DUBAI: From the UAE to India, music’s biggest stars gathered virtually on Saturday to appear during Lady Gaga"s Global Citizen One World: Together at Home concert to honor front-line healthcare workers and support the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the UAE, doctors, artists and philanthropists who are part of the global efforts against the pandemic joined the eight-hour digital event, which was broadcast and live streamed on ABC, including Emirati singer Hussain Al-Jassmi. The “Boshret Kheir” singer joined a host of international artists including Beyoncé, Elton John and Paul McCartney, to perform a piano medley of “Bahebek Wahashtini” and “Mohem Jedan.” The artist kicked off his performance with a message of appreciation to the UAE"s effort in combating the crisis. “The Emirates has provided aid to more than 15 countries around the world through ongoing medical and humanitarian aid,” he said. “I"m proud to be an Emirati and I hope the dark cloud hovering over us will end soon, so we can meet again and go back to our regular encounters, through concerts and social visits.” The livestream’s first hours also included an appearance from Emirati doctors Ajlan Al-Zaki and Aisha Al-Mundhiri who spoke up about their respective experiences as healthcare professionals dealing with COVID-19. “As I saw my fellow Emiratis go back home, I knew that being in the UAE would be the safest place for my family and myself. However, I was torn because I simply couldn"t abandon my patients and medical colleagues during this time when doctors are needed the most,” said Al-Zaki. “I knew that this is a sacrifice that I would have to make at some point in my career when I became a doctor and took the Hippocratic Oath.” The livestream also featured social media postings and news clips showing doctors and nurses being applauded by communities around the world, families greeting each other through windows, and acts of kindness in support of those who are isolated and frail. “I am a documentary filmmaker, but I decided to put that on hold when the pandemic hit and help,” said Syrian filmmaker Hassan Akkad via a video message. “I did a Google search and found out that my local hospital was desperate for cleaners,” he said. “We work long hours disinfecting and cleaning every inch of the coronavirus-dedicated wards. I work with Nigerians, people from the Caribbean, the Polish and Spanish, British and there’s me, a Syrian. We are all working together around the clock to fight this pandemic.” The event also featured appearances from Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra. The event ended with a stunning finale, as Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Lang Lang, Andrea Bocelli and John Legend united to perform Dion and Bocelli"s 1999 hit duet “The Prayer.”