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He has been a frequent visitor to the Middle East ever since converting to Islam in 1989. In an interview with The National in 2013, the singer described how The Jacksons Abu Dhabi show at du Arena the previous year was a highlight of that world tour. “I always feel very welcome when I am over there, and the people are kind and gracious,” he said. “Also my wife is Afghan and she has been a Muslim all her life. She speaks fluent Arabic and she has supported me in understanding and strengthening my beliefs. So when I come to this part of the world, I feel like I did come full circle.”