DUBAI: Saudi singer and X Factor Middle East winner Hamza Hawsawi will open for Justin Bieber at his Dubai concert on May 6.
The concert is part of Bieber’s Purpose World Tour.
Hawsawi will open the show with Canadian duo Deen Squad at the Autism Rocks Arena.
The singer-songwriter, who won the reality show in 2015, recently released his first single, a smooth R’n’B track dubbed “Love a Little.” An all-English album is coming soon.
He made history by winning the reality show despite singing only in English.
Hawsawi, now based in Dubai, sings and writes his own material.
Deen Squad combine urban hip hop with spirituality, through songs such as Muslim Queen and Cover Girl. In 2015, the duo trended #MuslimsAreNotTerrorists worldwide with their song Muslim Man.
Bieber has earlier performed two Dubai concerts at the Sevens Stadium in 2013. The event next month is said to be the Canadian singer’s only regional performance.
Saudi singer Hamza Hawsawi to open for Justin Bieber in Dubai
Saudi singer Hamza Hawsawi to open for Justin Bieber in Dubai
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that probides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
