Latest news with #FirdausOrchestra
Al Etihad
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Firdaus Orchestra concludes season with spectacular 'Opera at Al Wasl Plaza' performance
4 May 2025 18:58 DUBAI (WAM) After a series of highly successful performances, Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative by Expo City Dubai and the first all-female orchestra in the UAE, concluded the inaugural season of its 'Firdaus Nights' concert series with a dazzling operatic performance titled 'Opera at Al Wasl Plaza.'The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside senior officials from Expo City Dubai and prominent media representatives from across the grand finale featured three internationally renowned opera vocalists, led by Emirati soprano Fatima Al Hashemi, joined by Serbian artist Ana Kovačević and Russian soprano Alina Vassina. Each performed a selection of solo and ensemble pieces from the global operatic performances took place at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, renowned for its state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, creating an enchanting atmosphere that deeply resonated with the large Orchestra, comprising over 50 exceptionally talented female musicians from 24 nationalities, launched the 'Firdaus Nights' series in November last year with a concert celebrating classical music second concert, in January, marked the Lunar New Year, followed by a third concert during the holy month of Ramadan, held over two evenings, featuring timeless Arabic melodies and a special performance by the Ayoub concerts attracted an enthusiastic, multicultural audience of all ages, reflecting the initiative's mission to promote orchestral music across diverse segments of society and inspire younger generations to engage with this refined art form. Established during Expo 2020 Dubai, Firdaus Orchestra has collaborated with some of the world's most acclaimed artists, including operatic legend Andrea Bocelli, Grammy-winning musician Wouter Kellerman, and global icon Beyoncé.
What's On
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: March 3 to 6
Hello, March… The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us. But this doesn't mean your 'Things to do in Dubai' list gets dull, as there is still plenty to do in the city. You can visit one of the stunning Ramadan markets or an iftar tent, or you can get creative or even watch a film at a cool cinema. Have a great week, and to everyone observing the Holy Month, Ramadan Kareem. Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, March 3 Hai Ramadan This year, Expo City Dubai invites visitors to experience the essence of the Holy Month at 'Hai Ramadan,' an immersive celebration where tradition meets modern festivities. Visitors break their fast at the Iftar Hai Ramadan, complete with live cooking stations. At the souk, you can witness the Ramadan cannon firing, shop for handmade crafts and traditional garments, and enjoy some family-friendly performances. Every weekend, Firdaus Orchestra will play timeless Arabic classics on the Al Wasl stage. Tickets are priced at Dhs35, redeemable for three 'Floos' tokens that can be used for treats and experiences. Children aged three and under and People of Determination, with one caregiver, can enter for free. The Ramadan market will remain open daily from 5pm to 1am, until Ramadan ends. You can book your tickets here. Expo City Dubai, Feb 27 to March 27, 5pm to 1am, Dhs35 for general admission, iftar Dhs260 per person, suhoor Dhs180 per person. @expocitydubai Come together with others for an iftar Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset during the Holy Month of Ramadan. But iftars aren't restricted to just Muslims, with doors opening to everyone to try. Across the city, restaurants open their doors with iftar and suhoor menus offering a variety of cuisines, so there are options for everyone. Go with friends, family, or a loved one and observe the Holy Month in this multi-cultural country. You can find over 120 iftar and suhoor options in Dubai in our guide here. Tuesday, March 4 Boom A Ramadan Cannon is something everyone has to witness, be it once every Ramadan or even once in a lifetime. If you didn't know, the Ramadan Cannon is fired as a signal that the sun has set and that the day's fast has ended. It is a tradition that has stood the test of time, and in the city, Dubai Police has expanded the experience, announcing seven new locations for iftar cannons, bringing the total to 17 spots across the emirate. The fixed location this year is Expo City Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Festival City, Uptown, Madinat Jumeirah, DAMAC Hills, and Hatta Guest House. Read more here. Get creative Want to get a little creative? Head to Pots & Paints Cafe and unleash the artist within. You can pick from over 200 items including plates, mugs, pots, and money boxes, and then all that's left to do is get to painting your masterpiece. If you start to feel hungry when you're there, the cafe serves coffee, bites, salads, burgers, pasta and pizza, and dessert. There's a kids menu, too. Pots & Paints Cafe, Town Centre Jumeirah, Dubai, Mon to Thurs 9am to 10pm, Fri to Sun 9am to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 282 0011. Wednesday, March 5 Unwind This café has a small yet artisanal menu with unorthodox sandwiches, coffees and desserts. It also has over 800 games, and the place is teeming with 'game masters' to help you pick a game and understand the rules. You can go one of three ways with your timings – Dhs20 for an hour, or Dhs30 for two hours. Students are offered special rates of Dhs15 for an hour and Dhs25 for two. You can choose to play all day for just Dhs40. If you need to refuel alongside your games, indulge in all-day breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, desserts, milkshakes, and speciality coffee. There are two Unwind board game cafes in Dubai to pick from: Hessa and Zabeel. Unwind, Hessa St, Al Barsha, and Zabeel, near Zabeel Park, Tel: (0)4 336 6611, @unwinddubai Shop and sip Maison Margiela has landed in Mall of the Emirates with a brand-new boutique, bringing its signature avant-garde aesthetic to Dubai's fashion scene. But the real surprise? A a sleek 40-square-metre café, perfect for a mid-shopping break – a cool concept for fashion lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. Maison Margiela café, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 283 6276. @maisonmargiela Thursday, March 6 Immerse yourself in heritage One of the best free things to do in Dubai is head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Home to traditional wind towers constructed from stone, teak, gypsum, palm wood, and sandalwood, each alley, twisting pathway, and breezy tower tells a story of a life before the seven emirates. There's a range of cultural activities, museums, art galleries, special events, and traditional food available at Al Fahidi. We love the Dubai Coffee Museum where you can admire centuries-old grinders, roasters, and pots from all over the world. There's a Coin Museum in the same area, which is worth a wander even if you're not a serious numismatist. Or if words are more your thing, you can check out a museum dedicated to the poet Al Oqaili, located in the Al Ras area in Deira – it's housed in one of the most beautiful heritage houses in Dubai. Watch Little Women If you grew up reading Little Women and love it, you catch the film at Cinema Akil at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. It follows the March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, as they enter the threshold of womanhood. Together, they go through life's many ups and downs. Follow them as they make important decisions that will affect their future. Oh, and bring tissues. Book your tickets here. Cinema Akil in 25hours, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Dubai, Tel: (0)56 995 1225. @cinemaakil
What's On
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 Ramadan markets in Dubai to visit
Ramadan is upon us, and this means it's time for iftars and Ramadan tents and majlises, and all the activities that come during the Holy Month. For some more cultural-based activities, visit these Ramadan markets in Dubai. Packed with plenty of activities for the whole family, inside these Ramadan Markets, you will find plenty of shopping opportunities, food, entertainment and more… Here are the best Ramadan markets in Dubai you have to visit over the Holy Month Expo City Dubai This year, Expo City Dubai invites visitors to experience the essence of the Holy Month at 'Hai Ramadan,' an immersive celebration where tradition meets modern festivities. The Ramadan market opens from Ramadan 1 and is open daily from 5pm to 1am, until Ramadan ends. Inside, visitors break their fast at the Iftar Hai Ramadan, complete with live cooking stations. At the souk, you can witness the Ramadan cannon firing, shop for handmade crafts and traditional garments, and enjoy some family-friendly performances. Every weekend, Firdaus Orchestra will play timeless Arabic classics on the Al Wasl stage. Tickets are priced at Dhs35, redeemable for three 'Floos' tokens that can be used for treats and experiences. Children aged three and under and People of Determination, with one caregiver, can enter for free. You can book your tickets here. Expo City Dubai, Feb 27 to March 27, 5pm to 1am, Dhs35 for general admission, iftar Dhs260 per person, suhoor Dhs180 per person. @expocitydubai Global Village Global Village is transforming into a 'Home of Ramadan Wonders' complete with stunning Ramadan-themed decorations. And in keeping with The Year of Community, guests can expect activities that will bring friends and families together. Besides the endless shopping opportunities and live performance, make time to catch the Ramadan cannon besides the main stage. PS. Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, visitors will be able to access the attraction from 5pm to 1am on weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday) and from 5pm to 2am on weekends (Thursday to Saturday). The timing means visitors can enjoy the park's international selection of street bites for both iftar and suhour servings. Read more here. Ramadan District If you want to visit the most loved Ramadan market in Dubai, make a beeline to Ramadan District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Curated by the M2L Concepts, the market blends tradition and heritage with modern fun and entertainment to celebrate this time of joy and togetherness. Expect a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and, of course, food. And don't forget, this Ramadan Market comes with those unforgettable Museum of the Future views. Ramadan District runs from March 8 to 23. Entry is generally free, but some activities may require a small fee. Stay tuned for further details on the latest season, or for more information, visit Read more here. Ramadan District, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Plaza Terrace, Dubai, open from Mar 8 to 23, weekdays, 5pm to 12am, weekends, 5pm to 1am, free entry, Tel: (0)4 370 8909, @ Ramadan at Festival Bay There's plenty to do at Festival Bay this Ramadan, and if you find yourself at the Dubai Festival City Mall or exploring Marsa Boulevard, make sure you set aside time for Ramadan at Festival Bay Market. Running daily from March 1 to April 6, 6pm to midnight, expect traditional entertainment, cultural activities, workshops, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Want a snack? Visit the diverse mix of food and beverage vendors from top foodie brands. Don't miss the IMAGINE show, which will feature a special Ramadan-themed experience over the Holy Month. And if you love fireworks, head here on March 15 for a glittering display at 10pm. Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival Bay, Dubai, open from March 1 to April 6, 6pm to midnight. @dubaifestivalcitymall Images: Supplied/What's On
Emirates 24/7
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
13th Sikka Art & Design Festival Kicks Off on Friday, 31st January 2025
The 13th edition of Sikka Art & Design Festival will commence tomorrow evening, Friday 31st January 2025, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Running until 9 February at the Al Shindagha Historic District under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, the festival aims to provide an innovative platform that showcases diverse art forms, celebrates pioneering and emerging artists from the UAE and the Gulf, and strengthens Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. This year's edition boasts a rich agenda filled with exhibitions, programmes, activities, live performances, visual arts, unique culinary experiences and beyond. More than 40 public art pieces and installations will be displayed across 19 houses, the courtyard and alleyways of Al Shindagha, and along Dubai Creek, each offering diverse art forms, distinctive installations, sculptures, and interactive spaces. Three houses and two courtyards will be dedicated to talent development, alongside a space for people of determination to encourage them to showcase their creativity. Additionally, 13 murals created by renowned artists will adorn the walls around the festival, aligning with Dubai Culture's Public Art Strategy that aims to enhance Dubai's visual culture and transform the emirate into an open and accessible art gallery. The festival programme, part of the Dubai Art Season, will feature over 450 workshops, talks and panel discussions, over 100 live performances, 13 theatrical shows, and six orchestral performances. Highlights include performances by the Firdaus Orchestra under the guidance of world-renowned composer A.R. Rahman, the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Dubai City Sound ensemble. Notable initiatives enhancing Dubai's cultural and creative industries include the 'World Stage Design House,' offering daily specialised workshops and theatre performances; 'Merin' a public art pavilion focusing on architectural aesthetics; and 'Creatives on Wheels,' a theatrical journey combining mobile shadow play and music. Visitors can also enjoy an array of unique culinary offerings from more than 50 F&B homegrown concepts, as well as the 'House of Saffron,' hosting exclusive supper clubs led by nine renowned chefs. The 12th edition of Sikka Art and Design Festival attracted nearly 162,000 visitors, exhibiting the work of around 500 Emirati and UAE & GCC-based artists and creatives, featuring over 300 art pieces and 10 outdoor installations in the historic district. This year's edition promises to raise the bar even higher, offering a comprehensive celebration of art, creativity, and culture. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
