Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Nawal is considered by many as the number one singer in the Arab world and has millions of fans across the Arab world
Arab singing superstar Nawal Al Kuwaitia is all set to rock music lovers of Sharjah and the UAE at the stunning Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, the new Roman colosseum style-architectural masterpiece on the East Coast, on Nov.18.
Nawal is considered by many as the number one singer in the Arab world and has millions of fans across the Arab world. She is known as “Gulf Guitar” and Qaitharat Al Khaleej (Harp of Khaliji Song).
She studied at the Music Institute in Kuwait and her first album was released in 1984. Many of her albums are not titled, but rather are referred to by number (e.g. Nawal 1984, Nawal 1985).
She was once asked the reason for this and responded: “I take pride in all the songs of my album and therefore I don’t refer one to the other, and I leave the album untitled so that I do not impose a certain song on the dear listeners, but I leave the choice open to them.” She has also filmed many music videos (mainly in Lebanon) and was one of the first Khaliji artists to do so.
A general view of the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.
Initially, she was reluctant to perform in public and suffered severe stage fright at her first concert in Bahrain in 1984. However, she soon became accustomed to singing publicly and eventually appeared in a variety of venues throughout the world.
She rose to fame in the 1990s with a series of successful songs: “Ya Msabbir Il Mwuoud” (“You Await Your Date”), “Tadri Wala Matadri” (“Do You Know or Don’t You”), “Tehadidni” (“You Threaten Me”), “Yooh Ya Yooh” (“Oh What I Am Experiencing”) and “Tebara” (“Abandon”).
She also performed an opera at the 1998 Al Janadiriyah Festival that marked the 100th anniversary of Saudi Arabia. It will be the first time that Nawal will be performing at the new amphitheatre in Khorfakkan, on the East Coast of Sharjah. The Kuwaiti superstar is looking forward to her date with fans in the UAE against a stunning backdrop of the Khorfakkan city with its popular artistic, cultural and tourist landmarks, including its famous beach.
The UAE audience are in for a treat as Nawal will sing her most popular songs as well as new ones, including “You are good,” “Al Quloub Al Sahih,” “I found my soul,” and many other masterpieces that have left an imprint on the Gulf music scene.
The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, an architectural wonder built in 2020 as a gateway to art, culture, creativity, music and theatre arts, aims to provide an integrated experience, featuring a wide range of artistic and cultural events and activities, film shows, concerts and theatrical performances.
Designed to be a global destination for classical and contemporary arts and to cater to all sections of society, it is built in an area of 80,000 square feet and can accommodate 3,600 spectators.
Combining Roman architectural design and Islamic civilisational heritage, it is an exceptional landmark and icon, overlooking the Khorfakkan beach from its location in the heart of the Said Mountains.
The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is managed by Sharjah Government Media Bureau.