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A Hit Song That Echoes Across Destinations

Moroccan artist Mohamed Rifai has struck a cultural chord with his single “Cool”. Since its release on December 11, 2025, the upbeat track has climbed to the top of music charts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In Lebanon, it reached #1 on the Official Lebanese Top 20 airplay charts. In Morocco it led the Popnable rankings, and on the popular streaming platform Anghami it hit #1 in Morocco, Jordan, and Algeria, while charting strongly in Tunisia, Egypt, and the UAE. Its vibrant beats and Egyptian Arabic lyrics have resonated with listeners across languages and borders.

This musical success has unintentionally become a travel soundtrack of sorts — inviting global adventurers to explore the places and cultures that influence such lively creative energy.

Morocco: A Cultural Gateway for Explorers

Morocco stands out as a top travel destination in North Africa. In 2025, the country welcomed a record 19.8 million international tourists — a 14% increase from the previous year — underlining its appeal as a cultural and scenic hotspot. Tourism contributes significantly to the Moroccan economy and showcases diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to coastal towns.

Cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez draw travellers with their historic medinas, rich artistic traditions, and vibrant music festivals. Events such as the Marrakech International Film Festival and the Essaouira Gnaoua Music Festival celebrate both local and global music, further blending travel with cultural immersion.

Adventurers can wander through UNESCO‑listed sites, stroll through spice markets, and sample traditional Moroccan cuisine — all while hearing the rhythms that inspire artists like Rifai.

Lebanon’s Cultural Renaissance

Lebanon’s travel appeal is equally compelling. The country reported a 20% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025, fueled by its rich history, Mediterranean coastline, and lively cultural scene.

For visitors, Beirut offers a blend of modern life and heritage, with ancient ruins, museums, and culinary delights. Meanwhile, the coastal town of Byblos — one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities — invites history lovers to walk through remnants of millennia‑old civilizations.

Music such as Rifai’s topping charts in Lebanon reinforces the country’s continuing cultural resilience and underscores the deep artistic connections across the region.

Egypt: History Meets Contemporary Vibes

Egypt has seen dramatic growth in tourism, leading the Middle East in international visitor increases in 2025. According to recent UN tourism studies, Egypt welcomed nearly 19 million tourists, up about 20% from the prior year. This growth was driven by investments in infrastructure, air connectivity, and world‑class cultural attractions.

Highlights include the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza — the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single ancient civilization — and newly developed resorts along the Red Sea.

These iconic sites allow travellers to touch history that spans thousands of years. Pair that with today’s contemporary sounds and lively street culture, and Egypt becomes a compelling stop on any cultural travel itinerary.

Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria and UAE: Diverse Stops on the MENA Music Map

Other MENA destinations complement this cultural travel theme:

• Jordan blends ancient wonders such as Petra and the Dead Sea with vibrant hospitality, drawing travellers seeking history and natural beauty.
• Tunisia offers Mediterranean beaches, Roman ruins, and sunny coastlines that appeal to heritage and leisure travellers alike.
• Algeria is gradually evolving as a destination with growing interest in its Mediterranean coastlines and cultural sites, offering authentic experiences for exploration.
• The United Arab Emirates, including cosmopolitan hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, balances modern luxury with cultural experiences, from desert adventures to world‑class museums and architecture.

Each of these destinations provides unique travel experiences while sharing a thread of rich cultural storytelling — similar to the regional influence seen in Rifai’s music.

Why “Cool” Is More Than Just a Song for Travellers

“Cool” isn’t just a regional chart‑topper — it’s become a soundtrack inviting curious travellers to feel the pulse of MENA’s cultures firsthand. Music and travel share a deep connection: songs often capture the soul of a place, inspiring journeys and curiosity.

Whether you’re hearing the track in a café in Marrakech, on a beach in Lebanon, or through a playlist before visiting Cairo’s pyramids, it amplifies the travel experience.

Planning Your MENA Cultural Journey

Here’s how global travellers can turn the energy of this hit song into a real adventure:

• Start in Morocco: Eat traditional tagine, explore the Atlas Mountains, visit kasbahs and catch local music festivals.
• Venture to Lebanon: Relax on Mediterranean shores, visit Byblos and Beirut, and soak up culinary delights.
• Explore Egypt: Walk with history at the Giza Plateau and GEM, then unwind at Red Sea resorts.
• Discover Jordan & Tunisia: From the ancient city of Petra to Tunisia’s coastal sands and archaeological sites.
• Experience the UAE: Enjoy modern culture, world‑class museums, desert safaris and luxurious stays.

Each destination offers rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and authentic experiences that resonate with the vibrant life reflected in MENA’s music charts.

Impactful Conclusion: Cultural Beats Fuel Global Exploration

As Mohamed Rifai’s “Cool” continues to top charts across Lebanon, Morocco, and beyond, it highlights how art and culture push global curiosity toward real‑world exploration. This travel season, let the rhythms of MENA guide your journey.

From Morocco’s lively markets to Egypt’s ancient wonders, and Lebanon’s coastal charm to Jordan’s historic marvels — the Middle East and North Africa await eager travellers.

Music connects hearts, but travel connects lives. Cool isn’t just a pop hit — it’s an invitation to discover the soul of vibrant, historical, and welcoming destinations.

Pack your bags, press play, and explore the region where culture, sound, and stories come alive.
From vivid souks to timeless ruins, every corner of the MENA region offers an unforgettable journey inspired by its rhythms and heritage.