The new orchestra will have its debut show in January, followed by more concerts all around the UAE
The UAE National Orchestra has recently been unveiled to the public, and now the first batch of shows has been announced.
The concert series will travel across the Emirates with thoughtfully curated programme variations, which will reflect the distinct character of each host city.
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Following their inaugural show earlier this month, an appearance at the official Eid Al Etihad ceremony on 2 December, this series of concerts marks the first time the general public can actually see them live.
This is the schedule for the shows in January:
- 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
You can now buy tickets via their official website, with more dates to follow for February and March.
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What can you expect at the UAE National Orchestra shows?
Select concerts will feature guest soloists – in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, audiences can expect performances by acclaimed Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma, widely regarded as one of the Arab world’s most influential musicians, alongside renowned Turkish qanun master Aytaç Doğan.
The concerts will also feature The Beginning, an Emirati Symphony by composer Nadim Tarabay, created as a tribute to the UAE’s musical heritage. Adding to that is also an oriental orchestral arrangement of Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor, alongside works by Naseer Shamma, including Ishraq for oud and orchestra and Journey of Souls for oud and qanun.
Speaking of the inaugural season, Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, said: “The Beginning is more than a concert. It is a declaration of creative confidence and a reflection of the UAE’s belief that culture and music can unite us in pride and possibility. It marks an important moment for the UAE National Orchestra and for audiences across the country.
“Through these performances, we are sharing a sound that belongs to this country, rooted in heritage, forward-looking in spirit and shaped through a blend of music between the East and West. Performing across the Emirates is central to our purpose, and this first chapter reflects our commitment to making orchestral music part of the UAE’s cultural landscape.”
Amine Kouider, Artistic Director and Conductor of the UAE National Orchestra, also added: “The concert series marks the start of a new musical vision and introduces the musical identity of the UAE National Orchestra. Works such as Ishraq and Journey of Souls allow the oud and qanun to take a leading role, while the symphonic work by Nadim Tarabay brings the full orchestra and choir together in a powerful collective form. Collaborating with celebrated artists such as Naseer Shamma and Aytaç Doğan adds depth to this dialogue and enriches the musical experience for our audiences.”
For tickets and more info, visit UAE National Orchestra
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