After a landmark first year, the UAE National Orchestra is preparing to take its final bow of the season with two performances that celebrate the country’s musical heritage and multicultural identity.
The Season One Finale will take place at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi on 25 June, bringing together 70 musicians and 30 choir members representing more than 30 nationalities. The concerts mark the conclusion of the Orchestra’s inaugural season, which has seen performances across the Emirates, new commissions and initiatives designed to support emerging Emirati talent.
Expect an evening that blends Emirati music, Arabic musical traditions and internationally renowned classical works, creating a programme that reflects the UAE’s unique cultural landscape.
From West Side Story To Iconic Emirati Songs
One of the standout moments of the evening will be a specially commissioned orchestral suite based on well-known Emirati songs, reimagined for orchestra and choir. The performance will also feature The Fiftieth Samaei by Emirati composer Abdulaziz Al Madani, a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Arabic musical form.
Alongside these homegrown works, audiences can enjoy Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Arturo Márquez’s vibrant Danzón No. 2 and Saint-Saëns’ dramatic Bacchanale, creating a musical journey that spans continents and cultures.
The concerts celebrate more than just the end of a season. They mark a major milestone for the UAE National Orchestra, which has quickly established itself as a platform for cultural exchange while championing Emirati heritage through music.
Whether you’re a long-time classical music fan or simply looking for something different to do this June, these performances promise an evening of powerful storytelling, world-class musicianship and a celebration of the sounds that help define the UAE.
The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Thursday, 25 June 2026, 8pm
Tickets are available through the UAE National Orchestra website.
