The esteemed Egyptian artist, Taysir Fahmy, has put an end to the controversy surrounding the possibility of her return to the art scene after an absence of nearly 13 years, confirming that the decision to step away was personal and stemmed from her convictions, and that her return is contingent upon the availability of an artistic work that carries real value and respects the viewer's intellect.

A prolific artistic career and the context of distancing

Taysir Fahmy is considered one of the most prominent stars of her generation. Throughout her artistic career, which began in the 1970s, she presented diverse roles that left a clear mark on the history of Egyptian drama and cinema. She became famous for her roles in important works such as the series "Sons, But..." and "Layali El Helmeya," and the film "Ascent to the Abyss." Her withdrawal in 2012 was not merely an artistic decision, but coincided with a period of major political and social transformations in Egypt. The actress was known for her political stances and her active participation in the January 25 Revolution, which added another dimension to her decision to step away from the limelight and focus on other aspects of her life.

Transitioning to community work

In recent television interviews, Taysir Fahmy clarified that she did not isolate herself during her absence, but rather dedicated her time and effort to community work and charitable activities. She considered this period a significant turning point that profoundly impacted her personal experience and gave her the opportunity to connect with society from a different perspective, away from the cameras. She emphasized that this transition was not a break from life, but rather a move into a different realm of giving back and serving the community, reflecting her personal convictions that have always been evident in her artistic choices.

Return with conditions: Searching for content

Fahmy confirmed that she doesn't categorically reject the idea of ​​returning to acting, but she has set clear conditions for doing so. She is waiting for the right role and an artistic work that has genuine substance and aligns with her principles and convictions. She pointed out that the artistic landscape has changed significantly, and that she is looking for a good script and a meaningful screenplay that will enhance her career rather than detract from it. This stance raises questions about the nature of the works currently being offered and reflects the desire of a generation of veteran artists to maintain a certain level of artistic quality in the content presented to the public.

Latest works and potential impact of a return

It's worth noting that Taysir Fahmy's last dramatic role was in the series "Befel Fa'el" (By an Unknown Perpetrator), which aired in 2012. She co-starred with a number of prominent actors, including Tamer Hagras, Tarek Lotfy, Mirna Walid, and Raja El Gedawy. Should she return, it is expected to generate significant interest among both the artistic community and the public, as her fans eagerly anticipate seeing her back on screen in a project worthy of her illustrious career.

The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host a truly Lebanese artistic evening, as the General Entertainment Authority announced the organization of a huge concert called "Laylat Al-Arz" (Night of the Cedars) as part of the Riyadh Season 2026 events. This highly anticipated event brings together three of the most prominent stars of Lebanese and Arab music: the renowned singer Assi El Hallani, the superstar Ragheb Alama, and the star Carole Samaha, in an evening that promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

Background of the event and its cultural context

The organization of "Night of the Cedars" is part of the Riyadh Season strategy, which has become one of the world's leading entertainment festivals, to present diverse cultural experiences from around the globe. The season, which falls under Saudi Vision 2030, aims to enhance Riyadh's position as a global tourist and entertainment destination. Arab artistic evenings like "Night of the Cedars" serve as a bridge for cultural exchange, celebrating authentic Arab art and presenting it to a wide audience of citizens, residents, and tourists. The name of the event carries profound symbolic meaning, as the cedar tree is the national emblem of Lebanon, symbolizing resilience, pride, and heritage, thus lending the evening a special national and cultural dimension.

The importance of the ceremony and its expected impact

The concert is expected to be a resounding success, given the widespread popularity of the three stars in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. This event presents a unique opportunity for the Saudi public and the large Lebanese community residing in Riyadh to enjoy the masterpieces of authentic Lebanese music. Regionally, the concert reinforces Riyadh's position as a capital of Arab art and a premier platform for leading artists to showcase their talents. It also contributes to boosting tourism and the economy, underscoring the vital role of entertainment as a key sector in the national economy.

Event details and ticket release date

According to the organizing company, the "Night of the Rice" concert will take place on Thursday, February 5th, at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater in the Boulevard Riyadh City area, one of the largest and most luxurious theaters in the capital. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, January 28th, through authorized platforms, with high demand expected from fans of the three stars eager to secure their seats for this exceptional evening.

Latest works of the participating stars

This concert comes at a time when the stars are continuing their artistic activities; recently, Carole Samaha released her new song "Ma Betenterak Wahdak" (You Won't Be Left Alone), with lyrics, music, and arrangement by the late artist Ziad Rahbani. The song has received widespread positive feedback on social media platforms. Assi El Hallani and Ragheb Alama also continue to release successful artistic works and perform concerts for large audiences throughout the Arab world.

A firm denial and reaffirmation of principles

In a decisive statement, the family of the late artist Abdel Halim Hafez refuted recent rumors circulating on social media platforms, which claimed that an Israeli delegation had visited the home of the "Dark-Skinned Nightingale." The family described these reports as "completely baseless," emphasizing that they constitute a grave insult to the legacy and stature of an artist considered one of the most important symbols of Arab artistic and cultural identity.

The statement, published on Abdel Halim Hafez's official Facebook page, emphasized that the late artist's home is not open to the public and that any attempts at contact from any Israeli entity in this regard were met with immediate and categorical rejection. The family affirmed that this stance is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a natural extension of Abdel Halim Hafez's principles, which he never deviated from throughout his illustrious artistic career.

Historical background: The Nightingale and the Voice of the Nation

To understand the dimensions of this stance, it is essential to return to the historical context that shaped Abdel Halim Hafez's consciousness. The Nightingale was not merely a sentimental singer; he was a voice that expressed the dreams and aspirations of the Arab nation during a pivotal period in its history. His name was inextricably linked to the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser and the July 1952 Revolution, as his patriotic songs, such as "Sora" (Image), "Ehna El Shaab" (We Are the People), and "Adda El Nahar" (The Day Has Passed), became anthems that ignited the passions of the masses from the Atlantic to the Gulf. His songs were an integral part of the Arab nationalist narrative, and his positions clearly reflected his complete commitment to national causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

The significance of this denial lies in the fact that it transcends being merely a family clarification; it represents a protection of a significant cultural and national legacy. In light of the political shifts the region is witnessing and the normalization efforts underway, figures of Abdel Halim Hafez's stature are viewed as impregnable cultural bulwarks. Linking his name to any form of contact with Israel is considered by his admirers and those familiar with his history to be a direct attack on his image as an artist committed to the causes of his nation. Therefore, the family's response was swift and decisive, emphasizing that the Nightingale's humanitarian and national legacy is no less important than his artistic one, and that preserving both is a responsibility that cannot be compromised.

Protecting heritage from distortion

The family added in their statement that Abdel Halim Hafez was a man of unwavering principles who never compromised his national convictions. They emphasized that their commitment to protecting his legacy is a duty to his history and to the millions of his fans in the Arab world who were deeply connected to his art and his stances. They asserted that spreading such malicious rumors aims only to drag his name into a political and media controversy that is completely at odds with the truth and constitutes a grave insult to the stature he has cultivated in the public consciousness for decades.