The Beginning by the UAE National Orchestra
In Partnership with Dubai Opera
There will never be another night like this.
The Beginning marks a historic moment as the UAE National Orchestra takes the stage for the first time in its inaugural season. Seventy musicians and thirty choral voices unite in a concert celebrating pride, heritage and unity.
The programme features “The Beginning” an Emirati Symphony, a world premiere composed by Nadim Tarabay, blending traditional motifs with symphonic form. More than a concert, it is a declaration of creative confidence. A moment of history, shaped in sound. The evening also includes Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor in an oriental orchestral arrangement, alongside works by Naseer Shamma: Ishraq for oud and orchestra, and Journey of Souls for oud and qanun.
The journey begins here.
About the UAE National Orchestra (UAENO)
The UAE National Orchestra (UAENO) is a groundbreaking cultural initiative, with a mission to build our nation’s orchestra on the foundations of Emirati musical heritage, connected across its diverse community and exploring connections with musical traditions from around the world.
Under the visionary leadership of Chairperson Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE National Orchestra will enrich the nation’s artistic landscape, providing career opportunities for professional musicians. It will honor the UAE’s musical heritage while embracing modern multiculturalism – developing a distinctive style and sound that reflects the country’s cultural diversity of the modern nation.
Through dedicated capacity-building programmes and international partnerships, the orchestra will provide training, support, and mentorship for emerging musicians, enhancing the local musical ecosystem and fostering future generations of artists. Through this orchestra, the UAE reaffirms its dedication to becoming a beacon of cultural excellence on the global stage.
Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
Children aged 6 years and above require a valid ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Children under 6 years of age are not permitted inside the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Approximately 2 hours including an intermission
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable
First part:
Rababa, Taqsim
Alexander Borodin
Prince Igor – Polovtsian Dances (oriental arrangement)
Music Arranger: Shakir Hassan
Ercan Saatçi
Alisamadim for Qanun and Orchestra
Sezen Aksu
Kaybolan Yıllar for Qanun and Orchestra
Soloist: Aytaç Doğan
Music Arranger: Abdel Aziz Shabakouh
Naseer Shamma
Ishraq for Oud and Orchestra
Soloist: Naseer Shamma
Music Arranger: Qoutayba Neaimi
Naseer Shamma
Journey of Souls for Oud and Qanun
Soloist: Naseer Shamma – Oud
Soloist: Aytaç Doğan – Qanun
Music Arranger: Abdel Aziz Shabakouh
Second part:
Nadim Tarabay
The Beginning, an Emirati Symphony for Orchestra and Choir
And Cast section:
Performed by:
UAE National Orchestra and Choir
Conductor:
Amine Kouider
Guest Artists:
Aytaç Doğan (Qanun), Nasser Shamma (Oud)
This ticket is sold subject to these Ticketing Terms and Conditions (the “T&C”). The T&C should be read carefully prior to purchase and purchase of Ticket(s) constitutes acceptance of the T&C.
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable.
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Removing any part of, altering or defacing the ticket may invalidate it.
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Entry to the event may be subject to age restrictions specified in Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com or in publicity for the event, and no refund will be made on the grounds that the ticket holder was not aware of such age restrictions.
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Food & Beverage purchased outside Dubai Opera are not permitted. Food and beverages are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. This applies before the show, during the show and during the intermission. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.









