Emirati performers captivated audiences at Kensington Palace with a night of operatic music, presenting a vibrant showcase of UAE culture on a prestigious international stage. The event featured talented artists Fatima Al-Hashimi, Ahmed Al-Housani, and Ihab Darwish, who performed pieces in Arabic, Italian, and English. This concert was part of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s Abroad program, held in partnership with the Peace and Prosperity Trust. The initiative aims to highlight Emirati cultural heritage through classical music while encouraging cross-cultural exchange.
A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, stressed the significance of such events in promoting cultural understanding. “If we do not tell our story, someone else will. And they will get it wrong,” she said. Alkhamis-Kanoo described the showcase as more than a one-time event, but as an ongoing commitment to bringing Emirati talent to the world stage. She added, “It’s about creating understanding, building dialogue, and showing the world the strength of our cultural identity through music. We invest in the young, we partner with the world, and we build cultural legacies that last.”
Blending Tradition with Innovation
The evening featured the debut of Ihab Darwish’s new composition, Ruins of Time, which fused orchestral sounds with traditional Arabic influences. Darwish remarked, “Music is the fastest way to reach people. It creates peace, it creates understanding. Music removes boundaries. It creates a shared language, a dialogue of coexistence, peace, and tolerance.” Meanwhile, Fatima Al-Hashimi explained her approach to preserving Arab identity within classical music: “Even while singing in Italian, I included Arabic lyrics to keep our signature present.” Ahmed Al-Housani reflected on the significance of the event, calling it a “professional milestone” and emphasising, “Performing here is more than a concert, it’s a message. We’re here to show the world the strength and beauty of our culture.”