Firdaus Women’s Orchestra To Celebrate UAE Heritage At Expo City Dubai During Eid Al Etihad

The Firdaus Women’s Orchestra will perform at the House of Arts in Expo City Dubai on 2 December. This event is part of the National Month campaign and celebrates the 54th Eid Al Etihad. Organised by Brand Dubai, in collaboration with Expo City Dubai, the orchestra will be led by Lebanese maestro Harout Fazlian. They will perform "Zayed and Rashid," a song featuring verses from a poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The poem pays tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, honouring their pivotal roles in founding the Union. The orchestra will also present pieces inspired by Emirati musical heritage. Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, highlighted that this musical work by national composer Mohammed Al Ahmad honours these founding fathers and their lasting legacy.

Shaima Al Suwaidi emphasised that the performance celebrates the UAE’s achievements, including Expo City, which showcases the nation’s vision and its people's ability to transform ambition into reality. She expressed pride in collaborating with Expo City Dubai for such significant national occasions. The National Month events, especially the Zayed and Rashid campaign, aim to strengthen national belonging and express gratitude to those who laid the Union's foundations.

Amina Taher, from the Zayed and Rashid campaign organising committee, stated that Brand Dubai’s collaboration with the Firdaus Orchestra and choosing the House of Arts for this performance reflects Dubai’s connection to authentic Emirati culture. She noted that Expo City Dubai stands as a testament to UAE's role in building bridges between nations for a sustainable future based on understanding and cooperation.

The Firdaus Orchestra, an all-women ensemble that captivated audiences during Expo 2020 Dubai, will reunite for this nationally themed evening at the House of Arts. This multidisciplinary cultural centre supports arts and enriches creative expression inspired by UAE's heritage. Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Entertainment & Experiences at Expo City Dubai and House of Arts Curator, expressed her delight in collaborating with Brand Dubai for this occasion.

Amna Abulhoul highlighted that the programme reflects the essence of the House of Arts as a platform nurturing Emirati creative expression across various fields like music and traditional performing arts. She added that it represents UAE’s journey of growth from its founding to today. Last year, Brand Dubai launched "Zayed and Rashid" under H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's guidance as part of their first #ZayedAndRashid campaign.

This campaign honours Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's legacy, celebrating their contributions which have guided UAE's journey to global competitiveness.

With inputs from WAM