The UAE National Orchestra has announced guest artists, dates, and venues for its January 2026 concerts as part of its inaugural 'The Beginning' series. This marks the first time the National Orchestra, in its full complement of 70 musicians and 30 choir members, will perform for the public across various emirates, signifying the launch of its debut season and its first direct encounter with the audience.
The series will kick off with an opening concert on January 15 at the Emirates Palace Theatre in Abu Dhabi, followed by performances throughout January in Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Additional concerts in other emirates will be announced at a later date.
These concerts reflect the National Orchestra's mission to promote orchestral culture, inspired by UAE musical traditions and presented with a contemporary spirit.
The series features diverse musical programs across the emirates, with the participation of world-renowned soloists in selected concerts. Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma and renowned Turkish kanun player Aytaş Doğan will perform in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The program blends Eastern and classical music within a full orchestral framework, expressing the cultural identity of the UAE. Further guest artists will be announced later.
Additionally, the UAE National Orchestra unveiled its first symphonic work, 'The Beginning'—an Emirati symphony composed by Nadim Tarbikhe.
The concert includes excerpts from 'Polovtsian Dances' by Alexander Borodin from the opera 'Prince Igor' in an orchestral arrangement with an Eastern touch, alongside works by Naseer Shamma, such as 'Ishraq' for oud and orchestra and 'Journey of Souls' for oud and kanun.
The program demonstrates the UAE National Orchestra's commitment to artistic excellence and a musical approach that places tradition and symphonic style in a rich and meaningful dialogue. This concert series extends the orchestra's first public appearance at the official National Day celebration and marks the second stop in its journey to connect with audiences across the UAE.
Sheikha Aliya bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Director General of the UAE National Orchestra, stated that 'The Beginning' is more than just a concert; it reflects creative confidence and affirms the nation's belief that culture and music are cornerstones for enhancing national pride and building future capabilities.
She added that the 'The Beginning' series is a pivotal milestone in the National Orchestra's journey and a bridge for connecting with audiences nationwide. Through it, we present a musical dialogue that brings together Eastern and Western instruments within an artistic vision inspired by Emirati heritage and delivered with a contemporary spirit. Staging this series across various UAE venues underscores our mission to make the National Orchestra an active and rooted part of the country's cultural landscape.
Amin Khuwider, Music Director and Conductor of the UAE National Orchestra, stated that the concert series the orchestra plans to present unveils the start of a new musical vision and showcases the UAE National Orchestra's musical identity. It gives works like 'Ishraq' and 'Journey of Souls' for oud and kanun a leading role in the musical scene. The premiere of 'The Beginning,' composed by Nadim Tarbikhe, brings the full National Orchestra together with the choir in a vast symphonic work. Collaboration with artists like Naseer Shamma and Aytaş Doğan deepens this musical dialogue and enriches the artistic experience for our audience.
Aliya Al Qasimi: 'The Beginning' is more than just a concert; it reflects creative confidence and affirms the UAE's belief that culture and music are cornerstones for enhancing national pride.
