All-women Firdaus Orchestra to illuminate Expo City Dubai for Eid Al Etihad 2025 celebrations
It’s a tribute to founding fathers through Emirati poetry and musical heritage
DUBAI – As part of the National Month campaign and the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, Expo City Dubai will welcome the all-women Firdaus Orchestra for a nationally themed musical evening on Tuesday, 2 December.
The performance will take place at the House of Arts, a cultural centre within Expo City Dubai known for nurturing Emirati creative expression. Organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in collaboration with Expo City Dubai, the event will showcase the UAE’s cultural heritage and its enduring founding values through music and poetry.
Led by distinguished Lebanese maestro Harout Fazlian, the orchestra will perform the specially composed piece Zayed and Rashid, inspired by verses from “The People and the Leader”, a poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The musical work pays homage to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, highlighting their pivotal roles in establishing the Union. Audiences will also experience a repertoire of pieces rooted in the musical heritage of the Emirates, reflecting the spirit of unity and national pride.
Cultural tribute
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, emphasised that the performance honours the legacy of the founding fathers and their contributions to shaping the UAE’s journey from its inception to becoming a globally admired nation. She noted that Expo City exemplifies the country’s vision, showcasing how ambition can be transformed into tangible achievements. The National Month events, particularly the Zayed and Rashid campaign, have been designed to foster a deeper sense of belonging and cultivate appreciation for the foundational values of the nation.
Amina Taher, a member of the Zayed and Rashid campaign organising committee, highlighted that the collaboration with the Firdaus Orchestra and the selection of the House of Arts reflect Dubai’s connection to authentic Emirati culture. The performance underscores the UAE’s commitment to promoting cultural expression while representing the principles of sustainability, understanding, and cooperation—values that have shaped the country's status on the global stage.
Firdaus Orchestra
The Firdaus Orchestra, which earned acclaim during Expo 2020 Dubai, is an ensemble composed entirely of women, symbolising creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence. Their return for this occasion brings together talented musicians from various backgrounds, uniting through a shared celebration of heritage and innovation.
The House of Arts, serving as the venue for the evening, is a multidisciplinary space dedicated to enriching storytelling, traditional arts, and cultural dialogue. It draws from the UAE’s heritage and Gulf regional influences, offering a platform for artistic exploration and national pride.
National identity
Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Entertainment & Experiences at Expo City Dubai and House of Arts Curator, expressed her delight in partnering with Brand Dubai for this special celebration. She highlighted that the event reflects the House of Arts’ mission to support Emirati creativity across music, performing arts, and heritage traditions. The centre embodies the UAE’s journey of progress, showcasing works that narrate the nation’s transformation from its formation to the present day, and capturing the spirit of its people and their shared identity.
Last year, Brand Dubai launched the song Zayed and Rashid as part of the first #ZayedAndRashid campaign, guided by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The campaign celebrates the foresight of the founders and the foundations they laid, which continue to guide the nation’s steady rise in global competitiveness.