KUALA LUMPUR - Lebanese singer Nawal Al-Zoghbi, touted by some as the Beyonce of the Middle East, enthralled an audience of about 3,000 in her debut concert in Malaysia on Monday night.

The 38-year-old singer received thunderous applause during her 90-minute performance of 20 hits, including the popular El Layali.

She was accompanied by 13 musicians, who were flown in from her home country, reported mStaronline.

The veteran artiste, who has been in the entertainment business for 20 years, rose to popularity after participating in the 1988 singing competition called Studio El Fann.

Nawal told a press conference later that the concert was a good opportunity for her to meet her fans in Asia and that she hoped to return for another concert.

"My friends told me that Malaysia is a beautiful country with friendly people.

"Although many here do not understand Arabic, they still enjoyed my show and my music," the singer said.

Nawal was also glad to note that part of the proceeds from the concert would be channelled to local charity Nursalam.

Local singer Faizal Tahir, who was the opening act, said he was excited to be a part of the concert.

"I am proud to be chosen as the opening act as Nawal is a very talented artiste. She is also very well-known in the Middle East," Faizal said.

Organiser Jojo Events Sdn Bhd said the Nawal Al-Zaghi Live in Malaysia 2010 concert had also helped to promote Malaysia on the international stage.

"Nawal has many fans in Asia. This concert attracted fans from other countries to Kuala Lumpur, including Middle Eastern tourists," said chairman Tan Sri Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir.