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.” 


Elie Saab stages show at Paris Fashion Week

Updated 58 min 43 sec ago
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Elie Saab stages show at Paris Fashion Week

DUBAI/ PARIS: Lebanese designer Elie Saab showcased his latest collection at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, as part of a packed schedule of international luxury labels.

The designer’s Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection was inspired by New York with billowing ballgowns printed with Central Park-themed florals and more fitted, business chic looks seen on the runway.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The “Elie Saab woman immerses herself in the 90s New York art scene. Intellectual and seductive, her look embraces downtown power tailoring and uptown florals with a twist,” the fashion house said in its show notes.

The showcase was held on the same day as the likes of Hermes, Vivienne Westwood and Balenciaga, among other labels.

In a Paris Fashion Week that still has Chanel and Louis Vuitton to come, Hermes made a case that luxury at its most persuasive doesn’t shout.

Models emerged from luminous circular openings in the walls, like figures stepping through a full moon, and walked a raised, winding catwalk above vegetation.

It was theatrical, but never gimmicky.

The set did exactly what creative director Nadege Vanhee wanted: it knocked you off balance.

Vanhee, who has led Hermes womenswear since 2014, titled the fall-winter collection “Entre chien et loup” — the French expression for dusk, that uneasy moment when you can’t tell a dog from a wolf.

Her show notes invoked Hecate, the torch-wielding goddess of darkness, though the clothes were less mythological than muscular — precise, body-conscious, built to move.

Leather dominated. Fluid overcoats with enormous Tuscan sheepskin collars.

Zip-front mini dresses in inky blue that opened to reveal contrasting shirts beneath.

An orange ostrich-leather jumpsuit, belted at the waist, that merged biker attitude with Hermes refinement.

Paris Fashion Week is delivering a forceful reminder of why it remains a capital of fashion, with blockbuster celebrity front rows, boundary-pushing design, and collections that are tackling big ideas about power, craft and the female body.

Oprah Winfrey turned heads at both Stella McCartney and Chloé. Sissy Spacek, Julia Garner and Lil Yachty claimed front-row seats at Loewe.