As part of the new season of #letsmajazbeing held remotely this year, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah’s world-class destination for prestigious cultural events and concerts, yesterday (Tuesday) hosted the iconic Iraqi singer Hatem Al Iraqi, who entertained his fans with a collection of his most popular hits at the second of the three concert series specially arranged for Eid Al-Fitr.

The concert which was broadcast live on Al Majaz Amphitheatre’s social media accounts to abide by the precautionary measures taken by UAE to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, drew unprecedented viewership, with 30,000 eyeballs on Facebook alone. More than 7,000 fans on YouTube and another 5,000 on Al Majaz’s Instagram account ensured that Al Iraqi’s concert was an enormous success. Those who were lucky enough to gain space in the balconies and windows of the buildings on the Sharjah Corniche near Al Majaz Amphitheatre, enjoyed the concert live.

The Iraqi singer began with his hit Ahebkum (I Love You) from his album released in 2001, followed by his most-loved numbers such as AhebakLaouYektaouni, Ashhadya Zamani, Dectori and many other traditional Iraqi songs, performed with the band led by maestro Haitham Sadoun.

Al Iraqi had his fans cheering wildly while he performed some of the biggest hits of his career such as Azal Mahboub, and Lo bidi, Muhajir, among others.

Responding to a large number of requests from online viewers, Al Iraqi chose a selection of emotional and romantic songs from his musical repertoire, which included Sha’louma, WaslouLahabibi Salami, WahedYhebWahed, YaterandAghlaAsdekai.

Hatem Al Iraqi conveyed his warm wishes to the audience on Eid Al-Fitr and commended the efforts to make Sharjah a beacon of arts and culture. He also thanked Al Majaz Amphitheatre for its efforts to bring together artists and their fans in these unprecedented circumstances. He added that this audience deserved love and happiness.

The third concert of the series will be held tonight and feature Lebanese superstar Yara, who will perform a selection of her most popular songs. The performance will be broadcast live on Al Majaz Amphitheatre’s social media channels (@almajazamphitheatre), as well as its YouTube channel, starting 9pm.

Al Majaz Amphitheatre has emerged as the UAE’s popular cultural and entertainment destination, hosting world-class cultural events and concerts featuring internationally acclaimed artists and superstars from across the Arab world and around the world. From Greek musical legend Yanni to Latin music superstar Julio Iglesias and Arab heartthrobs like Mohammed Abdu, Marcel Khalife, Nawal El Kuwaitia, to Emirati music sensations Balqees and Hussain Al Jassmi, many musicians of note have performed at Al Majaz. It has also hosted a mindboggling variety of musical talents like superstar RaghebAlama, Mohammad Assaf, Kuwaiti artist Nabil Shuail, Najwa Karam and Iraqi star Majid Al Mohandes over the past few years.