Abu dhabi: Building on the momentum of its first public performance at the UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the UAE National Orchestra has unveiled the artistic vision and musical philosophy shaping its inaugural season. Introduced to the nation during the official ceremony at the Zayed National Museum, this new orchestral sound now forms the foundation for a season that will be shared with audiences across all seven emirates.
According to Emirates News Agency, the inaugural season will open with its debut public concert, The Beginning, on 15th January 2026. Full venue information will be shared once arrangements for the inaugural performance have been finalised.
Before presenting this new sound to the nation, the UAE National Orchestra has set out the principles that shape how its music is created and how it will evolve. The Orchestra's philosophy is to bring Oriental and Western instruments together with purpose, creating a musical dialogue that reveals new colours, new expressions and a sound that belongs to the Emirates. This approach defines the Orchestra's emerging sound and anchors the artistic choices behind the season.
Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, highlighted that the Orchestra reflects the pride and ambition of the nation. It brings talents from many cultures under one vision, creating music that belongs to the Emirates and connects with audiences across the country. The unveiling of the musical philosophy and mission marks the beginning of an important chapter for the UAE National Orchestra.
Artistic Director and Conductor, Amine Kouider, emphasized that music serves as a language of understanding. The integration of Arabic and Western instruments opens a space where musical ideas can meet, evolve, and reflect one another. The season aims to show how dialogue through music can create something both rooted and new.
With performances across all seven emirates, the inaugural season will explore how music transcends borders. Beginning 15 January 2026, each programme is designed to introduce audiences to the Orchestra's new artistic sound and showcase the breadth of musical traditions through the lens of the UAE's creative identity.
The season will include world premieres of original compositions, regional collaborations with leading artists, and performances by internationally acclaimed guests and conductors. Programmes like "The Beginning," "Faces of Love," "Vivaldi: A Journey East," and "Russian Classics" are part of the lineup.
Alongside the season, the Orchestra has announced its capacity-building programme, designed to support Emirati musicians in achieving instrumental excellence. The 12-month part-time programme will train Emirati musicians through mentorship, rehearsal participation, and specialist workshops. Participants will be compensated for their time and commitment.
Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi added that supporting Emirati talent is essential to sustaining the country's musical landscape. The capacity-building programme reflects the commitment to developing the next generation of orchestral musicians and ensuring the UAE's musical future is shaped by its people.
Together, the inaugural season and capacity-building programme form the foundation of the UAE National Orchestra's mission to shape a national musical voice and the musicians who will carry it forward.