Get ready for some oud splendour, courtesy of a series of online concerts curated by a master of the instrument.
After wowing online audiences in April with a solo show, Iraqi oud artist and composer Naseer Shamma will return to screens with three distinctive performances.
Joined by students from his Bait Al Oud conservatories (locations include Abu Dhabi and Cairo), who will perform remotely from their homes, the Visits from Bait Al Oud series aims to celebrate the diversity of the instrument.
With each streaming from 8.30pm on the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) YouTube page, Shamma says the shows hope to be a soothing balm in this tumultuous period.
“In trying times such as these, it is important to continually foster a sense of community and togetherness, and to spread hope as much as we can,” he says.
“I’ve found that one of the best ways to deliver the message of hope is through music. The Visits from Bait Al Oud series has enabled my friends and I to safely be invited into homes around the world to share a message of hope and solidarity.
"We are excited to show the depth of classical music, offer unmissable vocal and instrumental experiences, and have viewers leave our concerts inspired to carry on this message of hope.”
Here is the breakdown of the three concerts.
Wednesday, May 13: The Story of the Oud
A great introduction to this rich instrument. If you think all ouds sound or are played the same, prepare to be blown away by the variety of styles on show here. The concert will also highlight the instruments taught in Bait Al Oud, including the violin, qanoon and cello.
Wednesday, June 3: Bait Al Oud and Abu Dhabi Classics: Universal Mozart
A cosmopolitan affair celebrating the life of composer Wolfgang Mozart. Shamma will lead an ensemble of Bait Al Oud graduates and guest musicians from Europe and Asia to perform Mozart compositions inspired by the Arab world.
Wednesday, June 17: Bait Al Oud’s Tribute to Classical Arabic Singing
Prepare to be taken back to the golden age of Arabic popular music as graduates from Bait Al Oud perform a selection of songs from legendary singers such as Egypt’s Um Kulthum and Lebanon’s Fairuz.
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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September to November or March to May; this is when visitors are most likely to see what they’ve come for.
WHERE TO STAY:
Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari - Chitwan National Park resort (tajhotels.com) is a one-hour drive from Bharatpur Airport with stays costing from Dh1,396 per night, including taxes and breakfast. Return airport transfers cost from Dh661.
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Etihad Airways regularly flies from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu from around Dh1,500 per person return, including taxes. Buddha Air (buddhaair.com) and Yeti Airlines (yetiairlines.com) fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur several times a day from about Dh660 return and the flight takes just 20 minutes. Driving is possible but the roads are hilly which means it will take you five or six hours to travel 148 kilometres.
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