The music scene in the Arab world is as dynamic as ever. From pop stars to indie artists, spanning Morocco to Saudi Arabia, it continues to inspire, challenge and showcase the evolving sound of the region.
With that in mind, The National will be regularly updating this list of the best songs of 2025, highlighting the freshest sounds from rising talents to established stars.
1. Fealan Mabyetneseesh by Tamer Hosny and Ramy Sabry (January 6)
Elissa and Saad Lamjarred's 2022 hit Min Awel Dekika demonstrated that Arab pop collaborations can work, despite their relative rarity. Perhaps the solid partnership between Egyptian pop titans Tamer Hosny and Ramy Sabry will inspire more artists to join forces in the studio. This lush ballad fully capitalises on their respective strengths. Trading verses, both singers navigate the emotional spectrum of heartbreak, from isolation to denial, adding extra dynamism to a song that might have felt standard if recorded solo.
2. Al Harbein by Bessan Ismail (January 7)
Al Harbein is shaping up to be one of the biggest songs of the year, with more than 45 million YouTube streams in its first two months. Syrian singer Bessan Ismail captures attention with a slick, polished Arab Levant pop style and surprisingly rich, deep vocals in a song exploring the emotional weight of regret and the reflections it inevitably brings.
3. Exile by Saint Levant (January 14)
Personal identity and homeland continue to be key themes in Saint Levant’s increasingly salient body of work. Both strands feature in this pulsating single, as the Palestinian-Algerian artist strips away the anguish of being away from home and compares the predicament to a tumultuous relationship. He sings: “So tell me, where did the time go? Do you ever think of me?” Such searching questions are tempered by winningly nonchalant vocals and muted dance beats that make Exile all sound so current and cool.
4. Counting Two Lives by Faraj Suleiman (January 17)
A key piece in Palestinian singer-songwriter’s album Maryam, the plaintive track about seeking permanence in a war-torn land is especially poignant. The focus on everyday domestic comforts we often take for granted, from the scent of cooking to “the stillness of the carpet” makes this ballad even more heartbreaking.
5. Ma Nasaitak by Othman Sharari (January 20)
Saudi sheilat music has been having a moment over the past three years. These folk songs, characterised by autotuned vocals and extended verses delivered in a form of sung poetry, have amassed billions of views on YouTube. The genre thrives on themes of celebration, from weddings and mass gatherings to tribal pride, to the occasional love song. Ma Nasaitak by Othman Sharari falls into the latter category, though it steers clear of the excessive lovesick regret typical of Arab pop ballads. Instead, Sharari delivers a more resolute perspective on a fading relationship: “I've had enough of love. Oh, the misery of my heart, where is the cure?”
6. Barki Byesmaani by Ghaliaa (January 24)
After building a regional cult following with a series of beautiful stand-alone singles and last year’s Le’beh EP, Syrian singer and Abu Dhabi resident Ghaliaa is set to raise expectations even further with her coming debut album, Nafsi El Oula. Even though the lead single, Barky Byesmaani, is only two minutes long, it captures her intimate, hushed singer-songwriter style while expanding her sound with bright arrangements. An ode to personal freedom, it’s another confident step forward for the talented artist.
7. Tarat Tarat Tat by Lella Fadda (January 25)
This striking track by the Egyptian-Italian singer is a searing critique of the challenges Arab women face – whether in oppressive relationships, societal expectations or rigid gender roles. “If he hits me, it's for my own good. If he hits me, it's normal – he’s my friend,” Fadda raps in a hushed monotone, underscoring how such disturbing realities are normalised. Backed by a minimal yet hypnotic beat, with down-tuned acoustic guitar and bass, Tarat Tarat Tat is a compelling statement and an introduction to a bold new voice in the Arab indie music scene.
8. Wayak by Nada Nader and Lemhallwess (February 5)
Moroccan trap-hip-hop meets Egyptian RnB in this standout pairing between rapper Lemhallwess and singer Nada Nader. His deep, gruff raps dovetail into Nader’s sweet vocals, creating a vibe-heavy track that will have you nodding along in no time.
9. Tnkr by Wegz (February 11)
Being at the top of the game is not as glamorous as it seems, according to Wegz. The rapper, considered a leader in the hip-hop scene, turns up the intensity with a defiant track taking aim at jealous peers and the apathy of the commercial music industry to Egyptian hip-hop.
10. Argeen by Soulja (February 13)
Named after the Sudanese-Egyptian border crossing, Argeen by Sudanese rapper Soulja channels that cross-cultural journey by blending traditional North African rhythms with vocals inspired by Egyptian and Sudanese folk music. Soulja reflects on the pain of displacement and how a sense of stability can be found with family and community.
11. Ana Min by Marilyne Naaman (February 15)
The Lebanese singer took on double duty in Ramadan, performing the theme song Ana Min for the well-received Syrian drama Bil Dam, while also appearing in a supporting role. Translated as 'who am I?', the affecting and sparse ballad echoes the central refrain of the series' main character as she prepares to see her mother for the first time.
12. Taht Sabe’ Ard by Al Shami (February 26)
In one of the more intriguing musical offerings of Ramadan, Syrian singer Al Shami stays true to his signature sound in the theme song for the hit Levantine police drama Taht Sabe’ Ard. The track blends bold folk melodies with soft-spoken Arabic rapping – an ear-catching fusion that perhaps underscored the series’ broad appeal.
13. Aktar wa Aktar by Sherine (March 1)
Egyptian singer Sherine reminds us of her pedigree with this effervescent song about the importance of family ties. Translated to 'more and more' and released as part of a campaign for a telecoms company, the track is vintage Sherine – blending upbeat, playful instrumentation with her signature vulnerable vocal delivery. The song comes at a time when tabloid headlines about Sherine's personal life have often overshadowed her artistry. Aktar wa Akyar is a testament to the artistic heft and charm that made her a household name.
14. Qulubuna Aqrab by Tamer Hosny (March 1)
Critics of Tamer Hosny are quick to argue that his success relies more on undeniable charisma than artistic risk. While there may be some truth in the idea that Hosny has rarely pushed his vocal limits in the recording booth over the past two decades, when he lands on the right song the results can be near perfect.
This frothy single, also released as part of a promotional campaign for a telecoms company, leans on his signature emotive croon for a sunny take on the ups and downs of family life. Paired with an emotional video tracing a couple’s journey from their wedding day to becoming grandparents, Qulubuna Aqrab is the kind of bittersweet song Hosny can deliver in his sleep – and in this case, we’re all the better for it.
15. Qalbi Fil Madinah by Maher Zain and Harris K (March 9)
A blockbuster pairing, nasheed superstars Maher Zain and Harris J came together for this standout Ramadan release. While many nasheed tracks forgo instrumentation, this one is backed by Mediterranean-infused guitar melodies reminiscent of Amr Diab's work. Yet despite the contemporary flair, the song stays true to its spiritual roots, with both artists trading verses in a heartfelt tribute to the sacred city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
