City Times

Nancy Ajram entertains guests with her latest hits

MOVE OVER DUBAI, it’s Abu Dhabi’s turn in the spotlight.

Abu Dhabi has walked off with the coveted title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’ in a shock announcement at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards, considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry. The news means that Abu Dhabi is the first destination to seize the region’s most sought after title from Dubai.

But the highlight of the evening was Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, 26, who entertained audiences with her classic hits as well as songs from her latest best-selling album, Betfakkar Fi Eih? (Are you thinking about me?). Oprah recently called her “the Britney Spears of the Middle East.”

Considered by many to be the most successful living artist in the Middle East, Ajram also works as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and has appeared at numerous functions across the UAE in recent years.

After taking the stage wearing a long, sleek aqua-coloured dress, Ajram – who gave birth to her first child last May – looked in amazing shape as she took dozens of pictures with fans on stage. Ajram even went so far as to pull away from the microphone several times during her performance to accommodate fans photo requests.

The event was hosted by Saudi-born comedian and television personality Wonho Chung and local media personality Hanane Taalah. Chung, who is fluent in Arabic, entertained guests throughout the evening by poking fun at his life as an Asian growing up in the Middle East.

The awards ceremony brought together Dubai’s high society and guest of honour, HH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid, was presented with the ‘Middle East’s Leading Personality of the Year’ award.

Still reeling in the limelight more than a decade after putting Dubai on the world map, the Burj Al Arab was presented with the ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel’ award. The iconic hotel remains a key selling point for tourists visiting the emirate from across the globe.

The overall winners will now compete against the crème de la crème throughout the world at World Travel Awards Grand Final that will take place in London this November.