The UAE has announced the establishment of its National Orchestra under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This initiative aims to nurture and develop diverse art forms.
The creation of the UAE National Orchestra highlights the nation’s commitment to advancing various art genres and recognising their essential role in shaping societal identity while fostering communication and cohesion within the community.
Celebrating the UAE’s artistic diversity and rich cultural fabric, the National Orchestra will showcase the nation’s musical heritage alongside contemporary global music styles.
“We aim, through the National Orchestra of the UAE, to promote our local culture and arts and introduce them to the world, building bridges of communication with other cultures. The orchestra will serve as an inspiring, impactful force both locally and globally, reaffirming our commitment to supporting creativity and artistic excellence,” said Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Orchestra of the UAE.
The Board of Directors of the National Orchestra comprises a distinguished group of figures and experts from the cultural, artistic, and academic fields. Among its members are Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture. Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE.
The board also includes Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, alongside Samira Murshid Al Rumaithi, Secretary General of the Presidential Authority for Protocol and Strategic Narrative. Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, contributes her expertise in the arts sector, as does Hamad Abdullah Al Zaabi, Director General of the National Projects Office.
Rounding out the board are Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti, Director General of the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, and artist Naseer Shamma, founder of Bait Al Oud in Abu Dhabi and UNESCO Artist for Peace. This exceptional assembly reflects a commitment to advancing the UAE’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Al Kaabi emphasised that establishing the UAE National Orchestra reinforces the leadership’s dedication to developing the arts, which play a pivotal role in promoting cultural and human values, acting as a marker of societal progress and fostering tolerance and coexistence.
“Through the UAE National Orchestra, we aim to enhance and showcase our local culture and arts, building bridges of communication with other world cultures. The orchestra will be a source of inspiration and a driving force in both local and global communities, reaffirming our commitment to supporting creativity and artistic excellence,” she noted.
The National Orchestra will soon conduct auditions for musicians and singers who wish to join this ambitious initiative. The auditions are open to musicians from all artistic backgrounds and will focus on nurturing Emirati talents. Artists selected will be offered full-time employment with competitive incentives and benefits.
Interested musicians and artists can apply through the official website, www.uaenationalorchestra.ae, by submitting their application along with a recorded sample of their musical talent. The deadline for submitting applications is January 26, 2025.
