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Artist spotlight: Emirati soul singer, Arqam Al Abri
Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations – these are just a few of the legends who shaped soul music. With roots in gospel, rhythm and blues, the genre carries strong associations and even stronger expectations. But prepare to have those expectations upended – Arqam Al Abri is here to challenge the preconceptions of what a soul singer looks and sounds like. We stumbled upon singer Al Abri during a random doomscroll on Instagram and were blown away by his voice. We watched as the Emirati/Omani gentleman, who was born and raised in Dubai, effortlessly belted out Use Somebody by Kings of Leon. Arqam al Abri Dressed in a navy-blue kandura and a white ghutra, the Emirati soul singer easily evoked goosebumps. And clearly, it's a common feeling, because the singer has over 60,000 followers on social media, and every comment was nothing but praise. We just knew we had to reach out to him to get to know the man behind the stunning voice. When asked about his inspiration, Al Abri tells us he grew up in a house full of music. 'My dad was a musician and had a massive music collection that we used to listen to. Music from legends such as Elvis, James Brown, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and more. We used to sneak into his room to listen to his music and I think that inspired us.' The singer also shares that his first memory of music is hearing his father sing. When asked when he realised he could sing in that way, he laughed and said 'sing like what?' However, he added he had no formal training and had a voice coach for just a couple of weeks. It's a constant learning curve, Al Abri admits. 'I like to think I learn from every musician I've jammed with – from guitarists and keyboard players to drummers and singers. Every rehearsal, every performance is a lesson.' Other singers who strongly influenced him include his own brother Abri, and other prominent names in the soul singing business including Sam Cooke, Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is an album Al Abri tells us he can listen to on repeat. When asked if he faced any challenges being a soul singer in the UAE, Al Abri shared 'The early days were difficult, I can't complain though. Challenges are what makes you who you are.' However, it looks like his hard work and dedication has paid off, because he has not only performed in some top venues here in the UAE, he also sang alongside internationally acclaimed pianist, Lang Lang. When asked if being Emirati influences his music, he said 'To a certain extent, I add some elements of our music into my songs. I've sampled the Ayala in one of my songs Towards the Light… slipped in some Oud into another original Leaving, and I often perform live with an amazing Oud player – Nezar Omran.' Al Abri also writes his own songs which the world can listen to on Spotify and Apple Music. According to the singer, he is hoping to do more to merge Khaleeji music and soul music in his next EP (extended play). And it looks like his dreams will soon become a reality, because Al Abri happily shared that he was 'fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Ministry of Culture to produce and EP.' He added, 'It will be a fusion of Emirati/Khaleeji music and soul music – around four or five songs.' He is working on a few campaigns and is excited to share them with us soon. Al Abri said that he was fortunate enough to sustain himself through his music during the Covid-19 lockdown when he was unsure of his decision to leave his job, he wrote a song called Heavy. 'It starts off fairly sad, but then becomes more hopeful and determined towards the end. It's also the first song where I played guitar on my own track.' When asked what's something that people might be surprised to learn about him, he chuckled quietly and shared, 'I am fairly reclusive… very demure… very mindful…' He also shared that one of his favourite songs to perform is Creep by Radiohead. 'It's such a beautiful song. For someone like me that isn't necessarily comfortable being around a lot of people, I can relate with the song.' 'It's been an incredible journey to be able to do something that, I hope, is able to touch people and make a decent income from,' he said. However, when he is not dabbling in music, Al Abri unwinds by spending time with his cats. For emerging artists in the region, Al Abri has one simple piece of advice: 'Find out who you are. It'll show in your music.' Follow Arqam Al Abri on his musical journey on Instagram @
Observer
30-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
North Al Batinah contributes 11.1% to Oman's GDP
MUSCAT, JUNE 30 North Al Batinah Governorate is fast becoming a major economic driver for Oman, contributing 11.1% to the national GDP in 2024—up from 3.7 billion Omani rials in 2023 to 4.3 billion rials in 2024, marking an impressive 16% growth. This transformation is the result of a clear, strategic roadmap led by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the governorate, closely aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Unlike traditional action plans, the Chamber's approach focused on empowering the private sector, improving the business environment, and enhancing institutional performance. A total of 88 targeted initiatives and programmes were launched, covering service development, system integration, and investment promotion. These efforts have reshaped the governorate's economic structure and boosted its national standing. Heavy industries were the main contributors, generating RO 1.9 billion — 44.2% of the governorate's GDP. The logistics and services sector followed with RO 1.1 billion, or 25.6%, while agriculture and other diversified sectors made up the remainder. This diverse portfolio highlights the region's sustainable and balanced development model. Saeed al Abri, Chairman of the Chamber in North Al Batinah, attributed the success to effective planning and institutional leadership. 'This progress is the result of structured planning and strong performance monitoring. The Chamber has moved beyond advocacy—it actively links the private sector to national goals,' he said. Al Abri also stressed Oman's global trade advantage: 'Oman has some of the lowest customs duties on exports, thanks to our balanced foreign policy and trade agreements. Our products are trusted and competitive worldwide.' North Al Batinah's strategic location on the Arabian Sea, combined with advanced infrastructure such as Sohar Port and Freezone, and Industrial City, continues to draw global investment. The logistics sector plays a vital role in reducing operational costs and enhancing efficiency. As the region cements its role as a key trade and industrial hub, North Al Batinah is not only boosting Oman's economy but also offering a model for regional-led development. With strong partnerships and consistent execution, it is well on its way to becoming a globally connected engine of growth.
Observer
25-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's strength in air safety receives global acclaim
MUSCAT: Oman's strong track record in air safety received global acclaim when it scored 94.4 per cent in the implementation sustainability index and a perfect 100 per cent in the facilitation compliance index. These achievements placed Oman 4th globally among G20 nations and 3rd in the Middle East in aviation security. This came during the annual review of Civil Aviation Authority's milestones and global achievements on Wednesday in a press conference by Eng Nayef bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Al Abri said these results reflect Oman's firm commitment to aviation security and readiness to maintain high compliance. The Authority will continue working with partners to implement audit recommendations and uphold international standards. The ICAO audit team praised Oman's inter-agency coordination, the competence of its national workforce and the effectiveness of its emergency security plans. Solidifying its status as a regional leader in aviation security Oman recorded outstanding results in the ICAO's Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA), conducted from February 9 to18, 2025. The audit assessed compliance with international aviation security standards outlined in the Chicago Convention. The audit covered eight core elements, including legislation, training, licensing, quality control and response to deficiencies. It also addressed nine key domains such as airport and aircraft security, passenger and cargo screening and prevention of unlawful acts. In line with Oman Vision 2040 and digital transformation goals, the CAA launched an upgraded version of the Oman Meteorology website and mobile app during the annual media meeting. The revamped platforms offer real-time, location-based weather updates with an intuitive user interface and a colour-coded alert system for severe conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, fog and high waves. Al Abri said the launch of the upgraded platforms represents a leap forward in the digital services and reflects a dedication to delivering precise, advanced services that empower the public to respond proactively to weather changes. Marking the 50th anniversary of Oman's membership in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the CAA launched a commemorative stamp. The stamp was jointly unveiled by Eng Nayef bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and Sayyid Nasr bin Badr al Busaidy, Chief Postmaster General at Oman Post.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Observer
New projects inaugurated ahead of Khareef
SALALAH: In preparation for the upcoming Khareef Dhofar Season, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several new tourism projects across the governorate. The newly opened facilities include the Dhofar Private Museum, an 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah with 216 rooms. These additions bring the total number of licensed tourism establishments in Dhofar to 100, collectively offering more than 8,000 hotel rooms. A new tourist information centre has also opened at Al Haffa Beach Market to enhance visitor services. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director-General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the significance of the khareef season as one of Oman's most important tourism events. Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), he noted that the unique monsoon climate makes Dhofar a prime destination attracting visitors from different countries. New projects inaugurated ahead of Khareef The ministry has implemented a comprehensive promotional campaign for this year's khareef season as part of its broader tourism strategy. Early marketing efforts included participation in international travel exhibitions such as the Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality officials held a press conference to announce the season's events. Additional promotional workshops were conducted in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, highlighting new direct flight routes to Salalah Airport operated by airlines including Flynas, Saudi Airlines (Flyadeal), Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways. Al Abri explained that the ministry's strategy focuses on extending the tourism season over 100 days while managing visitor distribution across three distinct periods between June 21 and October 10. The peak season from mid-July to late August typically sees the highest occupancy rates, while the ministry is working to boost visitation during the shoulder seasons through targeted marketing and special travel packages. — ONA
Observer
03-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye
Muscat, June 3 The Sultanate of Oman launched its first tourist hot air balloon as part of the 'Oman Balloons' project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Türkiye, during the promotional phase of the project. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to develop and diversify the tourism product while enhancing Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, announced that the hot air balloon will arrive in Oman by September, with operations starting in October at Stars Gate Camp in Bidiyah. 'Our objective is to make Oman an attractive hot air balloon destination. We plan to participate in all the tourism festivals conducted in different governorates of Oman. We would also like to have a school to train hot air balloon riders. We will also be the agents for the Pasha Balloons to be represented in other GCC countries,' he said. Al Abri emphasised Oman's heritage, unique features, nature and tranquillity, noting that hot air balloon adds entertainment and adventure to the tourism experience. The project aims to bring international expertise in hot air balloon tourism to Oman, enhancing tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors. "Oman Balloon No 1" will begin flights from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore Oman's diverse tourism attractions from the sky. The hot air balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and is designed to withstand Omani weather conditions, with a capacity for up to 20 passengers and a technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for its role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This initiative showcases Oman's natural and cultural heritage from an innovative perspective, attracting a wider range of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.
