Recital Series: Dr Noura Al Mazrouei, Saif Al Naqbi and Ahmed Al Mansouri

IN COLLABORATION WITH BAIT AL OUD, ABU DHABI

OVERVIEW

Oud virtuosos Saif Al Naqbi and Ahmed Al Mansouri are joined by qanun player Noura Al Mazrouei for an evening celebrating traditional and classical Arabic music in collaboration with Bait Al Oud, Abu Dhabi’s specialist institute dedicated to the study and preservation of traditional Arabic music.

The programme showcases the rich heritage of Arabic music, weaving together intricate instrumental compositions, expressive melodies and the resonant sounds of the oud and qanun. Drawing on their training at Bait Al Oud, the musicians bring precision, passion and deep understanding of the region’s musical traditions, offering audiences an authentic and immersive experience.

Through this collaboration, the performance celebrates the artistry of Emirati talents and the enduring legacy of Bait Al Oud, highlighting the beauty, nuances and cultural significance of Arabic music.

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PROGRAMME

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Artists

Bait Al Oud

Established in 2008, Bait Al Oud in Abu Dhabi is a premier institute dedicated to preserving, teaching and celebrating the rich heritage of Arabic music. Founded under the guidance of oud master Naseer Shamma, the centre offers comprehensive programmes in oud, qanun, voice and other traditional instruments, combining practical training with music theory and performance.

Bait Al Oud also trains artisans in oud craftsmanship, ensuring the continuation of this revered instrument-making tradition. Its Arabic choir programme nurtures vocal ensembles in classical and contemporary Arab repertoire, while diploma courses provide rigorous, performance-focused study for aspiring professional musicians.

As both an educational hub and a cultural centre, Bait Al Oud plays a vital role in sustaining the region’s musical traditions, fostering new talent and promoting Arabic music locally and internationally. Its students and alumni have gone on to perform on major stages, helping to share the beauty and depth of Arabic music with audiences around the world.

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Dr Noura Al Mazrouei, Qanun

A writer and qanun player whose work explores the intersection of music, culture and wellbeing, Dr Noura Al Mazrouei holds a PhD in Gulf Studies from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Arizona and a diploma in art therapy.

Her writing focuses on culture and the arts and has been published in journals and newspapers including Al-Turath, Music Research Journal, Al Ittihad, Al Khaleej and Gulf News. She is the author of The History of UAE–Saudi Relations, which received the Al Owais Creativity Award for Best Book by an Emirati Author in 2017 and Healing through Music, published with the support of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.

Alongside her artistic practice, Al Mazrouei leads workshops on the role of the arts in physical and mental wellbeing. She is the first certified Emirati trainer in movement therapy for women in sports clubs and works with therapeutic movement and dance to support emotional balance and mental performance.

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Saif Al Naqbi, Oud

An Emirati oud player, Saif Al Naqbi trained at Bait Al Oud in Abu Dhabi, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, under the mentorship of Dr Naseer Shamma, maestro and Arab oud master. He has performed across the UAE and internationally, contributing to the Emirati music and arts scene through his artistic practice.

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Ahmed Al Mansouri, Oud

A distinguished Emirati vocalist, composer and musical arranger, Ahmed Al Mansouri is renowned for his masterfully crafted spiritual and traditional Middle Eastern music. Since the 1980s, he has dedicated a career spanning more than four decades to preserving the rich heritage of Gulf vocal arts while blending them with contemporary studio production.

Anchoring his artistry in inshad (spiritual vocal music), Al Mansouri delivers profound messages of peace, hope and cultural pride. Central to his distinctive sound is the delicate, evocative resonance of the oud, which he seamlessly weaves with complex rhythmic vocal layers and rich harmonies.

His extensive discography features celebrated releases such as the landmark album Ookhtul Qamar, the deeply moving EP Emsah Dmo'ak and his hit single Sabah Al Khair. A true guardian of Emirati identity, he brings a captivating, timeless acoustic experience to the festival stage, bridging the ancient traditions of the Arabian Peninsula with the modern world.