Gossip from the Arab world

The sad childhood of Cyreen Abdul Noor

Lebanese actress and singer Cyreen Abdul Noor recently talked for the first time about her childhood. She said she didn't grow up with her mother and was "brought up by her sister".

"My dad was living in the US and we did not see our mother often because of the divorce. Divorce had a very bad impact on my family," she said.

Abdul Nour, who worked as a model before becoming an actress, said: "We were not rich. Sometimes we couldn't pay school fees, toys or birthday cakes. I had to work when I was still very young."

The artist, who got married two years ago, also confessed that she would be very strict with her children. "I want them to become responsible adults. But I will give them everything they want because I know how it feels to be deprived from the things we need.

"I also know that children need to grow up with their mother and their father."

Nawal wins custody of her children

Lebanese singer Nawal Zoghby won the custody battle for her three children last week. Zoghby's ex-husband and ex-manager Elie Deeb confirmed the information saying that he can, from now on, see the children once every fortnight. He said that he wouldn't appeal because the most important thing for him is the well-being of his children. Zoghby and Deeb are still waiting for the church to pronounce their divorce, a procedure that may take years.

Haddad sings with Wolf

Dubai-based Lebanese singer Diana Haddad recently recorded a duet with Karl Wolf. The song is titled Inta Mai, Kel Hayati (You are With Me All My Life) and its music video will be shot in Lebanon soon. Meanwhile, Haddad is going to Beirut weekly to participate in the music-based talent hunt show Najm Al Khalij (The Star of the Gulf), shown on Dubai TV. Haddad is one of three judges of the show along with Abdullah Ruweiched and Fayez Said.