A night of beautiful art in the heart of the capital
In an exceptional evening that evoked memories of a golden age of Arabic music, the Abu Bakr Salem Theater in Riyadh, as part of the Riyadh Season events, hosted the "Nights of Timeless Arts" concert. This event, organized by Benchmark and led by the esteemed Maestro Amir Abdel-Magid, was more than just a musical performance; it was a journey back in time to the golden age of Arabic song, where a constellation of musical giants gathered to revive classic masterpieces that remain etched in the hearts of Arab audiences.
Riyadh Season and its role in enriching the cultural scene
This unique event comes within the framework of Riyadh Season's pivotal role, as one of the most prominent initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030, in enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global destination for entertainment and culture. The season not only attracts cutting-edge international events but also places great importance on preserving and reintroducing Arab cultural and artistic heritage to new generations. "Nights of Timeless Art" is a clear example of this approach, highlighting the value of authentic music as an integral part of shared Arab cultural identity.
A truly exceptional musical evening
The renowned Moroccan artist Fouad Zabadi opened the concert, captivating the audience with his powerful voice and profound emotion. He performed a selection of timeless classics, including "Ma Bis'alsh Alaya Abadan" (He Never Asks About Me), "Saken Bi Hayy Al Sayyida" (Living in the Sayyida District), and "Ya Salat Al Zein" (Oh, Prayer of Beauty). The audience responded enthusiastically to his performance, which evoked the spirit of legendary artists. In recognition of his illustrious career, Riyadh Season announced a unique initiative to honor Zabadi: the production of a fully-format music album, to be recorded at Marwas Studios and scheduled for release in 2026. This initiative underscores the Kingdom's commitment to honoring icons of authentic art.
From Aleppo's traditional songs to the masterpieces of Umm Kulthum
The enchanting atmosphere continued with the performance of Syrian artist Nour Mhanna, who masterfully presented a selection of Arabic masterpieces and the traditional Aleppo songs for which the city of Aleppo is renowned, transporting the audience to the authentic ambiance of the East with his distinctive style. The evening concluded with the powerful voice of Egyptian artist Mai Farouk, who once again proved herself a leading figure in modern Arabic music. Farouk delivered an exceptional performance of timeless classics such as "Wadart Al Ayam," "Qari'at Al Finjan," and "Sirat Al Hob," to the overwhelming response of the audience, who applauded enthusiastically throughout the evening. This success was immediately reflected on social media platforms, where her name trended in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
An impact that transcends the boundaries of the stage
The "Nights of Timeless Art" were more than just a fleeting event; they represent a cultural message affirming that authentic art never dies. Locally, such events cater to the passions of a broad segment of the Saudi and Arab audience residing in the Kingdom, enriching the diversity of entertainment options. Regionally, they solidify Riyadh's position as a capital of Arab art, embracing creators from across the Arab world and providing them with a prestigious platform to showcase their talent. The success of this evening underscores the Arab public's continued thirst for authentic music and demonstrates the significant potential for growth in this refined art form, given the current support and attention it receives.
