• Reemaz Oqbi (C), from Saudi Arabia, on flute.
    Reemaz Oqbi (C), from Saudi Arabia, on flute.
  • Noura Sulaiman, spokeswoman for the Firdaus Orchestra during rehearsals at the Gems Wellington International School in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Noura Sulaiman, spokeswoman for the Firdaus Orchestra during rehearsals at the Gems Wellington International School in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Practice makes perfect.
    Practice makes perfect.
  • Nerissa Lobo playing the piano as the musicians tune up.
    Nerissa Lobo playing the piano as the musicians tune up.
  • The percussion section of the Firdaus Orchestra.
    The percussion section of the Firdaus Orchestra.
  • Yasmina Sabbah, the conductor who comes from Lebanon.
    Yasmina Sabbah, the conductor who comes from Lebanon.
  • AR Rahman, an award-winning composer, will premiere original music.
    AR Rahman, an award-winning composer, will premiere original music.
  • Elham Marzooqi (C) from UAE playing cello during the rehearsing of Firdaus Orchestra at the Gems Wellington school in Dubai.
    Elham Marzooqi (C) from UAE playing cello during the rehearsing of Firdaus Orchestra at the Gems Wellington school in Dubai.
  • Jo Cathrine (C) playing bassoon.
    Jo Cathrine (C) playing bassoon.
  • Firdaus Orchestra is an all-women ensemble featuring 23 nationalities.
    Firdaus Orchestra is an all-women ensemble featuring 23 nationalities.
  • Hanan Halwany at the rehearsal.
    Hanan Halwany at the rehearsal.
  • AR Rahman has said of the orchestra: ‘I’m proud to say that the Firdaus Orchestra is a world-class collective of musicians.’
    AR Rahman has said of the orchestra: ‘I’m proud to say that the Firdaus Orchestra is a world-class collective of musicians.’
  • Elham Al Marzooqi, from the UAE, on cello.
    Elham Al Marzooqi, from the UAE, on cello.

Inside AR Rahman’s extraordinary all-women orchestra at Expo 2020 Dubai


Ramola Talwar Badam
  • English
  • Arabic

The all-woman ensemble of the Firdaus Orchestra takes centre stage today at Expo 2020 Dubai led by AR Rahman, the Oscar and Grammy-winning composer.

Mr Rahman will premiere original compositions during the hour-long performance at Expo’s Jubilee Park that will feature western classical, traditional Arabic music, Hindustani classical vocalists and a tribute to space explorers.

The all-woman orchestra are tuning up to be instruments of change when they play on Saturday, the first of six performances during the world's fair.

A common thread unites the 50 talented musicians mentored by Mr Rahman.

They spoke to The National about transforming perceptions in the region about young women performing on stage and taking up a career in music.

Drawn from 23 countries, the in-house orchestra will be among the legacies that continue when the Expo ends in March next year.

The ensemble promises an original sound featuring Arabic and Indian string instruments, such as the qanun, buzuk and sitar, rarely heard alongside the typically orchestral flute, violin and harp.

Over the past several months, the musicians have rehearsed daily at a Dubai school to perfect Mr Rahman’s original compositions and distinctive arrangements of Western classics and Bollywood favourites.

The conductor keen to lead by example

Led by conductor Yasmina Sabbah, the orchestra has in its ranks women who refuse to be typecast.

“We have a stereotype about women in this region and this orchestra is a very powerful message to break the stereotype,” said Ms Sabbah.

She spoke of the hesitation “to perform, to be on stage, to be looked at”.

“This is something that we want to change in this part of the world, and also the idea that music is not a career, that it is just a hobby.

“For the conductor, we always have an image of someone in a suit and I think it is nice to break that, especially in this region.”

Create your own opportunity

Yasmina Sabbah, conductor of the Firdaus Orchestra, during rehearsals in Dubai before performances at Expo 2020. Pawan Singh / The National.
Yasmina Sabbah, conductor of the Firdaus Orchestra, during rehearsals in Dubai before performances at Expo 2020. Pawan Singh / The National.

Ms Sabbah dips, sways, snaps her fingers, gestures to the horn and trumpet in the brass section to go quiet and motions to the violin, cello and harp to a crescendo.

She is keen to brush aside sceptics who doubt a woman can lead an orchestra.

“It was important to take my place in a position of leadership,” said Ms Sabbah who has a master’s degree in conducting from the University of Cambridge.

“I had to really fight, create my own opportunities and not wait for it to be given it to me.”

She founded a 60-member choir in Lebanon, where she is also guest conductor with the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra.

While people were comfortable seeing a woman leading a choir, she has been asked, 'who is going to conduct the concert on your behalf? Are you capable of doing that, to actually conduct the orchestra?'

Ms Sabbah described being on the stage as “a statement and message of empowerment”.

We are all standing strong to try to pave the way for all women after us to be encouraged to pursue music.”

A legacy project with Expo the launch pad

Aisulu Auzhanova from Kazakhstan plays the oboe during a rehearsal of the Firdaus Orchestra at a school in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Aisulu Auzhanova from Kazakhstan plays the oboe during a rehearsal of the Firdaus Orchestra at a school in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The orchestra has already had a taste of the spotlight when some members performed at the opening ceremony and accompanied world-famous musicians such as Andrea Bocelli.

The plan is for the orchestra to continue after the Expo ends in March with organisers keen to give the performers stability.

Noura Sulaiman, spokeswoman for Firdaus, said the project was conceived in 2019 during a conversation between Mr Rahman and Reem al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and Expo’s director general.

The team then researched how other orchestras around the world functioned.

The musicians have contracts with leave and medical insurance benefits with an option of continuing to be part of the orchestra once the six-month extravaganza ends.

“The idea is to build something for Dubai and the UAE,” she said.

“We are trying to show that being an artist is a viable job.”

Ms Sulaiman hoped it would spark the dream of being part of an orchestra in others.

“I hope young girls and boys alike see these women on stage, see the power, passion and love they bring to their art and say 'yes, I can do that too'.”

Inspiring transformation from within

Reemaz Oqbi (C) from Saudi Arabia playing the flute during rehearsals of the Firdaus Orchestra, a female ensemble conceptualised for the Expo 2020 in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Reemaz Oqbi (C) from Saudi Arabia playing the flute during rehearsals of the Firdaus Orchestra, a female ensemble conceptualised for the Expo 2020 in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

That change is already taking place within the ensemble with younger musicians keen to follow the example set by established women musicians they have grown to know.

Reemaz Oqbi plays the flute and has always been passionate about music.

The Saudi Arabian citizen is studying politics with a minor in music at the American University of Sharjah.

A legal career was her chosen path before the Expo but that plan is changing.

“I might pursue a master’s in music,” said Ms Oqbi, who is at college by day and rehearses with the orchestra at night.

“I see it’s possible for me to have a legitimate career in the place that I love.

“Things have definitely shifted for me since joining the orchestra.”

Watching the musicians perform, she said would “reassure young girls in this region that there is a place for them. It’s really important to open that pathway for women in the Middle East to have access to the music industry.”

Listening to Arabic voices

It is Hanan Halwany's mission that more people get to know and love the buzuk that she plays for the Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
It is Hanan Halwany's mission that more people get to know and love the buzuk that she plays for the Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Experimenting with Arabic instruments has been part of months-long practice sessions.

Mr Rahman told The National in an earlier interview that it was “beautiful” to hear pieces composed by orchestra members such as Hanan Halwany.

Her composition on the long-necked buzuk has been arranged for the orchestra by the maestro conductor.

The Beirut musician’s mission is to help familiarise people with the buzuk.

“It’s a very rare instrument so even if you are a musician, you forget there is such an instrument,” she said as her fingers fly across the strings.

“The buzuk tells me the melody to compose. AR Rahman has encouraged me and I feel happy my music will be heard at Expo.”

Another voice heard was that of Sahar Khoueiry.

Sahar Khoueiry plays the qanun that she says lends itself to any musical interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
Sahar Khoueiry plays the qanun that she says lends itself to any musical interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National

The Lebanese musician was taken aback when her suggestion to play Mozart’s Turkish March on the qanun was taken up by Mr Rahman.

“When he directly accepted my idea and said, ‘Let’s build on that piece,’ I was really surprised,” she said, quickly alternating between plucking the strings with her fingers and the flexible plectrum attached to her finger rings.

“Firdaus is a beautiful dream and I’m living that dream every day.”

Breaking the mould

Members of Firdaus Orchestra during rehearsal at the Gems Wellington School in Dubai. Pawan Singh/The National
Members of Firdaus Orchestra during rehearsal at the Gems Wellington School in Dubai. Pawan Singh/The National

Firdaus means paradise in Arabic and classically trained musicians accustomed to working with Western musical instruments said they have had “mind-opening” experiences as they collaborate.

“We are from so many different musical backgrounds so it is a blending of cultures,” said Nerissa Lobo, the lead pianist from India who has lived in Dubai for more than 20 years.

“Firdaus is breaking the mould to create its own sound. It has been mind-opening to collaborate with women from different nationalities.”

Jo Cathrine who plays the bassoon, a woodwind instrument, said this was her first time playing alongside the traditional ney, a reed flute, and the oud.

“As classical musicians, we are sometimes a little constrained. But the girls on the Arabic instruments, their creativity is amazing,” said the British citizen who moved to the UAE five years ago.

Aisulu Auzhanova, who plays the oboe, moved from Kazakhstan to Dubai shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

“This has become my life,” she said. “Every day I come with such a happy feeling to rehearse with these great musicians.”

Elham Al Marzooqi, an Emirati cellist, said she felt blessed to work with talented musicians.

“Having AR Rahman as a mentor and seeing the symbiotic relationship develop with the orchestra is a learning experience,” she said.

“It’s become a relationship where we can read each other.”

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Walls

Louis Tomlinson

3 out of 5 stars

(Syco Music/Arista Records)

In numbers

1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:

  • 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
  • 150 tonnes to landfill
  • 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal

800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal

Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year

25 staff on site

 

UK%20record%20temperature
%3Cp%3E38.7C%20(101.7F)%20set%20in%20Cambridge%20in%202019%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog

Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi

Age: 23

How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them

Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need

Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman

Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs 

Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FIXTURES

December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm

December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm

December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm

Company profile

Date started: January, 2014

Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe

Based: Dubai

Sector: Education technology

Size: Five employees

Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.

Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENomad%20Homes%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHelen%20Chen%2C%20Damien%20Drap%2C%20and%20Dan%20Piehler%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20and%20Europe%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20PropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2444m%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Acrew%20Capital%2C%2001%20Advisors%2C%20HighSage%20Ventures%2C%20Abstract%20Ventures%2C%20Partech%2C%20Precursor%20Ventures%2C%20Potluck%20Ventures%2C%20Knollwood%20and%20several%20undisclosed%20hedge%20funds%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie

Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)

Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. 

Updated: October 23, 2021, 8:12 AM