DUBAI, UAE — The Dubai Opera will host its first hologram event of the late celebrated Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez who will take to the stage on May 13 and 14 during Dubai’s Eid ul Fitr festivities.

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment announced in cooperation with New Dimension Productions (NDP) and MBC Group as the organizers, that the 90-minute show will feature some of the singer’s most popular songs during what promises to be an exhilarating evening of music and nostalgia.

Hailed as one of the greatest Egyptian musicians, along with Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mohamed Fawzi and Shadia, Hafez was a prolific singer and actor whose music and films were adored by fans across the region and beyond.

A spectacular tribute to the star and the impact he had on the region, the Hafez Hologram event marks the first time this innovative and exciting technology has been used to bring the much-loved singer and his songs to life in front of an audience.

Audiences at the hologram event will be able to watch Hafez on stage thanks to NDP’s pioneering use of hologram technology and artificial intelligence to create a high-resolution 3D model that matches the artist’s face and body movements.

The show’s audio content will also astound fans of the late artist, with NDP having extracted his voice over five months to produce vocals of the highest quality and purity, which will be supported by a live 28-person band.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “We always strive to provide all that is new and distinctive to the residents and visitors of Dubai while maintaining the necessary health and safety measures, and the Abdel Halim Hafez Hologram event is a must-see event that will appeal to Arabic music fans of all ages and nationalities.

“The first-ever full hologram event to feature Abdel Halim Hafez, a true legend of Egyptian popular culture, the innovative and immersive live show will be a fitting tribute to the star and his family. Held exclusively in Dubai during Eid ul Fitr, the show is a unique opportunity to relive the incredible songs and warm personality of Abdel Halim Hafez through a combination of cutting-edge technology and powerful music.”

Hasan Hina, founder and executive producer of NDP, said: “Abdel Halim Hafez is a global icon in classical music. Presenting his legacy for fans through hologram technology is a new step in reviving Egypt’s and the region’s Arab musical heritage. The Abdel Halim Hafez Hologram event is the culmination of years of dedication and a deep appreciation of the artist’s music and his far-reaching appeal.

“By harnessing the latest light, sound and hologram technology, we are able to bring Abdel Halim Hafez to the stage and present an evening of his wonderful music to fans new and old. We are delighted to be able to exclusively stage this event in Dubai at the Dubai Opera over two nights during Eid ul Fitr.”

He added: “NDP, in cooperation with the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, is currently seeking to present a group of unique and exclusive offers using hologram technology in Dubai over the coming years, with the aim of making Dubai the capital of entertainment using holograms."

Mohammed Shabana, Hafez’s nephew, expressed his happiness that his uncle’s music was being performed at such a unique event using the most advanced hologram technology. “Abdel Halim Hafez will perform some of his best work at the Dubai Opera show during Dubai’s Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Despite his passing 43 years ago, he remains a firm favourite with music lovers across the Middle East.”

To protect and guarantee intellectual property rights, and as a commitment to Abdel Halim Hafez, NDP cooperated with rights holders from the family and heirs of the late artist, the association of authors, composers, publishers and prestigious government institutions in Egypt, to obtain all permits and approvals necessary.

The Abdel Halim Hafez Hologram event follows the success of a hologram show by the late artist Umm Kulthum by NDP and MBC Group in Dubai in 2019.

Doors open at 9.30 p.m. with the show starting at 10 p.m. The Dubai Opera event will be held in accordance with all the important health and safety rules and procedures, including social distancing and the wearing of masks. – SG