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Arts/Entertainment

“Music Connects People to Identity”: 40 Minutes with Layth Sidiq

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Layth Sidiq is a Grammy-nominated violinist, composer, educator, and the artistic director of the New York Arab Orchestra. Born in Iraq and raised in Jordan, in a musical household that welcomed artists from across the world, he began his violin studies at the age of four. Trained … Continued

What Disney’s New Resort Means for Tourism in the Gulf

By: Ramsey Zeidan/Arab America Contributing Writer In a recent press release from The Walt Disney Company and Miral, the United Arab Emirates based company that develops popular cultural tourist attractions, Disney has announced plans for a landmark theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be Disney’s seventh global resort, as well … Continued

“Lead with Your Arabness”: 40 Minutes with Roula David

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Roula David is a creative force in Detroit’s music and nightlife scene, known for her visionary leadership at Spot Lite and UFO Factory. Growing up between Arab and American cultures, she developed a deep, lifelong connection to music that spans hip-hop, house, soul, and jazz. Roula’s journey … Continued

“Tuning into My Heritage”: 40 Minutes with Zekkereya El-magharbel

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Zekkereya El-magharbel is a musician, designer, theorist, composer, and educator, originally from Los Angeles, California, and now based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Raised in an Egyptian household, Zekkereya’s work seamlessly blends diverse cultural influences, drawing from both their heritage and the broader musical world. Zekkereya’s journey reflects … Continued

“Connect with Your Roots”: 40 Minutes with Firas Zreik

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Firas Zreik’s musical journey is one of passion, tradition, and exploration. A Palestinian composer and qanun player, he blends the rich sounds of Arabic music with influences from jazz and beyond. Raised in a family of musicians, Firas was immersed in music from a young age, which … Continued

The Moon Sets on Eid, Abdel Halim’s Music Shines Too

Yara Marei/ Arab America Contributing Writer “To the same place we go, in the cycle of a lifetime, we are lost, in the cycle of a lifetime…” With these timeless lyrics, Abdel Halim Hafez’s voice transcends generations, stirring emotions of love, longing, and fate. His melodies bring back memories of past Eids, family gatherings, festive … Continued

Nasri Shamseddine’s Voice Lives On: A Tribute from His Loved Ones

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Content Writer Nasri Shamseddine was a renowned Lebanese singer and actor. He was celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and significant contributions to Lebanese folk music and was a longtime collaborator with musicians across the Middle East. He performed in musicals, plays, and films that captured the essence of … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz—aka Danny Thomas

This is the seventy-seventh of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, arts, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. Our seventy-seventh pathbreaker, Danny Thomas, American actor, singer, nightclub comedian, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, was born to Lebanese Syrian immigrant parents. Contributing writer, John Mason highlights Danny’s role as a hugely popular entertainer, only matched by his lifelong dedication to his charity, St. Jude. He died in 1991.

The Timeless Charm of Al-Karak

By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing writer Long ago, in the heart of Jordan, a city stood tall on the hills, Al-Karak. It was a place of kings and warriors, where battles were fought and history was made. A mighty castle was at the center of it all, watching over the land for centuries. … Continued

“Music as an Escape”: 40 Minutes with Sommer Forrester

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Sommer Forrester’s journey through music and identity is one of blending cultures, disciplines, and personal resilience. Sommer is an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she leads the music education program. Raised on a rich tapestry of Arabic music and Western classical influences, she … Continued

Celebrating Pathbreakers for National Arab American Heritage Month

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Dr. John Mason has launched a series celebrating Arab American pathbreakers across various fields, from entertainment and business to science, academia, and politics. This initiative highlights the rich diversity of Arab Americans—men and women from different ancestral backgrounds making an impact in a wide range of professions. … Continued

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