Reissue on 33 rpm 12". Ziad Rahbani (born January 1st, 1956) is a Lebanese composer, pianist, performer, playwright, and political commentator. His compositions are well known throughout the Arab world, especially because he is responsible for Fairuz's musical works from 1980s onwards. Many of his musicals satirize Lebanese politics, both during and after the civil war, and are often strongly critical of the traditional political establishment. Widely known in the Arab world and especially in Lebanon, 'Abu Ali' was originally released on 12-inch and tape in 1978.