A guide to the performances at the Arab Hope Makers awards

With a musical line up led by Mohammed Assaf, the ceremony aims to reward the best humanitarian efforts from the region

Mohammed Assaf will perform an online gig for the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Courtesy Mawazine Festival
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A star studded gala ceremony will be held tonight to honour this year’s winners of the Arab Hope Makers awards.

Held at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena and organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the annual awards aims to recognise people and institutions whose initiatives contribute to improving the lives of others.

In addition to the awards ceremony itself, the evening will feature musical performances by four leading regional pop stars. Here are the four acts performing tonight:

Mohammed Assaf

Ever since winning the 2013 season of Arabs Got Talent, Palestine's Mohammed Assaf established himself as successful recording and touring artist. Expect the singer to drop his solo hits Makanak Khaly and Ya Halali Ya Mali, in addition to performing covers of the Egyptian crooner Abdul Halim Hafez. In a previous interview with The National, Assaf said he was working on a new Hafez inspired new album.

Balquees

The Emirati-Yemeni singer is no stranger to UAE's grand occasions. After wowing crowds in Abu Dhabi last year as part of the opening ceremony of the AFC Asian Cup at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, Balquees will perform from her record-breaking 2013 debut album Majnoun, in addition to her latest album Arahenkom.

RedOne

He may not be the most immediately recognisable name among the line up, but if do a quick scan on his career and you will find RedOne's name attached to some of the biggest pop hits of the decade. In addition to co-writing and producing songs for the likes of Lady Gaga and Enrique Iglesias, the Moroccan is now transitioning into a solo artist. His performance will be a great showcase of what should be the next successful chapter of his career.

Nawal Al Kuwaitia

An always enchanting presence, Nawal Al Kuwaitia should keep things serene with her signature elegant balladry. A great exponent of the Khaleeji song, her powerful vocals made hits out of classic tracks such as Tehadidni and Tebara.

Tickets start at Dh50. More information on the Arab Hope Makers awards is available at www.arabhopemakers.com