DUBAI: US rapper Post Malone – known for tracks like “Rockstar,” “I Had Some Help” and “Sunflower” – will perform at the 2025 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday Dec. 5, organizers have announced.
“Beautiful Things” singer Benson Boone was previously announced as the opening act of the series on Thursday Dec. 4. Heavy metal band Metallica are set to perform on Saturday Dec. 6. And finally, US singer-songwriter Katy Perry will perform on Sunday Dec. 7.
Malone previously performed at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He then returned in 2022, taking to the stage at Etihad Park.
Cast member unfurls large Palestinian flag on London’s Royal Opera House stage
Royal Ballet and Opera says protest ‘completely inappropriate for a curtain call’
Member of audience describes protest scenes as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘incredible’
Updated 20 July 2025
Arab News
LONDON: A cast member unfurled a large Palestinian flag on stage during the curtain call of “Il Trovatore” at the Royal Opera House in London on Saturday, prompting a brief scuffle with an official attempting to stop the protest and remove the flag.
A video shows a performer in a tussle with an official, as they refuse to relinquish the Palestinian flag, and continue to display it, at one point shaking it gently.
Seconds later, other officials, thought to be staff at the Royal Opera House, were shouting messages to the protesting actor from the wings, who looked ahead and appeared to ignore them. At the same time, the audience continued to applaud the performance.
Royal Ballet and Opera said the protest was “completely inappropriate for a curtain call.”
A spokesperson told the BBC: “The display of the flag was spontaneous and unauthorized action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is not in line with our commitment to political impartiality.”
During the tussle, two performers beside the protester lurched to the side, while cast members further forward appeared oblivious to the situation.
Palestinian flags are commonly seen at protests supporting Gaza, as Israeli attacks on the Palestinian coastal enclave have continued since late 2023.
The flag of Palestine has also appeared at major events in the UK, including the Glastonbury Festival, where some bands and artists have featured it on stage.
The identity of the cast member remains unclear. “Il Trovatore” concluded its 11-night run at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on Saturday.
One member of the audience posted on X: “Extraordinary scenes at the Royal Opera House tonight.
“During the curtain call for ‘Il Trovatore,’ one of the background artists came on stage waving a Palestine flag.
“Just stood there, no bowing or shouting. Someone offstage kept trying to take it off him. Incredible.”
Starring Yaqoub Al-Farhan, Saad Al-Shatti, Khaled Abdel Aziz and Ibtisam Ahmed, the film is set against the backdrop of the 19th-century northern Arabian desert in winter. It was penned by Saudi novelist Ahmed Al-Hokail and blends the revenge genre with Bedouin soap opera tropes, according to Variety. The film “(crafts) a unique narrative tailored for an Arab audience,” according to a Telfaz11 statement. “Rooted in an authentic Saudi perspective, ‘Al-Gaid’ aims to revolutionize the landscape of Saudi epic films,” the statement added.
Telfaz11 is a homegrown creative and media studio that has been behind successful Saudi projects like “Sattar,” which became the highest-grossing Saudi movie in the first three months of its release, and “Mandoob,” which beat “Wonka” from Warner Bros. on its opening weekend in Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Although she does not star in the film, Bahrawi is one of many Saudi stars whipping up excitement over “Al-Gaid,” with the likes of actress Mila Al-Zahrani and creative director Ahmed Al-Kaabi taking to her comments section to discuss the new movie.
No stranger to success herself, Bahrawi starred in “Norah,” the debut feature of Saudi filmmaker Tawfik Al-Zaidi, which screened in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section in 2024. The film received the Special Mention accolade at the event.
The movie, shot entirely in AlUla, is set in 1990s Saudi Arabia when the professional pursuit of all art, including painting, was frowned upon.
Besides Bahrawi, the movie also stars Yaqoub Al-Farhan and Abdullah Al-Satian. It follows the story of Norah and failed artist Nader as they encourage each other to realize their creative potential in rural Saudi Arabia.
The movie was backed by the Red Sea Fund — one of the Red Sea Film Foundation’s programs — and was filmed with an all-Saudi cast and a 40 percent Saudi crew.
“I’m living the dream. Inshallah, I’ll reach bigger and higher goals. I have all the opportunities in the world, now it’s up to me to take them,” Bahrawi previously told Arab News while discussing the film
She was named the EQUAL Arabia ambassador for July, coinciding with the release of her new album, “Nancy 11.” EQUAL Arabia is a program that aims to amplify the work of women creators by giving them international recognition.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Ajram is known for hits such as “Ah W Noss,” “Ya Tabtab” and “Badna Nwalee El Jaw.” She has released several chart-topping albums, blending traditional Arabic melodies with modern pop, and has built a wide fan base across the region and internationally.
Her first look was a floor-length, long-sleeved gown featuring a fitted bodice, a full skirt and an extended train. The dress was adorned with intricate silver embroidery and embellishments, paired with a cathedral-length veil and a matching headpiece that echoed the gown’s ornate detailing.
For her second look, she donned a champagne-toned gown with a deep V-neckline and vertical metallic embroidery. The design featured a dramatic overskirt and a long, matching veil.
Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission participates in Avignon Festival in France
Updated 19 July 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission is taking part in the 79th edition of the prestigious Avignon Festival in France this month. This year’s festival shines a spotlight on the Arabic language, making it a fitting platform for showcasing the richness of Saudi cultural expressions.
The commission’s participation features four traditional performing art forms — Al-Khatwa, Khabiti, Liwa, and the Ardha of Wadi Al-Dawasir — alongside the theatrical production “Tawq.” Through its presence the commission aims to elevate Saudi performing arts while introducing contemporary Saudi theater to international audiences and fostering cultural exchange.
The play “Tawq,” which is directed by Fahad Al-Dossari, boasts a talented cast, including Ahmed Al-Zekrallah, Fatima Al-Jishi, Maryam Hussein, Abdulaziz Al-Zayani, Khaled Al-Huwaidi, and Shahab Al-Shahab. The performance promises to be a highlight of the festival, offering a glimpse into the evolving narrative of Saudi theater.
The play ‘Tawq’ is directed by Fahad Al-Dossari. (Supplied)
Al-Dossari told Arab News: “For me, any theatrical work is an integrated work, meaning that the harmony between all the elements and their quality is what creates this theatrical state, whether at the level of the idea, the directorial vision, the performance, or the scenography. This is what constitutes the strength of the theatrical performance.”
He stressed the significance of participating in the Avignon Festival, describing it as a “window to the world.”
Al-Dossari believes that the language of theater transcends borders, serving as a universal medium for conveying messages, ideas, and cultural narratives, and added: “This is what we seek in this important participation.”
The Star Program has played a vital role in enabling creative individuals in the theater sector to transform their ideas into reality. Al-Dossari noted the diversity of concepts and visions that have emerged, highlighting creativity in all aspects, from decor and costumes to music and acting performances.
He expressed gratitude to the authority for its unwavering commitment to fostering development and creativity within the sector.
As the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission makes a mark at the Avignon Festival, it stands as a testament to the dynamic cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia and its dedication to sharing its artistic heritage with the world.
