UAE National Orchestra Launches First Concert Series in 2026

The UAE National Orchestra will launch its inaugural concert series, The Beginning, in January 2026, marking the first time its full ensemble of 70 musicians and 30 choir members will perform for live audiences across the UAE. The season opens with a debut concert on January 15th, 2026 at Emirates Palace Auditorium in Abu Dhabi, followed by performances across January in Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Tickets are available on the UAE National Orchestra website, with tickets for February and March performances to be released soon. Programmes will vary across the Emirates, with guest soloists appearing in selected performances. The Abu Dhabi and Dubai concerts will feature Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma alongside Turkish qanun master Aytac Doan in a programme that places regional instruments within the orchestral form. The musical line-up is led by The Beginning, an Emirati Symphony by composer Nadim Tarabay, created as a tribute to the UAE’s musical heritage. The repertoire also includes Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor in an oriental orchestral arrangement, as well as works by Naseer Shamma, including Ishraq for oud and orchestra and Journey of Souls for oud and qanun. The concert series follows the Orchestra’s first public appearance during the Eid Al Etihad official ceremony on December 2nd.