Expo City Dubai Hosts the Firdaus Orchestra for a Celebratory Evening

Overview of the Event

As part of the National Month campaign and the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, Expo City Dubai will host a remarkable musical evening featuring the all-women Firdaus Orchestra on Tuesday, December 2. This event aims to highlight the cultural richness and heritage of the UAE.

Venue and Significance

The performance will be held at the House of Arts, a cultural hub within Expo City Dubai that promotes Emirati creativity and artistic expression. Organized by Brand Dubai— the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office— in collaboration with Expo City Dubai, this event focuses on the UAE’s cultural legacy and foundational values through a combination of music and poetry.

Musical Highlights

The evening’s centerpiece will be a special composition titled Zayed and Rashid, directed by the talented Lebanese maestro Harout Fazlian. This piece draws inspiration from the poem “The People and the Leader,” written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The composition pays tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, two pivotal figures in the formation of the UAE Union. Audience members can also expect to enjoy a selection of traditional melodies that reflect the rich musical history of the Emirates, embodying national pride and unity.

A Cultural Tribute

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, has emphasized that this performance serves as a celebration of the founding fathers and their contributions to the UAE’s development into a globally respected nation. She remarked that Expo City embodies the nation’s vision, showcasing how aspirations can become reality. The events surrounding National Month, particularly the Zayed and Rashid campaign, aim to deepen the sense of belonging and appreciation for the nation’s core values.

Authentic Emirati Culture

Amina Taher, a member of the organizing committee for the Zayed and Rashid campaign, underscored that partnering with the Firdaus Orchestra, alongside the selection of the House of Arts as the venue, reflects Dubai’s commitment to genuine Emirati culture. This event highlights the UAE’s dedication to fostering cultural expression while promoting sustainability, understanding, and cooperation—principles that significantly contribute to the country’s global status.

The Firdaus Orchestra

The Firdaus Orchestra gained prominence during Expo 2020 Dubai, consisting exclusively of female musicians. This ensemble symbolizes creativity and diversity, bringing together talented artists from various backgrounds to celebrate heritage and innovation. Their participation in this event enriches the evening, showcasing the power of women in the arts.

The House of Arts as a Cultural Space

The House of Arts serves as a multidisciplinary venue designed to enhance storytelling and traditional arts while facilitating cultural dialogue. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of the UAE and broader Gulf region, this space offers an inclusive platform for artistic endeavors that honor national pride and identity.

A Mission of Creativity

Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Entertainment & Experiences at Expo City Dubai, expressed her excitement about collaborating with Brand Dubai for this exceptional event. She noted that the performance resonates deeply with the House of Arts’ mission to uplift Emirati creativity in music, performing arts, and heritage traditions. The cultural center showcases the UAE’s transformative journey, capturing the essence and shared identity of its people.

Celebrating Legacy Through Music

Last year, Brand Dubai introduced the song Zayed and Rashid as part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign initiated under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. This campaign honors the visionary contributions of the nation’s founders and the foundational principles that continue to guide the UAE’s progress on the global stage.

Through this evening of music and reflection, attendees will not only enjoy an extraordinary performance but also engage with the rich cultural tapestry that defines the United Arab Emirates.