Fadel Shaker returns to stage with Riyadh concert after 14-year absence

Saudi Arabia's entertainment authority has announced a comeback concert for Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker in Riyadh, his first in nearly 14 years.

• Turki Al Sheikh, head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, announced Shaker's concert on October 22 at the Abu Bakr Salem Theatre.
• The concert, titled "Return of the Absent One," is part of Riyadh Season, with tickets due to go on sale on October 7.
• The show will be Shaker's first since retiring in 2012 after more than a decade hiding in Lebanon's Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp.
• Lebanon's military court released Shaker on bail in July and lifted his travel ban, months after his October 2025 surrender to the army.
• Turki Al Sheikh released a video with Shaker, calling the booking a historic moment and praising him as an authentic star close to Saudi hearts.
• Al Sheikh reacted to heavy ticket demand by joking that his phone 'exploded' with requests.
• Shaker won two awards at the Joy Awards 2026 ceremony ahead of his Riyadh Season comeback concert.
• The Riyadh concert programme will include his most popular hits alongside his more recent releases.