‘Jamal Al Etihad’: AR Rahman set to go live in Abu Dhabi tonight
The song celebrates UAE’s unity, resilience, coexistence and cultural identity
ABU DHBAI – Anticipation is soaring in Abu Dhabi as world-renowned music maestro AR Rahman takes centre stage tonight at the Sheikh Zayed Festival to perform Jamal Al Etihad, a new musical tribute celebrating the spirit of the UAE.
Conceptualised by Abu Dhabi-headquartered Burjeel Holdings and composed by Rahman, the song is described as a message of hope from the UAE to the world, reflecting the nation’s values of unity, coexistence, resilience and shared humanity.
The live premiere will take place at 9:30 PM at the Layali Al Wathba Theatre, with gates having opened at 7:00 PM to welcome festival visitors.
Jamal Al Etihad
The performance is aligned with the festive mood of the season, arriving just as the UAE marks Eid Al Etihad and builds towards the 54th National Day. Designed to appeal to both local and global audiences, Jamal Al Etihad blends Emirati identity with universal emotions, making the event a cultural highlight. Rahman, a two-time Oscar and Grammy winner, will perform the piece live for the first time alongside his team, adding to the scale and significance of the evening.
Visitors are in for a treat beyond the headline performance. The evening will feature a series of vibrant band performances and culturally inspired dance showcases, creating a multi-layered experience for attendees. The organisers have emphasised that the concert is open free of charge to all festival ticket holders, while general access to the Sheikh Zayed Festival is available for just Dh10.
Fireworks to follow
Following Rahman’s highly awaited performance, the sky above Abu Dhabi will light up with a three-minute fireworks display at 10:00 PM, adding spectacle to the musical debut. The fireworks are expected to wrap up the concert segment of the evening in dramatic fashion, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere across the festival grounds.
Omran Al Khoori, Member of the Board of Directors at Burjeel Holdings, previously noted that the project reflects a deep bond with the UAE and its values. The festival setting, he said, offers an ideal stage for sharing the tribute with the public at a poignant moment in the national calendar. As one of the country’s biggest cultural gatherings, the Sheikh Zayed Festival provides a backdrop that merges heritage, art and innovation, making it the perfect environment for the launch.
The event also carries a symbolic dimension, arriving at a time when the nation celebrates its achievements and looks ahead to its future. By aligning with the ethos of Eid Al Etihad, Jamal Al Etihad reinforces the themes of unity and belonging. The digital release of the musical piece is expected to follow on AR Rahman’s platforms, extending the reach of the tribute beyond the live audience and across international borders.