The name of Etab was among the names that shone as a female singer from the Arab Gulf region for years. And during her time of fame, many learned her songs by heart such as, “Alashanah” (For his sake) and “Jani Al’asmar” and others. It is said that after she moved to Emirates, there were many discussions revolving around her failure.

Q: Why did you choose to live in the Emirates?

A: Since I left Cairo I’ve been staying in Saudi Arabia; however I moved to live in Emirates due to my daughter’s educational circumstances, Dareen who is studying at the American University in Sharjah, as well as my son Ahmad. Then again my family lives in Emirates so I preferred to live there.

Q: Some said that you went to Emirates to get financial help after you lost everything because of your husband.

A: This is absolutely incorrect. And if I wanted any financial aid why would I leave my country when I know that there are many Saudis who would’ve helped me if I had wanted it. Besides my family, thank God, are there for me and they are helping me and standing by me until this very moment.

Q: If you were ever in need of money, why didn’t you have private concerts in Emirates to improve your status?

A: I’m not among those who sing for the money. Singing is about feeling.

Q: Has Etab given up singing due to all these problems?

A: Not at all. I can’t ever be far from singing. The last of my albums was three years ago and I’m now preparing for a new album with the company “Fonoon Al-Jazeera”. Singing is my only outlet and because I’m optimistic about the future I must rise again throwing all my troubles behind me. That’s why I’m going to be traveling to Cairo soon so that I can record my new songs. I’ve a large fan base in the Arab world and they’re waiting to hear my voice.

Q: Do you still believe that you’re capable of giving and until when do you think yourself capable?

A: Yes I still do and I’ll prove it through what I’ll be offering the public soon. As for until when, well I can’t really say but I’ll continue until I feel that I can’t any more and that continuing would be damaging.

Q: After a journey of singing and suffering, what of your singing legacy?

A: While I was in Egypt, I made 12 albums over a period of almost 20 years. And the most famous of my songs that contributed mostly to my fame were the songs “Jani Al-Asmar”, “Alashanah”, “Hiya, Hady w’Huwa” as well as many other songs. The beginning of my success was in 1984 when I reached the top. However due to personal circumstances that affected me I fluctuated — coming and going.

Q: But your name doesn’t show up among the most prominent of female Arab Gulf singers.

A: What’s important to me are the listeners and the audience that evaluates Etab. I don’t care about the press or fellow singers being indifferent to me though I admit that the press plays a prominent role in all this.

Q: Is it true that you’ve considered acting?

A: I’m prepared to act one day but I’ve not been given the opportunity.

Q: Is it true that there’s a plan of a duet between you and the male singer Abdullah Balkhair?

A: Yes in fact that idea is there but until now it hasn’t been finalized.

Q: Don’t you think after the duet you had with the famous male Saudi legendary singer the late Talal Maddah, that a duet with Abdullah Balkhair is far from it?

A: No, on the contrary. Though I can’t deny that the duet between Talal Maddah and me was the most important stage of my success, I still confirm that my success with Abdullah Balkhair would be of a different kind. Sure the idea would be different, as well as the lyrics and tune. He’s a distinctive singer and it honors me to work with him.