The UAE National Orchestra announces the launch of its inaugural season "the beginning" Next January

Abu Dhabi, December 24 / WAM / The National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates announced the guest artists, dates and locations of the January 2026 performances as part of its inaugural series of concerts “The Beginning”, which represents the first time that the entire National Orchestra, consisting of 70 musicians and 30 singers in the choir, performs in front of the public in the various emirates of the country, as part of a pivotal station that marks the start of its inaugural season and the first direct meeting between it and the audience.

This series will begin its activities with the expected opening ceremony on January 15, 2026 at the Emirates Palace Theater in Abu Dhabi, with the shows continuing during the month of January in Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, with additional shows being announced in the various emirates of the country at a later date.

These concerts reflect the National Orchestra’s mission to spread the culture of orchestral music, inspired by the Emirati musical heritage and presented in a modern spirit.

The series offers various musical programs in various emirates of the country, with the participation of international soloists in selected concerts during the season. The international Iraqi oud player Naseer Shamma and the famous Turkish qanun player Aytaş Dogan will perform concerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as part of a program that mixes East and West, as the work blends Eastern and classical music within an integrated orchestral framework, in a way that expresses the cultural identity of the UAE. The names of additional guest artists will be announced at a later time.

The National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates also announced the first symphony performance of “The Beginning,” an Emirati symphony composed by Nadim Tarabay.

The concert includes pieces of “Polovtsian Dances” by Alexander Borodin from the opera “Prince Igor,” with an orchestral arrangement with an oriental flair, in addition to works composed by Naseer Shamma, including “Ishraq” for oud and orchestra, and “Journey of Souls” for oud and qanun.

The program reflects the UAE National Orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and a musical approach that places heritage and symphonic style in a rich and meaningful dialogue.

This series of concerts is an extension of the National Orchestra’s first public appearance at the official Union Day ceremony on December 2, and it also constitutes the second leg of the National Orchestra’s journey to meet the public in various parts of the Emirates.

Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Director General of the National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates, said: “The Beginning” represents more than just a concert, it reflects creative confidence, and confirms the country’s belief that culture and music form a pillar for enhancing national pride and building capabilities for the future.

She added that the “The Beginning” series of performances is a pivotal station in the National Orchestra’s journey, and a bridge of communication with the audience in various parts of the country. Through it, we present a musical dialogue that brings together Eastern and Western instruments within an artistic vision inspired by Emirati heritage, and presented in a modern spirit. Presenting this series on various theaters in the Emirates confirms our mission to make the National Orchestra an active and rooted part of the cultural scene of the Emirates.

For his part, Amin Qwaider, Artistic Director and Conductor of the National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates, said that the series of concerts that the orchestra intends to present reveals the beginning of a new musical vision, presents the musical identity of the National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates, and gives works such as “Ishraq” and “Journey of Souls” by Oud and Qanun, a leadership space in the musical scene, while the first performance, “The Beginning,” composed by Nadim Tarabay, brings together the entire National Orchestra with the choir in a broad symphonic work. Collaborating with artists such as Naseer Shamma and Aytaş Dogan contributes to deepening this musical dialogue and enriching the artistic experience of our audience.

Tickets for the “The Beginning” concert series are available now through the UAE National Orchestra’s website, and tickets for the February and March performances will be released soon.

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