UAE announces establishment of National Orchestra to elevate arts and cultural heritage

The UAE has announced the establishment of a national orchestra, a significant step in the country’s dedication to arts and culture. the announcement was made by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The initiative will be led by Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, who has been named Chairperson of the UAE National Orchestra Board.

This move reinforces the UAE’s commitment to positioning arts as a cornerstone of its cultural identity and a means of fostering social cohesion. Al Kaabi will spearhead efforts to advance the nation’s music sector by nurturing emerging talent and celebrating the UAE’s rich musical heritage alongside contemporary global influences.

To build a world-class orchestra, a series of auditions will be held to spot musicians and vocalists from diverse musical backgrounds, both Arabic and Western, aged 18 and above.

Board of directors

The UAE National Orchestra will have a distinguished board of directors, joining experts and leaders from cultural, artistic, and academic fields, including:

• Sara Al Amiri, Minister of Education.
• Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture.
• Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
• Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President.
• Naseer Shamma, UNESCO Artist for Peace and Founder of the House of Oud.