Egyptian star Mohamed Hamaki has put an end to the widespread speculation on social media regarding his absence from the music scene, announcing his strong return to his fans with a highly anticipated concert as part of Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia. This announcement puts an end to the anticipation among his fans, confirming his continued commitment to delivering the high-quality art his Arab audience has come to expect.

A highly anticipated return in Riyadh Season

Hamaki revealed the promotional poster for the concert on his official Instagram account, announcing that the date for his performance will be February 12th. This concert marks the Egyptian star's return to live performances after a short hiatus. He chose Riyadh Season as the venue for his comeback, given the season's global reach and exceptional organization, which attracts leading artists from the Arab world and beyond.

The importance of the event and its artistic context

Mohamed Hamaki's concert at Riyadh Season holds special significance, not only because it puts an end to rumors of his retirement or a long absence, but also because it is being held at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater, one of the region's iconic venues, which has hosted a host of legendary singers. Hamaki's participation further solidifies the season's position as a premier entertainment destination in the region, as the Saudi General Entertainment Authority is keen to attract prominent artists with broad fan bases, a description that perfectly fits Hamaki, who enjoys immense popularity in the Gulf and Egypt.

A special message to the Saudi public

Hamaki made no secret of his feelings towards his Saudi fans, sending them a heartfelt message: "I've missed you so much, people of Saudi Arabia! I'm looking forward to seeing you at the concert on the Abu Bakr Salem stage." This message reflects the strong bond between the Egyptian artist and the discerning Saudi audience, whose previous concerts in the Kingdom have consistently drawn sold-out crowds and exceptional audience engagement.

A diverse collection of old and new songs

During the evening, Hamaki is set to present a rich selection of his songs, blending romantic classics with contemporary rhythms. The source confirmed that the setlist will include hits such as "Zayha Min," "Wala Malama," "Men El Bedaya," and "Ahla Haga Fiki," in addition to musical surprises from his new works, which he has been working on during his recent absence, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the concert.

Ticket release details

In a related development, the concert organizers announced that tickets will officially go on sale to the public on February 4th at 8:00 PM Mecca time. High demand is expected as soon as tickets are released, given Hamaki's immense popularity and the public's eagerness to attend his live concerts.

Background of absence and artistic activity

It's worth noting that Mohamed Hamaki's last public appearance was during his New Year's Eve concert in Jordan, preceded by a notable performance in Al-Jalala City in Ain Sokhna three months prior. Those close to the artist explained that the period of relative absence following those concerts was dedicated to focusing and working diligently on his new musical project, aiming to present his audience with works worthy of his artistic legacy, before deciding to make a grand comeback through Riyadh Season.

In a move reflecting the rapid cultural development in Saudi Arabia, the Professional Literary Association officially announced the formation of its award secretariat, appointing critic Dr. Adel Khamis as the award's secretary-general. This announcement culminates the association's efforts to institutionalize cultural work and establish professional standards for evaluating and honoring literary achievements.

The announced list includes a distinguished group of literary and intellectual figures with extensive experience in the Saudi and Arab cultural scene, lending significant weight and credibility to the award's outcomes. In addition to the Secretary-General, the secretariat comprises Dr. Fawzia Abu Khalid, the renowned novelist Abdo Khal, Dr. Suad Al-Mana, and the poet Ahmed Al-Mulla. The convergence of these names within a single secretariat is indicative of the high standards the award aims to achieve in this cycle, given the accumulated expertise these members possess in the fields of criticism, narrative, poetry, and academia.

Award categories and comprehensive vision

In his statement following his appointment, Dr. Adel Khamis explained that the award aims to encompass all aspects of the literary landscape through seven main categories: the Achievement Award (Literary Personality of the Year), the Poetry Award, the Narrative Award, and the Literary and Critical Studies Award. The award also recognizes those who support literature, dedicating categories to "Ambassadors of Literature," "Literary Institution Award," and "Literary Contribution Award," which honors those who support the sector. Khamis expressed his best wishes to all writers in the nation, noting that submissions will be received through the official platform, which details all the terms and conditions and judging procedures.

renewed cultural context

The launch of this award and the formation of its secretariat come within the context of a major transformation underway in the Kingdom's cultural sector as part of Vision 2030. Cultural work has shifted from traditional individual or institutional efforts to the realm of specialized professional associations. Through this initiative, the Professional Literary Association aims to create a fair and competitive environment that motivates creators to improve their work and opens broader horizons for writers and researchers to present their achievements within a framework that appreciates creative effort and values ​​its societal impact.

Importance and expected impact

This award is expected to create a significant impact on the local and regional scene, not only because of the value of its prizes, but also because of the professional standards that the judging panel will apply under the supervision of this carefully selected secretariat. The existence of specialized awards for institutions and supporters, alongside creators, strengthens the concept of the "cultural industry" and encourages the private sector and non-profit organizations to invest in literature as a soft power and a cultural resource, thus contributing to enhancing the presence of Saudi literature in international forums and consolidating its standing.

In a formal and decisive response to the recent controversy on social media, Egyptian producer Shady Makar broke his silence to clarify the accusations leveled against the creators of the series "Awlad Al-Ra'i" (The Shepherd's Sons) regarding the alleged plagiarism of its promotional poster from the Turkish series "Hilim Ashraf" (Ashraf's Dream). This visual similarity sparked a wave of discussions among viewers and followers of the highly anticipated Ramadan drama.

The truth about the quote and product explanation

In an exclusive statement to Okaz newspaper, producer Shadi Muqar expressed his astonishment at the exaggeration of the matter, pointing out that the world of graphic design often witnesses unintentional instances of "shared ideas." Muqar explained that a superficial similarity in colors or composition does not necessarily imply an intention to plagiarize or steal, emphasizing that the design of the "Sons of the Shepherd" poster stemmed from the heart of the work's events and reflects its dramatic atmosphere and storyline entirely independently.

The phenomenon of comparisons in Arab drama

This incident is part of a recurring trend in the Arab art scene, where audiences have become more discerning and observant of any similarities between local and international works, whether in storylines or visual elements. This increased public scrutiny is a sign of viewer awareness, but it can sometimes unfairly penalize original works based on mere superficial similarities in artistic elements. Critics consistently emphasize the importance of judging a work of art after its release and viewing its dramatic content, rather than making premature judgments based on promotional material.

Details of the series "The Shepherd's Sons" and the Ramadan competition

Mokar categorically denied any connection between his series and the aforementioned Turkish work, asserting that the audience would discover the fundamental differences and originality of the approach once the first episodes aired. "The Shepherd's Sons" is considered one of the most prominent contenders in the upcoming Ramadan television marathon, belonging to the social drama genre and consisting of 30 episodes, which addresses issues relevant to everyday life.

Stars of Action Battalion

The creators of the series are banking on its exceptional cast, which includes a selection of top stars from Egypt and the Arab world. The lead role is played by Maged El Masry, alongside Nermin El Feky, in addition to the strong return of Ahmed Eid and a special appearance by the veteran actor Khaled El Sawy. The cast also includes Ehab Fahmy, the Algerian star Amal Bouchoucha, and the esteemed actress Fadia Abdel Ghani. The series is directed by the distinguished director Mahmoud Kamel, who aims to deliver a visual and directorial vision worthy of the participating stars and to compete strongly in the most important drama season in the Arab world.