Nancy Ajram to Make Her Comeback at Royal Albert Hall: Here Are the Arab Icons Who Have Owned That Stage
Nancy Ajram is officially heading back to the Royal Albert Hall in London, more than 20 years after her unforgettable 2004 debut. Now crowned “Queen of Arabic Pop” by Spotify, she’ll take the stage again on June 28, 2025.
If you know, you know: performing at Royal Albert Hall is a massive deal. Opened in 1871 and named after Queen Victoria’s husband, it’s one of the most iconic venues ever. The Beatles and Frank Sinatra have taken the stage, and royals like Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana have made appearances there.
For Arab artists, getting on that stage isn’t just about the music; it’s about making history. Before Nancy’s big night, here’s a look back at the Arab legends who lit up that stage before her.
Nancy Ajram (Lebanon)
2004
In 2004, Nancy Ajram owned the Royal Albert Hall. At just 21, she lit up the stage with charm, and a voice that stole the show. With hit songs like “Ah W Noss,” it was the start of her reign as an Arab pop icon, and fans knew they were witnessing something legendary.
Abdel Halim Hafez (Egypt)
1967
When Abdel Halim Hafez performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 1967, it wasn’t just a concert; it was a moment etched into history.
Coming just a few months after the Six-Day War, Halim captured the raw emotion of the time.
He performed iconic songs like “Ada El Nahar,” “Ala Hasab Wedad,” “El Tawbah,” and “Sawaah,” but it was his performance of “Al Maseeh” that received one of the greatest ovations of his career.
The song mirrored the resilience of the Arab world, and the crowd felt every word.
The Ayoub Sisters (Egypt/Scotland)
2020 and 2025
The Ayoub Sisters first hit the Royal Albert Hall stage, with a violin and cello in hand, in 2020. They blended classical music with unexpected remixes, including a jaw-dropping version of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”
They returned again on April 24, 2025, bringing the energy back with live performances from their album Arabesque, a beautiful tribute to Arabic music through their genre-blending style.
Every time they step on the Royal Albert Hall stage, it feels like a conversation between old traditions and new sounds.
Fairouz (Lebanon)
1986
Fairouz’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1986 was pure magic. With her unmistakable voice singing about love, exile, and hope, she filled the venue with a haunting kind of beauty that only she could create.
Fairouz didn’t need flashy effects; her timeless ballads about Lebanon and Palestine said everything.
Banah (Palestine/Canada)
2022
Banah brought something fresh to the Royal Albert Hall, mixing classical Arabic hits with a modern twist.
She reimagined songs by giants like Umm Kulthum, Abdel Wahab, and Asmahan, weaving nostalgia and innovation into one unforgettable night.
Banah’s performance felt like flipping through the golden age of Arabic music but with a totally new soundtrack.
Majida El Roumi (Lebanon)
1995
In 1995, Majida El Roumi became one of the first Lebanese artists to step onto the Royal Albert Hall stage. She turned the concert into an emotional journey through history, poetry, and song.
Majida’s performance was elegant and moving, a true milestone moment for Arab artists on a global platform.
Fatma Said (Egypt)
2019
Fatma Said made headlines in 2019 when she became the first Egyptian woman to perform at the Hall.
Her show combined stunning opera vocals with subtle nods to her Egyptian heritage, bridging two worlds effortlessly. Fatma’s performance didn’t just break barriers, it opened doors.
Kadim Al Sahir (Iraq)
1997
When Kadim Al Sahir took the Royal Albert Hall stage in 1997, he brought pure emotion with him.
He performed fan favorites like “Kathir Al-Hadith,” “Alamni Hobbak Sayidaty,” and “Zaidini Ishqan,” each delivered with his signature romantic intensity.
The night also saw a special moment when Tunisian singer Latifa joined him onstage to perform “Qasidat Al-Quds” — adding a powerful duet to an already unforgettable concert.
A Legacy to Live Up To
The Royal Albert Hall isn’t just another venue; it’s a landmark where Arab artists have shared stories of heartbreak, pride, and hope.
Nancy Ajram’s return in 2025 adds her name to a list of icons who made history. If the past is anything to go by, her show is going to be one for the books.
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