UAE National Day 2026: Celebrating 55 Years of UAE–UK Friendship

Overview

Celebrating 55 years of friendship between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, this special UAE National Day reception honours the longstanding ties, shared values and cultural connections between the two nations. Produced by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom as part of Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad, the event features an operatic recital by acclaimed Emirati soprano Fatima Al Hashimi, accompanied by piano. Her participation forms part of ADMAF's capacity-building programme for Emirati artists, providing an international platform to showcase Emirati operatic talent, expand artistic experience and strengthen cultural ties between the UAE and the UK through music.

Artists

Fatima Al Hashimi, Opera Singer

Acclaimed Emirati opera singer Fatima Al Hashimi has established an international career as a performer and cultural ambassador, showcasing Emirati talent on some of the world's most prestigious stages. She has performed in more than 20 languages across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, with notable appearances at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and Enescu Hall in Bucharest, alongside engagements representing the UAE at international diplomatic and cultural events.

An artist-in-residence at the American University of Sharjah and a founding member of the Emirati Musicians Association, Al Hashimi is committed to advancing music education, nurturing emerging talent and promoting artistic excellence. With a background in performing arts management, her work bridges performance, education and research, helping to inspire the next generation of Emirati musicians.

Her longstanding collaboration with ADMAF includes an appearance at Kensington Palace in London as part of Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad, following a three-week residency during which she trained under renowned Welsh tenor Dennis O’Neill. Through her international performances and commitment to cultural exchange, Al Hashimi continues to champion the global visibility of Emirati artistry.