Yemeni-Emirati singer Balqees Ahmed Fathi is preparing to release a new album following the Eid holiday, a project she describes as demanding significant time and effort. The artist revealed that her father, renowned Yemeni musician Ahmed Fathi, wasn’t initially impressed with the first iteration of the album and requested she revisit and rework it.
The news, reported in Arabic media, offers a glimpse into the creative process of an artist who has steadily built a prominent career in the Arab music scene. Balqees, often known mononymously, has become a significant figure blending Yemeni and Emirati musical traditions with contemporary Arabic pop. Her father’s critical feedback underscores the importance of familial influence and artistic standards within her work.
Balqees’s career began early, nurtured by a family deeply rooted in music. Her father, Ahmed Fathi, is a well-known Yemeni musician, and her mother holds both Yemeni and Emirati citizenship. This dual heritage has clearly informed her artistic identity. She officially entered the music industry in 2011, releasing her debut album, Majnoun, in 2013 through Rotana Records. Her subsequent album, Zai Ma Ana, followed in 2015.
Beyond albums, Balqees has engaged in high-profile projects that demonstrate her reach and influence. She created a music video, World Chants Zayed
, as a tribute to the 40th National Day Celebration of the United Arab Emirates, showcasing her ability to connect with national events and audiences. More recently, in October 2022, she collaborated with RedOne, Manal, Rahma Riad, and Nora Fatehi on Light The Sky
, a song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This collaboration highlights her growing international profile and ability to work with prominent artists on a global stage.
Balqees’s artistic journey isn’t solely defined by musical achievements. She also has a background in academia, having graduated from Abu Dhabi University. In 2019, she received a star on the Dubai Stars walkway, a recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry in the region. In August 2021, a wax figure of Balqees was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Dubai, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
Her personal life has also been subject to public attention. She married Saudi Arabian businessman Sultan Bin Abdullatif in 2016 and had a son with him. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2021. This period of personal change likely influences her current creative endeavors, though she has not publicly discussed the connection.
The upcoming album represents a new chapter for Balqees. The fact that her father, a key figure in her musical upbringing, wasn’t initially satisfied with the work suggests a high level of artistic ambition and a desire to meet exacting standards. The request for revisions indicates a commitment to delivering a project that reflects both her artistic vision and her family’s musical legacy.
Balqees’s recent musical output, as evidenced by Apple Music releases, includes the single Money Money Money
, released on . Prior to that, she released Masalah Sahlah (New Mix)
, Modalali
, and Ya Mtaneshna
in 2025. Her 2025 album, Samrat Balqees (سمرات بلقيس), demonstrates a prolific output and a consistent presence in the music market. The release of new music videos, including Mazagangy
and La Moustahila – Hope Makers
(a collaboration with a large ensemble of Arab artists), further solidifies her position as a leading figure in the region’s entertainment landscape.
The details surrounding the new album – its genre, themes, and potential collaborators – remain undisclosed. However, given Balqees’s track record of blending traditional and contemporary sounds, it’s reasonable to expect a project that continues to push boundaries and resonate with a diverse audience. The fact that her father’s input is so crucial suggests a potential return to her Yemeni roots, or at least a deeper exploration of her musical heritage. The album’s release after Eid will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, eager to see how Balqees responds to her father’s critique and delivers on her artistic promise.
Balqees maintains a strong social media presence, with over 16 million followers on Instagram (@balqeesfathi). Her profile highlights her role as Founder and Creative Director of @bexbeautyofficial and @bexbeautyskin, demonstrating her entrepreneurial ventures beyond music. This diversification of interests further underscores her multifaceted career and her influence extending beyond the realm of entertainment.
