: Gims revealed in interviews that he first met Ramadan at a music festival in Marrakech, though the song itself had been recorded some time before its release.
: Coinciding with the release, Ramadan received the prestigious UAE Golden Card visa , granting him 10-year residency—a recognition shared by other global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo. Global Recognition and Chart Success
: The visuals feature iconic UAE landscapes, including luxury yachts and sweeping sand dunes that capture a "homegrown" Dubai vibe for many viewers. : Gims revealed in interviews that he first
The 2020 collaboration between Egyptian megastar Mohamed Ramadan and international Congolese-French rapper Gims stands as a landmark "Afro-Arab" crossover. Blending Arabic pop charisma with urban Afro-pop sounds, the track became an instant global anthem, amassing over 218 million views on YouTube as of early 2026. Behind the Scenes and Production
The track's release was supported by a massive global marketing push. A Global Fusion: The Story Behind "YA HABIBI"
A Global Fusion: The Story Behind "YA HABIBI" by Mohamed Ramadan & Gims
While early reports suggested a shoot in Morocco, the video was primarily filmed over three days in the . : Gims revealed in interviews that he first
The track was officially released on September 6, 2020, through .