Emirati musical heritage will be showcased through an official UAE National Orchestra. Designed to advance the country's music sector and serve as a form of cultural diplomacy, the ensemble will launch its performance season in September.
Established under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, an official website outlines a two-phase audition process for permanent members, which will begin soon.
Auditions are open to all nationalities aged 18 and above who hold a valid Emirates ID or passport. The orchestra seeks musicians proficient in both western and regional instruments, as well as vocalists. The first audition phase requires an application form and recorded submissions, which are due by January 26. Successful candidates will then be invited to an in-person audition in Abu Dhabi before a jury.
Chaired by UAE Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi, the orchestra's board of directors includes UAE Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, cultural adviser to the President Zaki Nusseibeh and Abu Dhabi Music and Arts founder Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo.
"Through the UAE National Orchestra, we aim to enhance and showcase our local culture and arts, building bridges of communication with other world cultures,” Al Kaabi said. “The orchestra will be a source of inspiration and a driving force in both local and global communities, reaffirming our commitment to supporting creativity and artistic excellence.”
Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi has been appointed the managing director of the orchestra, following her years of advancing cultural and creative industries in the UAE. "This orchestra represents more than music; it is a symbol of our commitment to celebrating cultural heritage and fostering creative excellence," said Al Qassimi. "I am deeply inspired by the opportunity to lead this initiative and look forward to positioning the UAE as a hub for musical innovation and cultural exchange."
Amine Kouider, seasoned conductor and founder of the International Philharmonic Orchestra – Paris, will serve as artistic director. "Our mission is to honour the UAE's cultural legacy while encouraging musical exploration and innovation," said Kouider. "We aim to create a space where musicians can experiment with new sounds and styles, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and celebrating the UAE's musical heritage globally."
Discussions surrounding the formation of the UAE’s official orchestra date back to 2018. Al Kaabi, in her then role as Minister of Culture, revealed the news during an Abu Dhabi forum organised by the Federal Youth Authority. She elaborated the group would include both homegrown and international talent.
The UAE National Orchestra will also join other official ensembles in the Gulf, including the Oman Royal Symphony Orchestra, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, formed in 2007.
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
The Baghdad Clock
Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld
8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21
- Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
- Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
- Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
- Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
- Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
- Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
- Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
- Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
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Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
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Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
