He tries and triumphs: John Achkar's ‘AAM JARRIB' scores big in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI: Lebanese comedian John Achkar, who is on a world tour, touched down in the UAE capital on Sunday night as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season.
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle
Achkar performed his latest special, 'AAM JARRIB' ('Trying' in English), before upcoming stops in London, Paris and Sydney on a tour that wraps up in October.
'John has been trying new things for 34 years, and he's still trying,' his grandmother sang in a video that opened the show.
A post shared by John Achkar (@johnachr)
At 34, Achkar claims he does not like trying new things — but as the show unfolds, it is clear he excels at turning the discomfort and quiet fulfillment of those rare efforts into comedy gold.
He paces the stage, piecing together absurd real-life misadventures — a botched sailing trip or an outrageously inappropriate skydiving incident — into hilarious anecdotes.
At one point, Achkar calls out what he jokingly dubs a modern epidemic — ADHD — which he says has become a socially accepted excuse to dodge plans. Fittingly, his performance is a whirlwind of energy: Fast-paced, delightfully chaotic and entirely on brand.
True to form, Achkar's commentary on Lebanon is bold but affectionate. He jokes that almost every restaurant blasts the internet-famous patriotic anthem 'Lebanon Will Return,' even as the country teeters on the edge of war. The satire is sharp, never cynical.
A post shared by John Achkar (@johnachr)
Behind him, a detailed sketch of the Lebanese coastline hangs throughout the performance — a quiet yet unmistakable tribute to his identity.
The show ended on the perfect note as the same anthem he mocked earlier blasted through the speakers, with the crowd bursting into applause and laughter — a full-circle moment.
In 'AAM JARRIB,' John Achkar does not just try — he soars. And the audience, just as energized as he is, soars with him.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
9 hours ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Amigos' — Mexican dining in Riyadh
If you are seeking a Mexican dining experience in Riyadh, look no further than Amigos. Stepping in felt like a warm hug from an old friend. The restaurant has maintained its charm over the years, and aside from some new touches, the heart and soul of Amigos remains as it was. The ambiance is simple and unpretentious, reminiscent of a small-town cantina. So, if hearty, soul-warming Mexican food is what you crave, this is the place to be. During my recent visit, we indulged in a variety of dishes, including nachos, shrimp tacos, chicken quesadilla and even a hot dog. Each item left me feeling eager to return for more. The homemade nacho chips, guacamole and salsa were delightful, and the quality of the beef was exceptional. Every bite was just like I remembered. I also tried a meat taco, which could have been better with some toppings like avocado and sour cream. The meal came with fried potatoes and rice, though I found the nachos a bit lacking in quantity. I visited Amigos based on a recommendation and was impressed by the ambiance and the food. The staff were also attentive, making for a wonderful dining experience. We left completely satisfied. While the portions could be larger for the price — about SR50 riyals ($13) for a decent burrito or SR40 for tacos — the quality makes it worthwhile. For those raised in Riyadh, Amigos represents a soulful corner of the city that stays evergreen.
Arab News
16 hours ago
- Arab News
Huda Kattan reclaims full ownership of Huda Beauty
DUBAI: Huda Kattan announced on Tuesday that she regained full ownership of Huda Beauty, the brand she founded in 2013, following the end of an eight-year partnership with private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ In 2017, TSG acquired a minority stake in Huda Beauty. As of 2025, Kattan has bought back that equity, making the brand fully independent once again and one of the few major beauty companies that is 100 percent founder-owned. A post shared by Huda (@huda) 'Taking back full ownership of Huda Beauty is a deeply very important moment for me,' said Kattan. 'It says that while many of us dreamers have visions that we are told are too big or not possible to do alone, in actuality, you have all the power you need to change the world yourself! This brand was built on passion, creativity, and a desire to challenge the beauty industry. As we step into this new chapter, I'm more committed than ever to pushing boundaries, staying true to our roots, and showing up for our incredible community every step of the way.' Kattan, who serves as founder and co-CEO, now leads the company alongside her husband Christopher Goncalo, also co-CEO, and her sister Alya Kattan, who oversees social strategy. A post shared by Huda (@huda) Kattan is recognized as a Fortune 40 Under 40 honoree, one of Forbes' Self-Made Women in the US, and one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East, as well as a TIME100 Impact Awards recipient and one of TIME's 25 Most Influential People on the Internet. Her brand is known for a number of cult-favorite products, including the Easy Routine trio — Easy Primer, Easy Blur and Easy Bake Setting Powder. A post shared by HUDA BEAUTY (@hudabeauty) The brand has also received industry recognition for its product quality and innovation, earning accolades such as the Allure Best of Beauty Award, Elle Beauty Award and Cosmopolitan Beauty Award. Just last week, the brand was ranked the world's most popular beauty brand in the latest Cosmetify Q1 2025 Beauty Index. The Cosmetify Index ranks beauty brands each quarter based on factors such as search volume, social engagement and brand visibility. The brand topped the global list ahead of industry names such as Dior, Fenty Beauty, Rhode and Rare Beauty. The brand also topped Cosmetify's list in 2019 and 2020. In 2018, the company was valued at more than $1 billion by Forbes.
Al Arabiya
16 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Exclusive Saudi karate prodigy Abdullah Alqahtani hopes to emulate Tarek Hamdi
Four years ago, Abdullah Alqahtani was watching on television as Saudi karateka Tarek Hamdi won an Olympic silver medal for the Kingdom in Tokyo. Hamdi's karate silver was an instantly iconic sporting moment for Saudi Arabia; for Alqahtani, it was transformational. As a promising young karateka himself, Alqahtani saw a fellow Saudi competing – and winning – at the highest level of the sport. He was immediately imbued with a belief that he could follow in Hamdi's footsteps and Alqahtani – now 17 years old – has recently been making his own mark on the sport of karate. For more Saudi sports news, visit our dedicated page. 'Tarek Hamdi's Olympic silver medal was tremendously motivating for all of us Saudi athletes,' Alqahtani told Al Arabiya English in an exclusive interview. 'I remember watching him compete and it showed us that with perseverance and hard work, we can achieve our goals at the highest levels. 'What I admire most in athletes like Tarek are their qualities: unwavering determination, mental resilience in the face of challenges, discipline in training, sportsmanship both in victory and defeat, and their ability to be positive ambassadors for their countries. 'I'm particularly drawn to athletes who maintain humility despite their success and I can confirm Tarek is not only an exceptional athlete but also has a wonderful personality, which makes him a positive role model for younger karateka like myself. 'His achievement inspired us to continue pushing our limits.' Alqahtani has pushed particularly hard in the years since the Tokyo Olympics, aided by the support of the Saudi Karate Federation and Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. In 2024, he achieved a crowning moment in his burgeoning karate career, winning the World Junior Male Kumite +76kg title. Alqahtani took home the gold medal after beating Italian home favorite Federico Supino in the final of the competition in Venice-Jesolo last October. 'Winning the World Junior gold was an incredible and emotional experience,' Alqahtani recalled. 'The moment was particularly special because I had the opportunity to raise the Saudi flag at this prestigious international event. 'It was a profound feeling of pride – not just for my achievement, but for representing my country on the world stage. The culmination of years of hard work made that moment truly unforgettable.' Alqahtani admits he was first drawn to practicing karate 'purely by chance' but quickly realized he had a level of proficiency that lent itself to competition. While most other teenagers his age in Saudi Arabia tend to focus their attention on football, Alqahtani's life has been karate-centric for several years now. 'As I developed my skills and gained more experience in competitions, I began to understand that with dedication and proper training, I could reach the international level,' he said. 'I love karate because it's much more than just a physical sport. It teaches fundamental values like respect, discipline, and self-confidence. These principles have shaped not only my athletic career but also my character and approach to life. 'The mental aspects of karate are as crucial as the physical techniques, creating a balanced development.' The dual physical and mental demands of karate are significant in competition, when one little slip or small lapse in concentration can result in a defeat. It is for that reason that Alqahtani undergoes a rigorous training regimen. 'I train daily throughout the week, and I've got used to this routine,' he explained. 'Staying consistent means I can refine my techniques, build endurance, and maintain mental focus for competition. 'A daily commitment is essential for competing at an international standard. It can be tough but I've come to learn that what might seem challenging initially becomes manageable with practice and dedication. 'This mindset has helped me overcome various obstacles in competition. The key is persistence and believing in the training process.' Alqahtani will continue to compete internationally within 2025 as he seeks more experience and, of course, more success. Unsurprisingly, his ultimate sporting goal is to emulate compatriot Hamdi and win an Olympic medal in karate. As things stand, however, it is an impossible dream. The Tokyo Games was karate's debut as an Olympic sport but it was removed from the roster for Paris 2024 – and will not be included at Los Angeles 2028 either despite making it onto the initial shortlist. Alqahtani is hoping that by the time the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia rolls around, karate may return to the Olympic fold. 'One of our biggest aspirations is to see karate reinstated as an Olympic sport, which would allow us to compete for Olympic medals,' explained Alqahtani, who will be 24 in 2032. 'This is what we all hope for as karate athletes. The opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia at the Olympic Games would be the pinnacle of our sporting careers. 'We continue to train and compete with this dream in mind, hoping that karate will be reinstated in the Olympic program in the future. Achieving success at the highest international levels and continuing to develop as an athlete remains my focus. I want to reach my full potential in this sport that has given me so much.'
