The Beginning by the UAE National Orchestra

A new chapter in the nation’s cultural story begins this January as The UAE National Orchestra makes its historic debut with The Beginning — a landmark concert presented in partnership with Dubai Opera 🎶🇦🇪.

On Monday, 19 January 2026, the stage will come alive with an extraordinary gathering of seventy musicians and thirty choral voices, uniting for the orchestra’s inaugural performance. This powerful evening celebrates heritage, pride, and unity, marking the birth of a national orchestra rooted in Emirati identity and open to the world 🌍✨.

At the heart of the programme is the world premiere of “The Beginning”, an Emirati Symphony composed by Nadim Tarabay. Blending traditional musical motifs with symphonic grandeur, the work stands as a bold declaration of creative confidence — not just a concert, but a moment of history shaped in sound 🎼🔥.

The evening continues with Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor in a specially arranged oriental orchestral version, alongside evocative works by Naseer Shamma, including Ishraq for oud and orchestra and Journey of Souls for oud and qanun. Together, these pieces create a rich musical dialogue between East and West, tradition and innovation 🎻🌙.

This unforgettable performance reflects the UAE National Orchestra’s mission to honour the nation’s musical heritage while embracing multicultural expression, nurturing talent, and inspiring future generations 🌟.

⏰ Date: Monday, 19 January 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM (Approx. 2 hours, including intermission)
📍 Location: Dubai Opera
💰 Price: AED 250
📞 Contact: +971 4 440 8888

The journey begins here. 🎶✨