‘Music is my voice’: This autistic Emirati piano prodigy speaks through music

“I love the piano because it is very easy to play.”

It’s not. But for Emirati pianist and composer Ahmed Al Hashemi, it might as well be.

The 15-year-old autistic prodigy, known for his perfect pitch and emotional compositions, has already made waves on the international stage. Ahmed has earned a diploma from the Cinema Heritage Film Festival, backed by UNESCO, and was honored with the Mother Teresa Award. His accolades include the Musical Sensibility Special Prize at the 2024 Debussy International Music Competition and a Gold Medal at the 2023 Lipton Music Competition.

But to Ahmed, music only means one thing - a voice. And according to his mother Eiman Alaleeli, he uses the piano to express things he cannot put into words.

A former banker, Eiman discovered Ahmed’s talent when he was seven, after she taught him how to play ‘Happy Birthday’ on a toy piano once. The very next day, Ahmed was able to repeat it on his own - he had perfect pitch, a literal one in a million talent.

Eiman says she had sifted through up to 300 teachers to find the perfect one for Ahmed. Soon enough, Ahmed began to compose music to express his emotions. He composed the piece ‘A Day Without You’ to express how he missed his brother who had left home to complete his mandatory military service.

“He didn't share his feelings with me. He didn’t come to me and say ‘Mama, I miss my brother and I want him back,’” said Eiman. “He cannot say all these words, but he says it through the piano.”

Ahmed also discovered a knack for performing - his mother says he often asks her to film the audience instead of him. He has played at several prestigious venues, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Opera. He also played at the Human Rights Conference in Geneva and at the Cairo Opera House during the Arab Music Festival.

“My biggest dream is to play piano all over the world,” said Ahmed. “I feel emotional and happy because I love piano - and I will never stop it.”