed Mahmoud leads the Watar orchestral ensemble, playing for the first time at the restored Al Rabea Theatre in Iraq's northern city of Mosul on April 8, 2021. AFP
A packed audience watches the inaugural performance at the restored Al Rabea Theatre in Mosul, Iraq. Reuters
A packed audience watches the inaugural performance at the restored Al Rabea Theatre in Mosul, Iraq. Reuters
The Watar orchestra previously played for Pope Francis on March 7 in the ruins of Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception during the papal visit. Reuters
The Watar orchestra previously played for Pope Francis on March 7 in the ruins of Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception during the papal visit. Reuters
Conductor Mohammed Mahmoud plays the violin while leading the Watar orchestral ensemble, which was formed only five months earlier. AFP
Conductor Mohammed Mahmoud plays the violin while leading the Watar orchestral ensemble, which was formed only five months earlier. AFP
Conductor Mohammed Mahmoud leads the Watar orchestral ensemble at the Al Rabea Theatre in Mosul, which was destroyed during the war against ISIS. AFP
Conductor Mohammed Mahmoud leads the Watar orchestral ensemble at the Al Rabea Theatre in Mosul, which was destroyed during the war against ISIS. AFP
Conductor Mohammed Mahmoud leads the Watar orchestral ensemble at Mosul's Al Rabea Theatre. AFP
Conductor Mohammed Mahmoud leads the Watar orchestral ensemble at Mosul's Al Rabea Theatre. AFP
A violinist performs as part of the Watar orchestral ensemble. AFP
A violinist performs as part of the Watar orchestral ensemble. AFP
Images of famous Iraqi cultural and art personalities are shown on a screen during the concert by the Watar orchestra. EPA
Images of famous Iraqi cultural and art personalities are shown on a screen during the concert by the Watar orchestra. EPA
Some parts of the theatre are charred and a hole in its roof bears witness to damage suffered during Mosul's occupation by ISIS and the battle to retake the city. AFP
Some parts of the theatre are charred and a hole in its roof bears witness to damage suffered during Mosul's occupation by ISIS and the battle to retake the city. AFP
The concert drew people from all walks of life. Reuters
The concert drew people from all walks of life. Reuters
Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Youhanna Boutros Moshe, fourth from left, with other Christian clergymen and a Catholic nun at the performance by the Watar orchestral ensemble. AFP
Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Youhanna Boutros Moshe, fourth from left, with other Christian clergymen and a Catholic nun at the performance by the Watar orchestral ensemble. AFP
Iraqis attend a concert by the Watar orchestral ensemble at the Rabea Theatre in Mosul on April 8, 2021. EPA
Iraqis attend a concert by the Watar orchestral ensemble at the Rabea Theatre in Mosul on April 8, 2021. EPA
The Watar orchestra performed to about 1,000 people in the first show at the theatre in 18 years. EPA
The Watar orchestra performed to about 1,000 people in the first show at the theatre in 18 years. EPA
Iraqi artistic director Mohammed Saleh, left, and conductor Mohammed Mahmoud greet the public after the concert. EPA
Iraqi artistic director Mohammed Saleh, left, and conductor Mohammed Mahmoud greet the public after the concert. EPA
Iraqis give a standing ovation to the Watar orchestral ensemble after the concert at Mosul's Al Rabea Theatre on April 8, 2021. EPA
Iraqis give a standing ovation to the Watar orchestral ensemble after the concert at Mosul's Al Rabea Theatre on April 8, 2021. EPA
Musicians of the Watar orchestra take a selfie at the concert. EPA
Musicians of the Watar orchestra take a selfie at the concert. EPA
An concert attendee next to a sign that says, in English and Arabic, 'Welcome to Mosul', outside the Al Rabea Theatre. AFP
An concert attendee next to a sign that says, in English and Arabic, 'Welcome to Mosul', outside the Al Rabea Theatre. AFP
On Women's Day
Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
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Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

Bob%20Marley%3A%20One%20Love
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Reinaldo%20Marcus%20Green%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKingsley%20Ben-Adir%2C%20Lashana%20Lynch%2C%20James%20Norton%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A02%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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While you're here
Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com