At the Sorbonne, Ghalia Benali performs "The Star of the East"

On an exceptional night that blended the fragrance of the past with the authenticity of the present, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi hosted its first ever Arabic concert, dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the icon of Arab singing, Umm Kulthum, and to honoring the luminous status of Arab women in the realm of art and culture. International Tunisian artist Ghalia Benali shone on this magical evening, expressing her overwhelming happiness at participating in this prestigious tribute.

Ghalia evokes "the lady" with a heartbeat and a jeweled story Following the end of the concert, which shook the university to authentic Arabic music, Ghalia Benali wrote a touching message in which she revealed the secrets of her artistic journey on that immortal night. She wrote on her Instagram account, words that express deep feelings and appreciation: “When I wanted to recall Umm Kulthum, I sang her songs that reside in my heart, with all love and respect for what they embody, for a memory that still beats.” Then she added, pointing to a very significant detail: “Then I thought of my beloved Azza Fahmy, and I thought of a piece of jewelry, perhaps designed by her, that resembles the ancient Egyptian kurdan, and carries within it all this meaning. She lent me all her love. I did not wear it as an ornament, but as a story.” She concluded her message with an abundance of thanks and gratitude: “Thank you to the elegant Azza Fahmy, and thank you to the Sorbonne for hosting the first concert in Arabic.”

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The Sorbonne celebrates Umm Kulthum's legacy with a high-profile attendance and public interaction. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi organized this exceptional musical evening as part of its noble initiatives to honor the immortal achievements of women in various fields, from the arts to education and scientific research. The distinguished artist Ghalia Benali performed a selection of the most wonderful masterpieces of the Star of the East at the university’s Zayed Theater, amidst remarkable audience interaction that infused the atmosphere with a scent of nostalgia for the era of authentic singing and contemplation of the greatness of the art of “the lady.” The evening witnessed a prominent presence embodied by Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the UAE National Orchestra, and Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Director General of the Orchestra, reflecting the importance of this cultural event. Ghalia was accompanied on her musical journey by three skilled musicians: Mufadel Adhoum on oud, Khaled Abu Hijazi on drums, and Vincent Noiret on cello, who, with their harmony, added a special charm to the performance.

"Umm Kulthum Hall"... The Sorbonne immortalizes the legend's legacy In a highly symbolic gesture of appreciation, the university announced during the evening the renaming of its famous Oval Hall to "Umm Kulthum Hall," in honor of this exceptional artist whose art transcended time and space, to commemorate her intergenerational cultural and artistic legacy, and to recognize her status as an inspiring icon across the Arab world. In addition to this elegant musical evening, the university earlier in the week organized an interactive art workshop that gave students and visitors the opportunity to express the spirit of Umm Kulthum’s music through drawing, adding a creative and experimental dimension to the tribute atmosphere and encouraging creative engagement with this great artistic legacy. This event was generously sponsored by Nadine Kaaki Al Nowais and supported by Abu Dhabi Mall. The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of Umm Kulthum’s passing and was part of the university’s broader initiative to celebrate female icons under the theme of honoring female entrepreneurs and supporting future generations of female leaders. The attendance at this remarkable evening exceeded 450 people, including a select group of students, faculty members, prominent cultural figures, and members of the local Abu Dhabi community, reflecting the great interest in Umm Kulthum’s legacy and the importance of this cultural initiative.