Biggest oud exhibition in the Arab world opens in Riyadh
As part of the activities of Riyadh Season, the General Entertainment Authority announced on Sunday the launch of the biggest oud-related music event of its kind in the Middle East taking place in the Music section at Riyadh Boulevard until March 30.
The event will also include a three-day oud competition called “King of Oud” between 10 participants from different Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia.
- Event will include a three-day competition called ‘King of Oud’
JEDDAH: As part of the activities of Riyadh Season, the General Entertainment Authority announced on Sunday the launch of the biggest oud-related music event of its kind in the Middle East taking place in the Music section at Riyadh Boulevard until March 30.
The event will also include a three-day oud competition called “King of Oud” between 10 participants from different Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Royal Court adviser and chairman of the GEA, Turki Al-Sheikh, announced the competition on March 22 via his official Twitter account.
FASTFACTS
• Candidates will perform in front of an audience, and will be rated by five oud professionals on a jury.
• The panel will feature players and composers, and include Hamad Brosli, Khaled Mohammed Ali, Mamdouh Al-Jabali, Abdullah Bahchwan, and Charbel Rouhana. The event represents the largest Arab gathering of oud players.
• The competition is aimed at embracing and reviving musical heritage among the Saudi community through the medium of the instrument and traditional music.
In a video, the he explained that the competition is a wonderful chance for every oud player to participate from around the globe to will the title of “King of Oud,” and that participants can apply by sharing a video of themselves playing the instrument to: Contest@oudnight.com
Al-Sheikh tweeted: “Waiting for all talented oud players from around the Arab world and the globe.” 
Candidates will perform in front of an audience, and will be rated by five oud professionals on a jury. The panel will feature players and composers, and include Hamad Brosli, Khaled Mohammed Ali, Mamdouh Al-Jabali, Abdullah Bahchwan, and Charbel Rouhana.
The event represents the largest Arab gathering of oud players.
According to the GEA, the competition is aimed at embracing and reviving musical heritage among the Saudi community through the medium of the instrument and traditional music.
The event will also feature two oud-related exhibitions: A huge collection of the rarest ouds from around the world, and an array of the most famous and distinguished oud manufacturers in the world.
Contestants will perform on the first and second day from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., with the “King of Oud” announced at 9. p.m. on day three. The award ceremony will be followed by a 90-minute oud closing show.
