The UAE National Orchestra’s inaugural season starts this month, in what will be a huge cultural landmark for the country
When the UAE National Orchestra stepped onto the stage during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, it was not just another performance. It was the beginning of something new.
Set against the striking backdrop of the Zayed National Museum, the Orchestra introduced a sound that blends tradition with fresh energy, offering a glimpse of what a national orchestra can mean today.
Now, the Orchestra is getting ready to share that sound with audiences across the country as it launches its very first season, one that brings Arabic and Western classical music together in unexpected and exciting ways.
Where East meets West
At the core of the UAE National Orchestra’s identity is the idea of conversation. Arabic instruments and Western orchestral traditions come together not to compete, but to complement one another. The result is music that feels rooted in heritage, yet open, modern, and unmistakably Emirati.
“Seeing this sound presented during the Eid Al Etihad celebrations was incredibly meaningful,” says Managing Director Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi. “It showed how music can reflect the unity and ambition of our nation while still feeling personal and expressive.”
Artistic Director and Conductor Amine Kouider sees the Orchestra as a space for exchange. “When different musical traditions share the same stage, they create something new,” he says. “It is not just about sound. It is about listening to one another and discovering what is possible.”
UAE National Orchestra’s first season
The Orchestra’s first public concert, fittingly titled The Beginning, takes place on 15 January 2026. It will introduce audiences to the Orchestra’s signature sound and feature the world premiere of its first Emirati symphonic commission, marking a milestone moment for local composition.
From there, the season travels across all seven emirates, with a programme designed to feel inclusive, varied, and full of discovery. Expect music that explores love, storytelling, history, and cultural exchange, all through the lens of the UAE’s creative identity.
Highlights include Faces of Love, which follows love from its first spark to its deepest emotions, Vivaldi: A Journey East, an imaginative take on how the composer’s music might sound through an Arab musical lens, and Echoes of Time, inspired by the words of Ibn Arabi, blending past and present into one flowing musical story.
Families can enjoy Once Upon a Tune, a concert created especially for children, while classical favourites take centre stage in programmes like Russian Classics, A Night in Vienna, and a concert version of Carmen that brings its most powerful moments together.
There is also a strong regional and global flavour throughout the season, from Rhythms of the Gulf and Composed in UAE to Three Rhapsodies One World, where Western classical music, American jazz, and the emerging voice of the Emirates meet at the piano.
Full schedule of shows in January
This is the schedule for the shows that have been announced so far:
● 15 January 2026 – Emirates Palace Auditorium, Abu Dhabi
● 17 January 2026 – Al Ain Municipal Theatre
● 19 January 2026 – Dubai Opera
● 22 January 2026 – Fujairah Cultural Center Theatre
● 24 January 2026 – Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Center Theatre
● 29 January 2026 – Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Supporting homegrown talent
The Orchestra is not just focused on performances. Alongside the season, it has announced a new capacity-building programme designed to support young Emirati musicians. The year-long, part-time programme offers mentorship, rehearsal experience, and hands-on workshops, helping musicians develop their skills while learning what it takes to be part of a national orchestra.
“Investing in Emirati talent is key to shaping the future of music in the UAE,” says Sheikha Alia. “This programme gives emerging musicians the opportunity to grow, perform, and represent their country with pride.”
A new chapter for music in the UAE
Together, the Orchestra’s first season and its focus on developing local talent mark the start of something special, a growing musical movement that reflects who the UAE is today and where it is headed.
For tickets and more information, visit UAE National Orchestra
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