The UAE’s 49th National Day celebrations in Dubai will sway to the songs of talented singers and musicians. This year’s calendar of events, which runs from 28 November to 5 December, features an array of musical styles, sounds and genres.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), organisers of this year’s UAE National Day events in Dubai, has put together an eclectic line up of artists that will appeal to Dubai’s diverse community of music lovers of all ages.
Arabic Concerts
Residents and visitors can sing along with some of the biggest Arabic and Khaleeji hits at two evenings of great live music at Burj Park Downtown Dubai. The UAE National Day Concerts by MBC Group will welcome to the stage female Emirati singer Balqees and Mohammed Shehhi on 2 December. Balqees, who boasts her own star on the Dubai Stars walkway in Downtown Dubai, is a firm favourite of music fans in the UAE and beyond, while Mohammed, also Emirati, is a relative newcomer to the regional music scene but is already famous for his poetic songs and Khaleeji singing style.
On 3 December, The UAE National Day Concerts by MBC Group at Burj Park Downtown Dubai will host a double header of Emirati singing talent with performances by Eida Al Menhali and Shamma Hamdan. A composer and poet who often performs without musical instruments, Eida is well known across the region having released his debut album, ‘Mahma Jara’, in 2002. Six more albums have followed since then as well as the hit single ‘Motasoa’. A finalist on the hugely popular regional TV show ‘Arabs Got Talent’ in 2012 when she was just 18 years old, Shamma has a large and loyal following around the region with her songs ‘El Hala Soubak’, ‘Moajaba’ and ‘Nahno Hona’ regularly played on Arabic radio and music channels.
The concerts will strictly follow all health and safety measures to prevent the spread of covid and protect the attendance. The wearing of masks is required at all times. Entry to both concerts is free of charge, but guests are required to register in advance online at www.nationaldaydubai.com.
Homegrown Performers
An eclectic line-up of talented youngsters who perform a variety of musical genres will take to the stage for the HomeGrown Beats show over the UAE National Day holiday. Dubai personality and music producer DJ Big Hass will spin records and host the groundbreaking showcase on 5 December at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. Created to put local artists in the spotlight and give a platform for trailblazing young talents to show off their skills, the line-up includes Bafoory, Bilail, Dina Stars, Madyan Hamza, Nagham Debal, SG & Ahmedoo and Suhaib Alises. Tickets for the show, held in association with Blank Space Open Mic, are priced from AED45 to AED125 with the first act performing at 8.30pm.
International Star
Michael Rosenberg, the singer and songwriter behind folk act Passenger, will bring his acclaimed catalogue of songs and music to the Dubai Opera for a one-night-only show on 4 December. Performing live since 2007, first as a full band and more recently just as Rosenberg playing solo, Passenger are one of the UK’s most loved musical exports of the last few years with Rosenberg’s honest and revealing lyrics winning over fans across the globe. Tickets for the show are priced from AED295.
The Fridge
On 30 November, the popular Alserkal Avenue-based music and performing arts venue, The Fridge Warehouse, will welcome music lovers to the 33rd season of its cultural showcase, The Fridge Concert Series. This newest edition will feature a concert by the acclaimed Dubai-based singer, songwriter and multi-genre producer Jay Abo. Performing with a five-piece band, the concert will offer the audience a sneak peek of Abo’s upcoming releases, expected next year, and introduce them to his edgy, blues and electronic-inspired musical style. Doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at AED80.
For more details about this year’s UAE National Day celebrations, please visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/uae-national-day
