Ahla Dounya

Ahla Dounya (أحلى دنيا) (English: The Most Beautiful World) is the fourth studio album by Lebanese singer Elissa, released by Rotana on 6 May 2004. The album includes 13 tracks; all of which were produced by Jean-Marie Riachi. The songs "Koul Youm Fee Oumri", "Irjaa Lilshowk" and "Hobak Wajaa (Inta Lameen") were released as singles and received music videos. Ahla Dounya was Elissa's first album to be released by Rotana and was a wide commercial success in the Arab world; achieving sales of more than 3.4 million copies in 2004 and topping the charts in Arab countries for several months. The album was praised by critics for its wide range of musical genres, production and the romantic songwriting; the latter of which aided Elissa gain her nickname as the "Queen of Emotions."

As a result of its success, the album won many accolades. Elissa won the 2005 World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist at a ceremony in Los Angeles, becoming the first Lebanese artist to receive the award. Additionally, Elissa received two Murex d'Or awards for Best Female Singer and Best Music Video for "Hobak Wajaa (Inta Lameen)". Additionally, it is known to be the first Arabic album to be produced and released in Super Audio sound technology.

Background
In 2002, Elissa's third studio album Ayshalak was released by Dilara and Music Master to substantial commercial success and was considered by many to be her breakthrough. The album topped Arab music charts for numerous months and its titular song, as well as "Ajmal Ihsaas" were released as singles. That same year, Elissa performed at the STARS charity dinner held in Dubai; with Queen Rania of Jordan and former United States President Bill Clinton in attendance. She additionally collaborated with Irish singer Chris de Burgh in a duet titled "Lebanese Night." A music video directed by Salim el Turk was shot in Lebanon and Sweden and premiered on television in December.

Shortly after the release of Ayshalak, Elissa entered negotiations with Saudi Arabian entertainment group Rotana, later signing a 3-album contract with the label in 2003 during the recording of the album.

Track listing
All tracks produced by Jean-Marie Riachi.

Notes
 * "Bein Il Ein" is an Arabic-language cover of the 2003 Turkish song "Dile Benden" by İzel.
 * On pressings issued by Founoon, a 2 minute 20 second instrumental of "Law Nirjaa Sawa" is included as track 7. Additionally, alternate versions of "Irjaa Lilshowk", "Irham Albi" and "Karibli" are included, as well as on early pressings by EMI Music Arabia.

Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes.


 * Jean-Marie Riachi - executive producer, arranger, keyboards
 * Xavier Escabasse - sound engineer
 * Philippe Hervwett - guitar
 * Gilbert - kanun
 * Ali Madbouh - mizmar, ney
 * Raymond Hajj - percussion
 * Chahe Kupelian - arrangement, programming assistant (tracks 5, 9, 10)
 * Didier Forget - saxophone
 * Christian Martinez - trumpet
 * Jihad Akl - violin
 * Paul Tachdjian - programming assistant
 * Tony Haddad - digital mastering
 * Ziad Nawfal - translator
 * David Abdullah - photography
 * Bassam Fattouh - make-up
 * Yehia and Zakaria - hair

Credits

 * 5.1 surround sound mastering by Galaxy Studios (London, England)
 * 5.1 surround sound mixing by Studio Damiens (France)
 * Design and artwork by Mind the Gap (Beirut, Lebanon)