Lionel Richie set to perform at Saudi Arabia’s Winter at Tantora festival for the first time

The festival runs from Dec. 19 to March 7, and Richie’s concert is likely to be on Feb. 28. (AFP)
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Updated 19 December 2019
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Lionel Richie set to perform at Saudi Arabia’s Winter at Tantora festival for the first time

  • US pop superstar to perform in Kingdom for first time at Winter in Tantora festival in AlUla

DUBAI: US pop legend Lionel Richie is set to perform at Saudi Arabia’s Winter at Tantora cultural festival in Al-Ula.

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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The news was announced on Winter at Tantora’s Twitter page and fans of the “All Night Long” singer were quick to catch on and share their excitement online.

 

The festival is set to run from Dec. 19-March 7, with sources telling Arab News that Richie will likely perform on Feb. 28.

 

Sources also told Arab News that music fans can expect a line-up that includes Greek composer Yanni and Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli, who will both return for the second year.

 

Rumors have been circulating that Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter Carlos Santana will also put on a rhythmic show at the festival, although there has been no official confirmation as of yet.

 

The Winter at Tantora Festival – which is held at UNESCO World Heritage Site the old town of Al-Ula – was launched in December 2018 with performances by such greats as Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli and Greek musician Yanni.

 

Yanni in particular was captivated by performing against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s heritage jewel. “This is the place where dreams begin, and I find it quite inspiring,” he said.

 

He gave the first complete live performance of “When Dreams Come True,” a piece composed in parts over 60 shows in 60 cities, and which he dedicated to the people of Saudi Arabia

 

Al-Ula is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important historically preserved sites for culture and heritage.

 

The festival runs for several weeks – attracting thousands of music lovers.

 

It derives its name, Tantora, from a sundial in AlUla that has been a marker for the changing of the seasons. The site is home to historic monuments spanning generations and civilizations.

 

Other international artists who appeared at last year’s event also included Lebanese vocalist Majida El-Roumi, French violinist Renaud Capuçon, and multiple award-winning Egyptian composer Omar Khairat.

 

The festival marks the Kingdom’s ongoing project to modernize, which includes the reintroduction of live music in front of non-segregated audiences.

 

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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Malika El-Maslouhi ushers in spring in Maje

Updated 22 February 2026
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Malika El-Maslouhi ushers in spring in Maje

DUBAI: Moroccan Italian model Malika El-Maslouhi is the embodiment of relaxed in Parisian label Maje’s Spring-Summer 2026 campaign.

The model took to Instagram to share shots from the campaign. Set against a minimalist concrete backdrop, El-Maslouhi is seen wearing a green and white striped knit cardigan paired with wide-leg, speckled denim and chunky black boots, creating a chic contrast between casual comfort and fashion-forward styling. The oversized brown leather bag slung under her arm adds a touch of understated luxury.

She captioned the post, “Spring renaissance.”

Meanwhile, El-Maslouhi ended 2025 on a strong note with a holiday campaign for the French luxury label Guerlain.

In a photo shared on the brand’s Instagram page, the 27-year-old model, who has become a favorite on international runways, wore the limited-edition Rouge G lipstick from Guerlain’s Tale of Wonders Holiday Collection in shade G 877. She was also pictured holding the lipstick alongside the matching limited-edition Rouge G Stellar case.

In August 2025, she was the face of Anthropologie’s 2026 resort-wear campaign. The line blended breezy elegance with playful details, including jewel-toned maxi dresses, sleek black knitted dresses, and form-fitting satin gowns that would be perfect for date night.

El-Maslouhi has previously starred in Anthropologie’s summer campaigns. The catwalk star was photographed posing pool and beachside in pieces from Anthropologie’s summer offering, which included ready-to-wear, swimwear and accessories.

Earlier in the year, El-Maslouhi starred in Saint Levant’s music video for the song “Exile,” directed by Algerian-French filmmaker Lyna Zerrouki. The video, which explores themes of longing, loss and hope, features El-Maslouhi against a striking blue backdrop, seemingly falling through the air.

El-Maslouhi, born in Milan to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother, began her modeling career at the age of 18. She has since appeared on runways for international fashion houses including Dior, Chanel, Valentino and Jacquemus, gracing the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. Over the years, she has walked for brands such as Ulla Johnson, Prabal Gurung, David Koma, Boss, Missoni, Messika and more.

 

She has also featured in campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Off-White and Lanvin, expanding her portfolio across both luxury and contemporary fashion.

 

In 2022, she was awarded the Model of the Year in Italy title.