DUBAI: Lebanese star Hiba Tawaji will appear live in AlUla’s Maraya Concert Hall on Oct. 29 in a performance that marks the return of music and public events to the Saudi city following the global pandemic. Tawaji, a renowned Lebanese singer, actor and director with a career spanning 14 years, has performed in leading venues around the world, and has a huge regional and international fan base. In 2017, she performed for a Saudi audience as the first female singer to bring music back to the live stage in the Kingdom. It will be the hitmaker’s first performance in AlUla. “I have always wanted to perform in AlUla, a place with such history and creative legacy,” the Lebanese soprano said in a statement. “To sing in Maraya is such an honor. We had to think carefully about this performance to do the destination and venue justice; it will be a special event.” As pandemic restrictions in Saudi Arabia continue to ease, live events, including concerts and art exhibitions, are making a return at AlUla, with a series of cultural events due to take place in the historic city in coming weeks and months. The last artists to perform at the Maraya Music Hall were US singer Lionel Richie and a Persian Nights trio of regional performers in March 2020. Tawaji will be the first in a series of exciting regional and international artists to perform in the striking mirrored structure and as part of the AlUla Moments calendar. Attendees do not need a COVID-19 test, but all appropriate safety measures and national health regulations will be implemented.