Saudi Arabian crooner Rabeh Saqr will perform at The Mother of the Nation Festival. The popular artist and master balladeer will lead a sprawling programme of international and regional musical talent performing as part of the 12-day event on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The 58-year-old Saqr, known for hits such as <em>Ya Nasiem Alail</em> and <em>Sabrien,</em> will headline the first festival concert on March 12. Joining him is the star DJ Nicky Romero, who will close the festival on March 22. The Dutchman, who is behind the 2013 club hit <em>I Could Be the One</em>, will perform a 90-minute set that will also include fireworks. “This will be the first time I’ve performed in Abu Dhabi and I’m very excited to make my debut in the UAE’s capital city. The spirit of the Festival captures a beautiful sentiment, one that I have witnessed constantly on my travels as an international DJ – the power of music to bring people together, regardless of age, culture or nationality,” he said. “This is surely something to celebrate, and I can’t wait to get on stage and give the crowd a show to remember.” Other artists tapped to perform include Omar Dean, Amjad Shakir and Jad & The Band, all of which appeared on the television talent quest <em>The Voice, Ahla Sawt.</em> The regional hip-hop and R'n'B community will also be well represented with leading acts including the popular Emirati soul man Abri and Kuwaiti duo Sons of Yusuf. They will be joined by Dubai based talents, the RnB singers Layla Kardan and Shebani, singer-songwriter Danny Aridi and the veteran hip-hop DJ Dany Neville. Performance timings will be released soon. <em>The Mother of the Nation Festival runs from March 12 to 23 from 4pm to 10.30pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 2pm to 11.30pm (Thursday to Saturday). Tickets are Dh25 per adult and Dh20 for children between ages 6 to 12. Entry is free for senior citizens who are 60 years and above and for all people of determination. For details go to <a href="http://www.motn.ae">www.motn.ae</a></em>