On an exceptional night, where the aroma of Lebanese cedar mingled with the enchanting atmosphere of Riyadh, Lebanese singing stars illuminated the skies of the Saudi capital as part of the Riyadh Season events, presenting an artistic evening entitled "The Night of the Cedar." The Mohammed Abdo Arena witnessed a massive audience on Thursday evening, enthusiastically responding to a constellation of the brightest artists: the Knight of Arabic Song, Assi El Hallani, the superstar Ragheb Alama, and the star Carole Samaha, in a concert that evoked the masterpieces of Lebanese art and reaffirmed its established position in the Arab artistic scene.
Background of the event: Riyadh Season as a platform for Arab culture
“Rice Night” is part of a series of major artistic events organized by Riyadh Season, which has become one of the world’s leading entertainment and cultural festivals. This season aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism and entertainment destination and enrich the quality of life for its citizens and residents. By hosting artistic evenings dedicated to diverse Arab cultures, such as Lebanese, Egyptian, and Gulf nights, Riyadh Season underscores its role as a bridge for cultural exchange and a unifying platform for Arab arts, reflecting the deep historical and cultural ties between the Kingdom and its Arab neighbors.
The importance of Lebanese art and its regional influence
Lebanon has long been a cultural and artistic beacon in the Middle East, and its artists have played a pivotal role in shaping Arab musical taste for decades. From the giants of the golden age like Fairouz, Wadih El Safi, and Sabah, to the stars of the current generation, Lebanese song has offered a unique blend of authentic Eastern melodies and modern rhythms. Holding "Laylat Al-Arz" (Night of the Cedars) in Riyadh is not merely a concert; it is a celebration of this rich artistic heritage, affirming its enduring influence and its ability to transcend borders and unite Arab audiences under the banner of art and music.
Assi El Hallani: The authenticity of mountain music
The renowned Arab singer Assi El Hallani opened the concert with his commanding presence and authentic, powerful voice, performing a selection of his most famous songs that ignited the audience's enthusiasm. El Hallani moved seamlessly between his timeless hits such as "Lebnani," "Qouli Jay," and "Khallik Bi Qalbi," in addition to traditional Lebanese mawwals and medleys that transported the audience back to the golden age of Arabic music. The audience interacted enthusiastically, singing along and participating in the traditional Lebanese dabke dance, an integral part of his concerts.
Ragheb Alama: A Journey Between Romance and Rhythm
Following this, superstar Ragheb Alama took to the stage, taking the audience on a complete musical journey that blended romance and energetic rhythm. Alama performed a selection of his most popular songs, deeply ingrained in the memories of the Arab audience, including "Qalbi Ashiqha," "Ya Reit," and "Habib Qalbi Ya Ghali." The evening featured a special moment when Ragheb Alama presented a new song titled "Laylat Arz," which he dedicated specifically to this occasion. The song, with lyrics by poet Tony Abi Karam and music by Alama himself, was a tribute to Lebanon and a celebration of Riyadh hosting this special night.
Carole Samaha: Theatrical performance and a warm voice
The star Carole Samaha concluded the evening with a touch of refined femininity, adding another artistic dimension to the event with her warm voice and masterful stage presence. Carole performed a selection of her most famous songs, including "Isma'ni" (Listen to Me), "Fawda" (Chaos), and "Adwa' Al-Shuhra" (Lights of Fame), in addition to classic songs that transported the audience back to the golden age of Arabic music. Her performance showcased her ability to move seamlessly between different musical styles, captivating the hearts of the audience, who responded enthusiastically.
“Rice Night” received extensive media coverage and live broadcasts across a number of Arab channels and platforms, which allowed this major artistic event to reach a wide segment of the public inside and outside the Kingdom, thus enhancing its presence as one of the most prominent artistic events of the season.
