The Inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards: The 2024 Winners and Highlights

The first-ever Billboard Arabia Music Awards (BBAMAs) lit up the stage on Wednesday (Dec. 11) at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This landmark event celebrated the incredible talent shaping Arabic music, honoring artists who dominated Billboard Arabia’s charts throughout the year, alongside several honorary awards, including Icon of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and the Cultural Impact Award. 

This event underscores the growing significance of Arabic music on the global sound map, as it joins K-pop, Latin and African music among the fastest-growing music markets worldwide. Arabic music is echoing across the globe through a surge in international concerts, cross-cultural collaborations and a celebration of its rich and diverse sounds—all under the trusted Billboard umbrella.

Winners of the BBAMAs were determined based on their performance on Billboard Arabia’s diverse charts: the Hot 100, Artist 100, dialect-specific charts (Khaleeji, Egyptian, Levantine and Magharebi) and genre-specific charts such as Arabic Hip-Hop, Arabic Indie, Shelat and Mahraganat. These categories reflect Billboard’s signature approach to celebrating music that resonates globally.

Sherine’s music and voice continue to leave an undeniable mark on the Arabic music landscape, as she swept five awards, reflecting her continued ability to resonate with fans across the region. Not far behind was Al Shami, who claimed four awards, and ElGrande Toto, who took home three trophies, while Abdul Majeed Abdullah was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, in addition to Artist of the Year – Khaleeji Dialect and Top Male Artist – Khaleeji Dialect. Meanwhile, the Cultural Impact Award was posthumously presented to the late and iconic singer Etab by Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, honoring her enduring legacy and profound influence on Arabic music.

The evening was marked by electrifying performances from regional and global superstars. Elissa delivered an unforgettable medley of some of her greatest hits against a cinematic, visually stunning set design, proving why she took home the coveted Icon Award. Tamer Ashour performed his chart-topping anthem “Haygeely Mawgoa,” which earned Song of the Year, while Elyanna dazzled the audience with a vibrant medley, including her hit “Ganeni.” Elyanna’s remarkable year was further celebrated as she took home Top New Artist and Top Arabic Indie Female Artist.       

The coveted Top Dueto of the Year went to Ahmed Saad and Assala for their heartfelt collaboration “Sab Farhety.” Saad also set the stage ablaze with performances of his fan-favorite hits, including “Wasa Wasa” and “El Youm El Helw Dah.” The Khaleeji medley was another highlight, featuring breathtaking performances from Hams Fekry, Ayed and Oumaima Taleb. Ayed’s standout track earned him Top Khaleeji Song, while Oumaima was crowned Top Female Artist – Khaleeji Dialect.

Adding to the night’s significance, the BBAMAs coincided with Saudi Arabia’s historic announcement of winning the bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. In a special segment, Ayed, Ghada Sherri and Fahd Bin Fasla debuted the first official songs for the World Cup, making the awards’ debut ceremony truly unforgettable.

Who else made their mark at the inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards? Check out the full list of winners below to see who’s shaping the future of Arabic music. 

Song of the Year

“Haygely Mawgow” by Tamer Ashour

Artist of the Year

Sherine Abdel Wahab

Top Male Artist

Amr Diab

Top Female Artist

Sherine Abdel Wahab

Top Band 

Cairokee

Top New Artist

Elyanna

Highest Gainer 

TUL8TE

Top Arabic Dueto of the Year

Assala Nasri and Ahmed Saad – “Sabb Farhety”    

Top Khaleeji Song     

Ayed – “Lammah”                          

Artist of the Year – Khaleeji Dialect

Abdul Majeed Abdullah           

Top Male Artist – Khaleeji Dialect

Abdul Majeed Abdullah           

Top Female Artist – Khaleeji Dialect

Oumaima Taleb            

Top Egyptian Song

Tamer Ashour – “Haygely Mawgow”                 

Artist of the Year – Egyptian Dialect             

Sherine Abdel Wahab               

Top Male Artist – Egyptian Dialect

Amr Diab          

Top Female Artist – Egyptian Dialect

Sherine Abdel Wahab               

Top Levantine Song

Al Shami – “Sabra”                         

Artist of the Year – Levantine Dialect 

Al Shami            

Top Male Artist – Levantine Dialect

Al Shami                              

Top Female Artist – Levantine Dialect

Nancy Ajram  

Top Magharebi Song 

Saad Lamjarred, Shreya Ghoshal and Rajat Nagpal – “Guli Mata”  

Artist of the Year – Magharebi

Dystinct

Top Male Artist – Magharebi Dialect

Dystinct

Top Female Artist – Magharebi Dialect

Manal

Top Arabic Hip-Hop Song

ElGrandeToto – “Blue Love”

Artist of the Year – Arabic Hip-Hop                

ElGrandeToto                 

Top Arabic Hip-Hop Male Artist      

ElGrandeToto                 

Top Arabic Hip-Hop Female Artist

Khtek 

Top Indie Song

Al Shami – “Sabra”  

Artist of the Year – Arabic Indie       

Cairokee           

Top Arabic Indie Male Artist

Muslim               

Top Arabic Indie Female Artist        

Elyanna              

Top Mahraganat Song

Eslam Kabonga – “Aywa Ya Habibty Wahashtiny”                    

Artist of the Year – Mahraganat       

Essam Sasa

Top Male Mahraganat Artist              

Essam Sasa

Top Shelat Song

Abdullah Al Farwan – “Jamalek Gheer”         

Artist of the Year – Shelat 

Mohammed Bin Garman        

Top Male Artist of the Year – Shelat 

Mohammed Bin Garman        

Best Composer

Amro El-Shazly & Mehdi Mzayen

Best Songwriter

Aleem

Best Music Producer

Tareq Hjeily