Greek musician Yanni dedicates song to Saudi Arabia ahead of Winter at Tantora performance

Greek musician Yanni (Yiannis Chryssomallis) performs at a concert in the King Abdullah Economic City, 100 kilometres north of the Saudi Red Sea port city of Jeddah on November 30, 2017. (File/AFP)
Updated 19 January 2019
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Greek musician Yanni dedicates song to Saudi Arabia ahead of Winter at Tantora performance

  • The piece is called “When Dream Come True”
  • Yanni said that he was “very honored” to be performing at Al-Ula

Renowned Greek composer and musician Yanni dedicated a piece of music to Saudi Arabia ahead of his performance at the Winter at Tantora Festival.

The music festival will be held at the archaeological site Al-Ula, the capital of the ancient Arabian kingdom of Lihyan.

Describing the location as “absolutely stunning,” Yanni said that he was “very honored” to be performing at the site.

“I have prepared a piece of music that I would like to dedicate to them, to all the Saudis, my friends,” he said in a video message that he posted on his Twitter page.

“I want to remind them of their vision 2030. It’s their dream, it’s what they hope their country would become, what they want to see their country become,” he said.

The piece which he says has never performed live called “When Dream Come True,” was composed in 60 different cities.  

“I think it is very appropriate to play it at Al-Ula and remind and encourage and inspire the Saudis to go after their 2030 vision, to go after their dream,” Yanni said.

Yanni will wrap up the concert series dubbed “Stars Under Starts” on Feb. 8.


Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode

Updated 29 December 2025
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Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode

  • Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna

DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.

Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.

The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.

On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”

The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.

Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.

Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show. 

Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.

Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.

“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”

She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”