Arab world’s classical music icons to perform at Saudi Arabia’s AlUla 

Kadhim Al-Sahir will perform in AlUla on Jan. 19. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 January 2023
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Arab world’s classical music icons to perform at Saudi Arabia’s AlUla 

DUBAI: Iraqi legend Kadhim Al-Sahir, Lebanese pianist Guy Manoukian and Spanish violinist virtuoso Ara Malikian have been tapped for a set of two intimate concerts at AlUla in Saudi Arabia.  

Al-Sahir, the “Caesar of Arabic music,” will perform at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building set in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley, on Jan. 19. Famed Lebanese pianist Guy Manoukian then teams up with celebrated Spanish violinist Ara Malikian for an extraordinary concert under the stars the following week at AlUlA Old Town on Jan. 26. 

“Eid Al Ashaq” star Al-Sahir is a singer, poet and composer who has sold well over 100 million albums worldwide. He said: “Playing AlUla is a special occasion for me – it is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful locations and this incredible setting gives us all a wonderful chance to connect with the power of music. Performing at Maraya in front of my fans will be a special highlight in my career.” 

“My Land” star Manoukian has built up a huge following worldwide, and the piano man is looking forward to performing a special concert with Malikian, a Spanish violinist virtuoso of Lebanese origin and Armenian descent. 

“There are few places as majestic or unique as the historical village of AlUla Old Town, anywhere in the world, and we look forward to putting on a special show which fits in with the full calendar of cultural events that are helping to create incredible memories at this wonderful location,” said Manoukian in a statement. 

Malikian added: “Performing at AlUla is a real privilege and I look forward once again to being part of a truly magical moment at AlUla Old Town with a wonderful audience in a special setting. AlUla is an incredible location and an important location in Saudi’s ever growing cultural offering. It is an honour to be part of this country’s musical and artistic journey.” 


Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Louis Vuitton campaign

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Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Louis Vuitton campaign

DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair this week shared images from her latest campaign with French luxury label Louis Vuitton on Instagram.

Across the images, Al-Zuhair is pictured wearing several looks from the brand in beige, tan and brown tones.

In the first image she posted, she wore a coordinated outfit in a single shade of brown. The look included a long-sleeve top layered beneath a knee-length outer piece with wide sleeves, secured at the waist with a matching fabric belt, paired with loose, wide-leg trousers in the same tone.

Another outfit featured a long-sleeve printed top with a fitted silhouette and an asymmetric tie detail at the side, styled with slim brown trousers and a matching headscarf.

She was also seen in an ensemble comprising a long, neutral-toned inner garment worn beneath a loose, cape-style outer layer. The look was paired with matching trousers and finished with a structured Louis Vuitton top-handle bag in a metallic finish.

In a fourth look, Al-Zuhair wore a coordinated two-piece consisting of a long-sleeve blouse with decorative detailing across the chest, paired with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers in a similar tone.

This marks Al-Zuhair’s second campaign released during Ramadan. Earlier this month, she fronted a campaign for Italian luxury brand Loro Piana.

In images shared on the brand’s Instagram page, Al-Zuhair wears a floor-length olive-green dress featuring a V-neckline, defined waist seam, and fluid cape-style sleeves falling from the shoulders.

According to the brand’s caption, the Ramadan capsule highlights “intricate detailing and the beauty of simplicity,” presenting a wardrobe of comfortable silhouettes.

Shot in the warm, diffused light of a pottery artist’s studio, the campaign centered on elongated shapes, clean lines, and a muted palette of sage and sand tones.

Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has appeared on the runway for 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 brands including Prada, Chanel and Carolina Herrera.