The annual awards ceremony, which was founded by Dr. Zahi Helou and Dr. Fadi Helou in Lebanon in 2000, celebrates arts and culture across the region. Over the years, the awards have recognised the achievements of some of the outstanding performers in their fields.
Expectedly, the event was a star-studded affair with several celebrities such as Emirati singer Balqees Al Fathi, Lebanese celebrity Nadine Nassib Njeim, Singer Rahma Riad, Emirati singer Ahlam Alshamsi and Moroccon singer Asma Lamnawar in attendance.
Several awards were given out during the evening including to Rahma Riyadh who took home the accolade for the year’s Best Gulf Song for her track The Planet, while Wael Kfoury’s song The Strong Girl was adjudged the Best Arabic Song of the Year. Emirati pianist, composer, musician and singer Hussain Al Jasmi also received an award in recognition of his work over the years.
Additionally, Balqees Al Fathi won the award for Best Khaleeji Singer, while Syrian actor Mahmoud Nasr also received an award at the ceremony.
Also part of the event were the awards for the Gulf Actor of the Year, which was scooped up by actor Yaqub Al Farhan for his series Rashash. The nod for the Gulf Actress of the Year Award meanwhile went to Kuwaiti actor and producer Hooda Hussain for her role in Al-Wahida Al-Wahida and Kaf Waduf.
Initially, the Murex D’or awards exclusively focused on Lebanese Artists, however this changed from the second edition which extended its remit to include Pan-Arab and regional artists.
The awards draw their name from the Phoenician Murex which was used to dye cloth in imperial Tyrian purple.
