Lebanese soprano Hiba Tawaji kicks off return of events at AlUla

Hiba Tawaji is performing in AlUla on Oct. 29. Supplied
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Updated 14 October 2021
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Lebanese soprano Hiba Tawaji kicks off return of events at AlUla

DUBAI: Lebanese star Hiba Tawaji will appear live in AlUla’s Maraya Concert Hall on Oct. 29 in a performance that marks the return of music and public events to the Saudi city following the global pandemic.

Tawaji, a renowned Lebanese singer, actor and director with a career spanning 14 years, has performed in leading venues around the world, and has a huge regional and international fan base.

In 2017, she performed for a Saudi audience as the first female singer to bring music back to the live stage in the Kingdom.

It will be the hitmaker’s first performance in AlUla.

“I have always wanted to perform in AlUla, a place with such history and creative legacy,” the Lebanese soprano said in a statement.

“To sing in Maraya is such an honor. We had to think carefully about this performance to do the destination and venue justice; it will be a special event.”

As pandemic restrictions in Saudi Arabia continue to ease, live events, including concerts and art exhibitions, are making a return at AlUla, with a series of cultural events due to take place in the historic city in coming weeks and months.

The last artists to perform at the Maraya Music Hall were US singer Lionel Richie and a Persian Nights trio of regional performers in March 2020.

Tawaji will be the first in a series of exciting regional and international artists to perform in the striking mirrored structure and as part of the AlUla Moments calendar.

Attendees do not need a COVID-19 test, but all appropriate safety measures and national health regulations will be implemented.


Amira Al-Zuhair begins 2026 with Jacquemus show

Updated 26 January 2026
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Amira Al-Zuhair begins 2026 with Jacquemus show

DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair took to Instagram to celebrate her first show of 2026, as she walked the runway at Jacquemus’ Fall/Winter 2026 “Le Palmier” collection show in Paris on Sunday.

The event, staged at the Musee National Picasso, brought Simon Porte Jacquemus’s latest co-ed collection to life with playful yet sculptural silhouettes, blending mid-century couture references and 1990s’ sensibilities.

“Merci infiniment Simon. It was an honor to be part of this iconic show with such an amazing team, congratulations! Thank you for having me,” posted Al-Zuhair.

The model closed a segment of the show in an ensemble that captured the collection’s nod to both elegant simplicity and bold form. She wore a black midi skirt with a structured blazer top with cutout detail at the back, cinched at the waist with a wide belt. The look was completed with a wide-brimmed hat that added a touch of drama.

The Jacquemus presentation, which also acted as the finale of Paris Men’s Fashion Week, wove together confetti-like motifs, geometric forms and a celebration of joie de vivre, encapsulating Jacquemus’s irreverent yet refined vision ahead of the upcoming couture season. The front row seated the likes of Elton John, Sophie Marceau, Josh Hartnett and Korean girl group Illit.

Meanwhile, Al-Zuhair had a strong 2025, ending the year by joining Italian luxury fashion label Bulgari as a “Friend of the House.”

“I am delighted to announce that I have officially joined the Bulgari family as a Friend of the House. Looking forward to sharing more of our journey together — stay tuned!” Al-Zuhair said on social media, alongside a carousel of images.

In one, taken at a Bulgari party, the model shows off a soft pink gown by Lebanese fashion house Georges Hobeika. The event celebrated the Polychroma High Jewelry Collection, which was launched at May’s Met Gala in New York. 

Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has made her mark on the fashion world and appeared on the runway for an array of renowned fashion houses. She has walked for Missoni, Maison Alaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and more.

In addition to her runway appearances, Al-Zuhair has featured in campaigns for high-profile brands including Prada, Chanel and Carolina Herrera.