3-D hologram duets with a leading light in showbiz

Contest has singers performing alongside hologram of famous Lebanese singer Yara.

Sara Abdul Hamed, 17, from Egypt, sings alongside a hologram of the Lebanese singer Yara.

DUBAI // More than 150 people so far have taken part in an entertainment contest at the Dubai Mall using 3D high-definition hologram technology for the first time in the Emirates.

Contestants sang along to hits by the famous Lebanese singer Yara in karaoke style, surrounded by holograms of the singer.

Organised by All To One Media in collaboration with MBC's Coke Studio music show, the contest was intended to give the community a chance to explore a variety of Arabic music.

While most contestants so far have been Arabic speakers, singers from countries such as the UK, Australia and Afghanistan are joining in. The songs' lyrics are in Arabic and English.

Mohammed Hashem, 20, from Afghanistan, said he saw the contest as an opportunity to test his Arabic.

"Music is my passion," Mohammed said. "I love to sing and to speak Arabic. I decided to participate as I saw it as a great opportunity to use Arabic."

Videos of the contestants' performances are to be posted on the competition's Facebook page for voting.

The 10 people who receive the most votes will win high-definition headphones.

The contest is to be repeated in Abu Dhabi between next Thursday and Saturday.