Iraq's Kadim al-Sahir defies Gulf boycott with Qatar concert

Iraqi superstar Kadim al-Sahir is defying an Arab boycott of Qatar and holding a concert in Doha for the Gulf emirate's summer festival.

The world-renowned singer is scheduled to sing at Qatar's National Convention Centre on 17 August, despite a boycott of the emirate's cultural events by fellow Gulf states.

On 5 June, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt cut all ties with Qatar, closing its only land border, banning planes from their airspace and barring Qatari nationals from passing through their airports.

They accused Qatar of allegedly supporting and funding "terrorism" and working with regional rival Iran - charges Doha vehemently denies.

The decision has disrupted disrupted trade, split families and raised fears of military confrontation in the Gulf region.

Saudi and Emirati entertainment companies cancelled all of their scheduled events in Qatar due to the dispute.

The Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, cancelled concerts by Saudi star singer Mohamed Abdu and Kuwait's musical icon Nawal al-Kuwaitia that were initially scheduled for 18 August.

Egyptian singer Hani Shaker, who also heads Egypt's Musicians' Syndicate, urged Arab singers in a statement on Thursday to cancel any scheduled Doha concerts in line with the Arab boycott of Qatar's summer festival.

He did not mention Sahir's name, but his statement came shortly after the Iraqi singer's concert was announced.

However, speaking to Erem News website, Shaker described al-Sahir as a "friend", urging him to take a "similar decision" to Mohamed Abdu and Nawal al-Kuwaitia.

"I am very surprised by Arab singer who perform in Egypt and praise it, and then sing in Qatar and praise its ruling family," he said.

Shaker's statement provoked angry reactions among social media users, who defended al-Sahir's decision to hold his concert in Qatar.

Translation: The great Kadim al-Sahir refuses to cancel his concert for Qatar's summer festival, while Rotana and many singers cancelled theirs.

Translation: Kadim al-Sahir refuses to cancel his concert in Qatar. He is an artist, and he has nothing to do with political disputes.

Others supported Shaker and argued against holding the event in Doha.

Translation: Hani Shaker asked Kadim al-Sahir not to take part in Qatar's summer festival. Artists do not have to be peace doves, but at least they should not be horns of war.