Who is the only Arab artist that was awarded the keys to Sydney?

Presenting a symbolic key to the city is the highest honour a city can confer upon an individual or an organisation.

Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Source: Public Domain

The tradition dates back to medieval times when many cities were enclosed within walled fortifications. The key symbolised the political relationship between a city and the king or ruler of the land where it was located.

When the ruler visited the city for the first time after assuming power, authorities would formally greet him at the gates and hand over a key to signify the city was now under his control. The key would then be returned by the ruler to acknowledge he intended to respect the political authority of those who administered the city.

The key to the City of Sydney is traditionally presented by the Lord Mayor at a civic ceremony to acknowledging the contribution an individual or organisation has made to further the ideals of the City, or to recognise outstanding achievement in sport or humanitarian work at an international level.

_{استمعوا هنا الى البث المباشر لاذاعتنا و لاذاعة BBC أيضا}

_{حمّل تطبيق أس بي أس الجديد للإستماع لبرامجكم المفضلة باللغة العربية.}

_{مستخدمو الآي فون: حمّل التطبيق هنا.}

_{مستخدمو الأندرويد: حمّل التطبيق هنا.}