Renowned Algerian Rai Singer Rachid Taha Passes Away

Rachid Taha. (AFP)
Rachid Taha. (AFP)
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Renowned Algerian Rai Singer Rachid Taha Passes Away

Rachid Taha. (AFP)
Rachid Taha. (AFP)

Renowned Algerian singer Rachid Taha passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59. He suffered a heart attack at his France residence.

“It is with regret and immense sadness that his son Lyes, his family and relatives, his friends and his record label Naïve, announce the death of artist Rachid Taha, following a heart attack overnight at his home in the Lilas [near Paris],” read the statement sent to AFP.

Taha was one of Algeria’s most famous Rai singers.

Born in Algeria, he immigrated with his family to France when he was ten years old.

He gained fame in France in 1980s, fronting the Carte de Sejour band with its unique blend of Western punk rock and Algerian Maghrebi music.

As a solo artist, Taha shot to international stardom with the remixed version of “Ya Rayah”.

He was preparing to launch a new album in 2019.



‘Saudi Winter’ Features 1,000 Events for Unforgettable Experiences

 Riyadh hosts the world’s largest winter entertainment events (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh hosts the world’s largest winter entertainment events (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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‘Saudi Winter’ Features 1,000 Events for Unforgettable Experiences

 Riyadh hosts the world’s largest winter entertainment events (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh hosts the world’s largest winter entertainment events (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) launched the “Saudi Winter” events calendar on Saturday, highlighting seven key destinations across the kingdom.

Visitors from around the world can enjoy over 1,000 experiences and events, along with more than 500 special offers.

The Saudi Winter calendar includes events and activities scheduled to take place in 7 destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Hail.

The events will run from October 2024 until the end of the first quarter of 2025.

Moreover, the Winter calendar includes several outstanding events and seasons, such as Riyadh Season, Diriyah Season, AlUla Season, Madinah Season, and the Jeddah Calendar.

Additionally, it features special experiences such as the Dakar Rally, MDL Beast, Saudi Cruise, and the Islamic Arts Biennale. It also includes hiking trails, camps and caravans in winter destinations.

The Visit Saudi platform provides more details on the Saudi Winter Program 2024-2025, special offers, promotions and packages. The first phase of the program involves more than 50 offers in collaboration with private sector partners.

Recently, the Minister of Tourism and the STA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, announced the launch of the Program, during a workshop with tourism stakeholders to discuss the recent achievements, goals and challenges.

“With the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s leadership to the tourism sector, and with the efforts of the tourism sector and private sector partners, we launch the Saudi Winter calendar, as part of the Saudi Winter Program,” he said.

“This raises our hopes and aspirations to achieve new remarkable milestones, underscoring our efforts to attract more tourists through the ongoing campaigns that target local and international markets,” added Al-Khateeb.

On this occasion, the CEO of the STA, Fahd Hamidaddin, emphasized the progress of Saudi tourism, highlighting the recent accomplishments and record-breaking figures.

He also invited tourists from around the world to enjoy the Saudi Winter program, which has tripled the number of events and activities compared to last year, and offers unprecedented packages and offers that suit various categories of tourists.