Kazem El Saher and Bader Hakim shine in evenings of singing in classical Arabic, enriching the scene

On a night of artistic brilliance that soared to the heights of creativity, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran witnessed a dazzling launch of the "Singing in Classical Arabic" evenings, where the richness of the Arabic language blended with the enchanting melodies of the East. This event, organized by the Music Commission in collaboration with Ithra and Benchmark, was more than just a fleeting performance; it was a major cultural phenomenon that revived the brilliance and prominence of Arabic poetry in the hearts of the vast audience that filled the theater.

Badr Hakim... The voice of youth resonates in classical Arabic

The evening opened with promising melodies delivered by the young Saudi artist Bader Hakim, who demonstrated his strong stage presence and masterful performance. Hakim presented a set that combined deep emotion with intelligent song choices, eliciting a wide response from the audience and confirming that young Saudi talents are capable of carrying the torch of authentic art. His set included a diverse selection of songs, such as: “Qalil Aql” (Little Mind), “Qahwa” (Coffee), “Law Kan Li Qalban” (If I Had Two Hearts), “Kan Li Fiha” (I Had a Place in It), “Hal Ta’rifin” (Do You Know), and “Ahwak” (I Love You), concluding his set with the masterpiece “Ya Adila” (O Just One), setting the stage for the appearance of the Caesar of Arabic Song.

The Emperor Kadhim Al-Saher and a Journey Through the Memory of Poetry

As the audience's enthusiasm grew, the Caesar of Arabic song, Kadim Al Sahir, took to the stage, taking them on a journey through time with the masterpieces of Nizar Qabbani and his timeless love poems. Al Sahir, considered an icon of classical Arabic singing in the modern era, moved gracefully between musical modes, performing a selection of his most famous works, including: "Eid Al Ashaq" (Lovers' Day), "Fakhat Al Hob" (The Fruit of Love), "Ahbeni Bila Uqad" (Love Me Without Conditions), "Uhibbuk Jiddan" (I Love You Very Much), "Akraha" (I Hate Her), "Law Annana" (If We Were), "Illa Anta" (Except You), "Piano," and "Inni Khayartak" (I Gave You a Choice), before bringing the curtain down on the evening with his dramatic epic, "Madrasat Al Hob" (The School of Love).

Evenings of singing in classical Arabic: Strengthening cultural identity

These evenings hold strategic importance that transcends mere entertainment; they are part of the Ministry of Culture and the Music Authority's efforts to strengthen the presence of the Arabic language in the contemporary art scene. This initiative builds upon the successes of previous editions of the Classical Arabic Singing Festival in Riyadh, which attracted a constellation of Arab stars. This movement aims to connect new generations with their linguistic and literary heritage through modern musical forms, thus contributing to the preservation of Arab identity in the face of cultural globalization.

Ithraa.. An incubator of creativity and a destination for the arts

The selection of the Ithra Center to host this event reflects its pivotal role as a global cultural beacon in the Eastern Province. Since its opening, the center has consistently attracted high-quality events that enrich the Saudi cultural landscape, providing an architectural and technological environment befitting the grandeur of classical Arabic literature. This integration of space and content enhances the visitor experience and contributes to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in improving quality of life and supporting the culture and arts sector.

Regional influence and soft power

The success of such events reflects the soft power of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its ability to lead the artistic scene in the region. The large public turnout and the recitation of classical Arabic poetry confirm that public taste remains eager for refined art, and that investing in culture is an investment in Arab consciousness and sentiment, thus solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading tourist and cultural destination on both regional and international levels.