Watch: Artist dedicates song about orphans to Year of Giving

Sharjah - Speaking exclusively to Khaleej Times, Bukhatir, who is based in Sharjah, said the UAE is one of the most caring countries across the globe

Whereas all Emiratis and residents are geared up to have the honour and be part of the inspiring 'Year of Giving' initiative, popular Emirati singer Ahmed Bukhatir, known for his tuneful voice, has preferred to chip in with his most recent Arabic album 'Yateem' or 'Orphan'.
Speaking exclusively to Khaleej Times, Bukhatir, who is based in Sharjah, said the UAE is one of the most caring countries across the globe. "The UAE is always there for everybody in need of help."

The initiative is so amazing and reflects how the UAE Rulers do care for others, he added. "I am very happy to be part of this great country that is always ready to support vulnerable people, disregard of their religion, race, colour, language and ethnic background."
It is pure humanity that proudly speaks volumes here, Bukhatir said. "The UAE has an awesome record in effectively taking part in humanitarian causes around the world by giving food, water, clothes, medicine and shelter."
The promising drive is also good for Emirati people, he underscored. "It helps us come closer to each other, spell our energy and effort in helping others, learn how to aid and make that part and parcel of our culture, flesh and blood."
In his recent album, Bukhatir tries to shed light on what's going on in the world and the impact of the current wars, disputes and fights on young children, particularly in the Arab countries.
"Lots of people have been killed, seriously injured, tortured and displaced. They have fled their own countries to look for a safer place," he said. "But, young children are the most affected by this fight."
So many kids end up having no parents, with no where to stay in or go to, no food to eat and no one to take care of them, Bukhatir added. "Lots of children die of hunger, bitter coldness, serious injuries and lack of medical care."
Such dilemma has inspired Bukhatir to come up with this album to develop awareness of the whole world on the suffering of those vulnerable children who have nothing to do with the entire fight, Bukhatir underlined.
"My message in the clip embedded with English titles, is that those children need us and our help. We have to be there to support them by all possible means."
The lyric of the album was written by well-known poet Hisham Zarzor, based on the idea Bu Khatir gave him. "The 5.35-minute album has been composed and sung by me," he said.
Shot in Algeria's Al Qasba town, the clip spotlights a chapter in the story of orphans' suffering, and how important it is for everyone to take action, Bukhatir elaborated. "The other part of the album was shot in a huge park in Algeria."
The album, produced by Fadi Tulbi, has gone viral on social media and websites, adding that it is so far viewed by over 115,000 people.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
WHAT IS YEAR OF GIVING?
The year 2017 will be the Year of Giving in the UAE, the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced last week.
To ensure its success, the focus will be on three major themes: Strengthening social responsibility in the private sector, promoting spirit of volunteerism and specialised voluntary programmes in all segments of society, and strengthening the concept of serving the nation in the new generations.
Strengthening social responsibility in the private sector institutions is aimed at encouraging their role in serving the country and contributing to its development. The spirit of volunteerism and specialised voluntary programmes in all segments of society will enable them to provide genuine services to the UAE society and benefit from its competencies in all fields.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

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