isabled children have been the focus of much attention over the past decade, especially in the world of the arts. The several concerts and records released that have had some beneficial attachment to the improvement of children's lives around the world.

Recently, that process came home to Dubai when the Lebanese singing sensation, Julia Butros, gave a concert in aid of the disabled children and the victims of the Israeli attacks in South Lebanon.

Held at the World Congress Centre Auditorium of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the concert saw a full strength audience captivated by the sheer magic of the evening, and the artistic talents of Butros. Never one to take her music lightly, Julia is well-known for her support of strong causes through her talent.

Beginning her career in the late 1980s, Butros is among those singers who never carried any political affiliations during the Lebanese crises; perhaps also one of the reasons why she is one of the most popular singers in the Arab world. Her modern yet serious style, has found particular strength among the 20 to 35 year olds, who form the primary base of her popularity. Butros is also one of the new breed of singers for whom the glamour of the music world also carries the weight of social responsibility.

This time too, her songs concentrated on such universal themes as love, patriotism and caring. In fact, such was the sincerity and effect of her songs and the music that many in the audience wept openly and each song began and ended with rounds of thunderous applause. The repeated requests from the audience for some of Julia's most famous numbers also met with the singer's approval and response. But the highlight of the evening was when she performed without any musical accompaniment, holding the audience spellbound in silence.

Part of the proceeds from the concert will also go towards furthering the cause of disabled children through the Rashid Centre. The recently established Rashid Centre is one of the major centres for the encouragement and development of children with psychological and physiological impairments. Some of the departments at the Centre include ones for natural treatment and development, articulation, mental and functional treatment and slow learning. The Rashid Centre uses some of the most modern technical equipment in their efforts to enhance and build on the natural latent abilities of the children. The growth of the Centre has been such that it is now rated as one of the best in the region. In some ways it is also a testimony to the urgent need for the development of such centres in the region.

The concert was in itself, said to be a first of its kind in the country, where art linked with such causes as national and humanitarian issues. Supported by such sponsors as Emirates Airline, the Royal Abjar Hotel and the Dubai World Trade Centre, the concert saw a synergy of noble values, generosity on the part of artiste as Julia Butros, the musicians and sponsors. Most of all, its also showed the inherent ability of people to come together when the cause is right.