The evolution of Emirati music through the years

From the hum of ancient rhythms to the roar of modern stages, Emirati music tells a story of heritage, passion, and innovation. Let’s rewind the clock and explore how it became the vibrant art form it is today — one decade at a time!

1940s: Setting the stage

Imagine this: the hum of camel riders singing Al-Haddwa, the rhythmic clapping of Al-Ayyala, and the spirited beats of Al-Harbiya. In the 1940s, Emirati music was life itself — a soundtrack to the land and sea.

Enter Dubai Phone, the UAE’s first music recording company, founded by Yusuf and his cousin Zainal Al-Khaja. Starting as a tiny record store, it didn’t just sell music — it made history, later recording Gulf, Yemeni, and Iraqi tunes that brought the region’s rich culture to life.

1950s: From traditions to tapes

The 1950s hit play on Emirati music’s recording era. The trailblazer? Hareb Hasan, who recorded the first-ever Emirati album in Mumbai. His songs, steeped in Emirati folk poetry, became anthems of the time, inspiring legends like Ali Bin Rougha, Saeed Al-Sharari, and Jaber Jassem.

Meanwhile, artists like Mohammed Suhail tuned into Arab radio stations, blending global sounds with local traditions. Emirati music was finding its voice — and the world was starting to listen.

1960s: The sound of change

Before the oil boom, the UAE’s rhythm was tied to its roots — pearl diving, fishing, and trading. These stories came alive in maritime songs, desert ballads, and mountain melodies, paired with instruments like the rababa and drum.

In those days, life in the Emirates revolved around pearl diving, fishing, and trade — jobs that often took people far from home for months at a time. This separation gave birth to songs brimming with emotion, weaving tales of travel, longing, love, and the ache of homesickness. While the melodies stayed true to their folk roots, you could sense the stirrings of modern influences, adding a fresh twist to timeless traditions.

Artists of the decade

Jaber Jassem
Hailing from Abu Dhabi, Jaber Jassem remains a legend in Emirati music, setting the foundation for the art we know today. With a voice as warm as a desert breeze, he masterfully blended the melodies of seafarers and nomads, creating a singing style that continues to inspire.

Saeed Al-Sharari
Born in Kalba, Sharjah, Saeed Al-Sharari's artistic journey began in 1967. A prolific contributor to Abu Dhabi TV, he also managed modern art recordings. His passion for music took him to Lebanon, where he delved into the art of maqamat and perfected his oud skills, recording timeless pieces in studios across the region.

And the hits? "Ya Habib Al-Qalb" (Oh Love of My Heart) by Majid Bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, composed by Hareb Hasan, became a fan favorite, echoing the heartfelt vibes of the 1960s.

1970s: A cultural revolution

The UAE’s unification in 1971 sparked a musical transformation. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan championed Emirati talent, sending musicians to study in Egypt, Lebanon, and beyond, learning new styles and techniques.

National pride soared as the UAE’s national anthem, composed by Saad Abdulwahab, debuted with an instrumental melody that played without lyrics until 1986.

This era birthed the UAE’s first orchestra in 1974, led by Eid Al-Faraj, and introduced Moza Saeed, the UAE’s first female singer. Her blend of traditional and modern rhythms paved the way for women in the industry.

Artists of the decade

Saeed Salim Al Muallem

Saeed Salim Al Muallem carved out a distinctive style influenced by the Gulf's rich art and music scene. At just 14 years old, he recorded his first song in 1965 at Ibrahim Jerif Studio — a remarkable start to his journey.

During that time, traditional cafes were vibrant hubs where people gathered to unwind and enjoy music. Saeed Salim revolutionized the Emirati music scene with his innovative approach, introducing faster rhythms, a shift towards spoken Arabic over classical forms, and a richer use of oriental instruments like the oud. His talent earned him a spot on one of the Gulf's first music talent shows, Kuwait's Star of the Week.

Moza Saeed

Moza bint Saeed broke barriers in the mid-1970s, becoming one of the first female Emirati singers in an era when women in the arts were a rarity.

Hailing from Ras Al-Khaimah, Moza blended Emirati heritage with modern rhythms, creating music that not only honored tradition but also brought Emirati culture to a broader audience.

Her influence extended beyond her music — she lived in Bahrain and initially released songs under pseudonyms, only later returning to the UAE to perform under her real name. Moza's courage and talent inspired a generation of female artists to follow in her footsteps.

1980s: The Khaliji Rumba groove

The 1980s in Emirati music could easily be defined by the rise of the Rumba Khaliji rhythm. Adapted from the Latin American Rumba, this Gulf version brought a unique flavor to the region's music. Slower and more emotive, Rumba Khaliji relies on rhythmic repetition and flowing melodies, making it the perfect backdrop for romantic and heartfelt songs.

In Emirati music, the Drum became a central instrument in this rhythm, embedding Rumba Khaliji deeply into the DNA of Emirati and Gulf songs. It became a hallmark of the era, giving Emirati music a distinctive identity within the Arabic music landscape.

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The Emirati songs of the 1980s took on a refined, mature style, resonating with themes and sounds characteristic of the broader Arabic music tradition. Influenced by the professional experience of Emirati artists, the music of this decade transcended borders, entering homes across the Arab world.

Icons like Jaber Jassem and Mehad Hamad played pivotal roles during this period. Mehad Hamad, dubbed "The First Artist of the Emirates," emerged as a cultural powerhouse in the mid-1980s, despite starting his journey in the late 1970s. His work solidified his legacy as one of the most enduring symbols of Emirati musical heritage, a title he holds to this day.

1990s: Fusion fever

As the digital age dawned, Emirati music danced to a new tune. The 1990s were a game-changer for Emirati music—a time when tradition met innovation.

As globalization and technological advances reshaped the music industry, Emirati artists embraced modern influences while staying rooted in their heritage. This fusion of folk traditions and contemporary trends gave Emirati music a fresh edge, helping it captivate audiences across the Arab world.

Abdullah Balkhair: The Showstopper of the 90s

Abdullah Balkhair lit up the 1990s with his charisma and unforgettable style. Though he started his career in the 1980s, the next decade cemented his status as a star. His songs, packed with energy and charm, were the perfect mix of fun and tradition, making him a household name across the region.

With his vibrant performances and innovative take on Emirati music, Balkhair didn’t just entertain — he elevated the entire scene, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.

Technology made Emirati music go further, faster, as artists balanced preserving traditions with experimenting in style. It was an era of reinvention, and the stage was set for global recognition.

2000s to today: a global hit

The 2000s marked the era when Emirati music truly went global. Icons like Ahlam Al-Shamsi and Hussein Al-Jasmi carried Emirati melodies to sold-out arenas, captivating audiences far beyond the Gulf.

Ahlam, renowned for her powerhouse vocals and role as a long-time judge on music talent shows, became a symbol of Emirati pride and excellence. Meanwhile, Hussein Al-Jasmi’s viral hits proved that music transcends language barriers—you didn’t need to understand Arabic to move to the rhythm and feel the soul of his songs.

Dubai's emergence as a cultural epicenter further fueled this musical ascent. Startups like Soundbazzar and MOOZ are redefining the future of Emirati music in the digital age, with the UAE’s digital music revenue projected to hit $89 million by 2026.

From camel-riding ballads to trending global anthems, Emirati music is more than a genre — it’s a cultural movement. It tells a story of evolution, resilience, and boundless creativity. So, are you ready to press play on this timeless journey?