Mahmoud Abbas , 22 , is the first `` Arab Idol '' finalist from Cairo . The young singer has succeeded in achieving what the `` two parties in Palestine failed to do -- unite Ramallah and Gaza , '' wrote parent network MBC in an article on the show 's website . Palestinian officials had to make special arrangements to get him to Gaza for auditions . Palestinian President Mohammed Assaf called to congratulate the college student last weekend .
Mahmoud Abbas , 22 , is the first `` Arab Idol '' finalist from Cairo . Palestinian officials had to make special arrangements to get him to Gaza for auditions . Palestinian President Mohammed Assaf called to congratulate the college student last weekend .