Today is our 82nd National Day. The complete unity of this huge nation is still an area of appreciation and admiration. Yet, a restless question follows regarding certain achievements.
I believe that the Saudi public opinion was and still busy comparing us to Malaysia and the younger sister, Emirates. To me, this is where the main burden comes from. As I suppose that we need to slow down with the issue of comparison, because we are neither Malaysia nor Emirates. A great effort has to be given to the making of the Saudi individual. This could be done mainly through education. The sought formation, in order to achieve, may be accomplished by making more individual examples ready to lead. This should come altogether with a bigger number of individuals ready and equipped to win the future race.
One last wish for today, this is sent to all Saudi youth planning to celebrate the National Day ‘by cars’, please do not block high ways and main roads. There are others who plan to celebrate this day by visiting an ill relative or by visiting an elder suffering of loneliness. It is okay to dance somewhere, but it is not totally okay to dance everywhere.
Happy Saudi National Day to all!
(The writer is Chairman, Saudi Cartoon & Animation Society)
Being ‘National’
Being ‘National’
Lolo Zouai releases new music video, sets album date
- French Algerian star will release new album April 24
- Record dedicated to a close friend who died in 2021
DUBAI: French Algerian singer and songwriter Lolo Zouai this week dropped a new music video for her single “Holding On” and announced that her upcoming album, “Reverie,” will be released on April 24.
The track, which blends R&B and dance-pop elements, explores themes of grief and memory. Its accompanying music video is dedicated to Zouai’s close friend Hanna Rosa Hotchkiss who died in 2021.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Zouai said the album reflects a period of personal change.
“This record was made through three years of grief, growth, and reflection. I had to lose myself to find myself again. I couldn’t have done it without my angel, Hanna.”
“Thank you to my collaborators, my friends, and my Lo-riders who held me down through it all,” she added. “I hope it heals you the way it healed me.”
Zouai teased the album earlier this year writing: “2026. ALBUM SUBMITTED. LET’S… GOOO,” on Instagram, sharing a carousel of images of herself.
Fans quickly took to the comments section to congratulate the music sensation.
“OH MY GOD FINALLY!!! I’m so so so excited and proud of you omg, you did that,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Some good news i needed this fr.”
Another fan said: “I’m so excited I just shed a tear … 2026 is so gonna be your year boo!!!! SEE U SOON!!”
Zouai’s last release was in November, when she dropped a new single titled “3AM in San Francisco.”
In 2024, Zouai dropped several tracks, including her “Please Hold” EP featuring “jetlag” and “UNHHH,” along with “mute” and “Potential.”
In June 2024, she also announced that she had written a song for K-pop group NewJeans for their Japanese debut.
Known for her blend of R&B, club-pop and hip-hop, she has gained an international fan base for her dynamic stage presence and genre-blending music.
Her career highlights include the release of a debut album “High Highs to Low Lows” in 2019, which features 12 tracks, and a follow-up “PLAYGIRL” in 2022, which has 13 tracks.
After the album’s release in October 2022, Zouai was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.
