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Over two consecutive nights, Sidon hosted the “ARIJ Music Nights” festival, in a distinguished artistic and cultural celebration organized by Al Janna Center (ARCPA) in cooperation and partnership with the Municipality of Sidon and the Tourism and Activities Committee, as part of the “Fann” project funded by the European Union. The event took place in the outdoor area of the Rafic Hariri Sports City on the city’s seafront.
The first evening was attended by Sidon MP Dr. Abdel Rahman Bizri, Sidon MP Dr. Osama Saad, represented by Mr. Khalil Metbouli, Mayor of Sidon Engineer Mustafa Hegazi, Head of the Tourism and Activities Committee Rami Bashasha, and Head of Al Janna Center Hisham Kayed, alongside a large crowd of residents and local dignitaries.
The first night featured a group of young talents led by artist Ziad Al Ahmadieh. The young artists Ahmed Al Khatib, Khaled Manna, Saleh Ghazawi, Omar Ahmed, Qamar Ramadan, and Lynn Mustafa delivered outstanding musical performances that showcased their creative talents and received enthusiastic appreciation and interaction from the audience.
On the second night, the seafront hosted an exceptional and enchanting evening featuring the renowned artist Oumeima Al Khalil, whose captivating performance blended beautifully with the gentle sea breeze and the applause of the large audience. Attendees included Deputy Mayor of Sidon Dr. Ahmad Akra, Municipal Council members Rami Bashasha, Engy Atrouni, Amer Maati, Youssef Tohme, Tayseer Zaatari, Hassan Zaatari, Majed Abdel Jawad, and Wael Qasab, as well as Brigadier General Mohammad Al Sharif, Colonel Ali Qatish, Future Movement General Coordinator in Sidon and the South Mazen Hachisho, Ramzi Marjan representing Future Movement Secretary-General Ahmad Al Hariri, Ambassador Abdel Mawla Al Solh, and a large number of Sidon residents and music and art enthusiasts.
Before the renowned artist took the stage, Al Janna Center Director Mr. Hisham Kayed welcomed the audience to “ARIJ Music Nights” and praised Oumeima Al Khalil’s unique artistic journey, describing her voice as one that lives in people’s memories and hearts. Kayed noted that Al Khalil’s career has always been distinguished by her determination to present songs that carry a human message and celebrate beauty and hope. He expressed his pride in having Sidon and ARIJ Music Nights welcome a voice that everyone loves and longs to hear.
During the concert, Deputy Mayor of Sidon Dr. Ahmad Akra delivered a speech conveying the greetings of the Mayor and members of the Municipal Council. He expressed his pleasure at Sidon hosting an evening that brings together art, youth, and creativity in the city’s public space. Akra thanked Al Janna Center, the “Fann” project, the European Union, and all partners and organizers, while also saluting artists Oumeima Al Khalil and Ziad Al Ahmadieh and his band. Dr. Akra stressed that the importance of this initiative goes beyond presenting music, as it also provides young talents with an opportunity to express themselves and showcase their abilities. He affirmed that the Municipality of Sidon believes that culture and art are an essential part of the city’s identity and its ability to strengthen social cohesion and communication. Akra also highlighted the particular significance of such events as the city prepares to be declared the “Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2027,” describing it as an opportunity to showcase Sidon’s civilizational and historical character as a city of openness, vitality, and dialogue. He extended his thanks to the security forces, the Sidon Municipal Police, and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.