Abadi Al-Johar and Omaima Taleb to perform at the first concert of 2026 in Riyadh
On an exceptional night that graced the skies of the Saudi capital, the legendary oud virtuoso Abadi Al-Johar and the radiant star Omaima Taleb inaugurated the first concerts of the new year 2026, as part of the Riyadh Season events that continue to dazzle the world. This refined musical evening took place last night at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, under the auspices of the General Entertainment Authority and organized and supervised by Rotana Music Group, amidst a massive audience that filled the venue, eager for authentic art.
A strong start to a renewed season
This concert reaffirms Riyadh Season's global standing as a leading entertainment and cultural destination in the region, where organizers annually attract top Arab artists to deliver unforgettable musical experiences. The two stars began the evening by extending their New Year's greetings to the audience and expressing their deep gratitude to His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, for his unwavering support, which has contributed to elevating the quality of artistic events and providing a creative environment befitting the Kingdom's stature.
Omaima Taleb... a brilliant and remarkable presence
The first segment of the concert featured a dazzling performance by the artist Omaima Taleb, who presented a rich selection of 24 diverse songs, under the direction of Maestro Tamer Faydi. Omaima skillfully navigated between songs from her latest album, "What Time Is It?", and masterpieces from her extensive repertoire, creating a harmonious connection with the audience. Backstage, Omaima revealed a pleasant surprise for her fans, announcing that she is nearing completion of recording a new Egyptian album, while simultaneously emphasizing her pride in the Gulf music genre, which has been her gateway to the hearts of her audience.
The ambassador of sorrow delights lovers
In the second segment, the "Ambassador of Sorrow," Abadi Al-Johar, took to the stage with his renowned oud, delivering a captivating performance that lasted until 2:30 AM. Al-Johar performed 17 songs that deeply resonated with the audience, showcasing decades of experience in crafting music to express emotions. Despite the late hour, the audience refused to let the artist leave the stage, a testament to the profound connection between Al-Johar and his fans. Al-Johar also took the opportunity to congratulate Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club on their league victory and revealed his preparations for a new album produced by Rotana.
Anticipated artistic collaboration
The surprises of the evening weren't limited to the singing; backstage, a friendly meeting took place between the two stars, during which Omaima Taleb revealed an upcoming artistic collaboration with Abadi Al-Johar as a composer—news that was met with great anticipation by the artistic community and the public. The enchanting evening concluded with the song "Qalou Tara," bringing to a strong and promising start to the 2026 Riyadh Season concerts.
