Abu dhabi: The UAE National Orchestra has launched Tashyeed, its first dedicated programme to develop Emirati orchestral musicians, marking a significant step in building the country's long-term orchestral capability at a professional level.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 13-month, part-time programme will support 17 Emirati musicians through structured training, mentorship, and direct integration into a professional orchestral environment, reflecting the standards and expectations of a national orchestra. Participants were selected through a focused evaluation process, identifying musicians with the potential to develop within a professional orchestral environment. By embedding participants within rehearsals and performance settings, Tashyeed moves beyond traditional music training and into real-world orchestral practice.
This programme forms part of a longer-term effort to build a sustainable pipeline of Emirati orchestral talent and to support the continued development of the UAE's cultural landscape. Tashyeed, derived from the Arabic word meaning 'to build' or 'to elevate', reflects the UAE National Orchestra's commitment to developing home-grown musical talent and building a strong foundation for the country's orchestral future. The programme aligns with the UAE National Orchestra's wider vision to use music to support learning, inclusion and human development, while nurturing the next generation of Emirati musicians.
Tashyeed represents the first pillar of the Orchestra's wider learning and community programme, which will continue to expand through future initiatives focused on the development of Emirati composers, schools outreach, and international collaboration. Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for Emirati musicians to develop within a real orchestral environment.
Nada Alaydaroos, a participant in Tashyeed, highlighted the programme's role in providing an opportunity for Emirati musicians to strengthen their skills within a professional orchestral environment. The structured 13-month programme is organised across three progressive semesters, combining individual instruction, ensemble work and rehearsal integration to reflect the discipline and expectations of a professional orchestral environment.
Participants represent a range of instruments, including oud, qanun, strings and percussion, reflecting both Arabic and orchestral traditions. A central element of the programme is its integration with the UAE National Orchestra, where participants gain direct exposure to professional standards and performance dynamics.
The cohort includes musicians of different ages, backgrounds and musical journeys, reflecting the depth of emerging Emirati talent. Tashyeed culminates in a graduation concert presented in collaboration with the UAE National Orchestra, marking the final stage of the participants' development journey.
Dr. Mahmoud Said, Learning Programmes Lead at the UAE National Orchestra, noted that Tashyeed provides participants with both the technical foundation and practical experience required to progress within an orchestral setting. By combining focused training with real exposure to rehearsals and performance environments, the programme supports musicians in developing the discipline, awareness and adaptability needed at a professional level.
Over time, initiatives such as Tashyeed will help build a stronger pipeline of Emirati musicians, support the long-term growth of orchestral music in the UAE, and reinforce the role of the UAE National Orchestra as a national cultural institution.