The 13-month part-time programme will train 17 Emirati musicians through a structured mentorship initiative.
UAE National Orchestra has launched “Tashyeed,” its first dedicated programme aimed at developing Emirati orchestral musicians and building a long-term pipeline of home-grown musical talent in the UAE.
Announced in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, the 13-month part-time programme will train 17 Emirati musicians through structured mentorship, rehearsal participation, and specialist workshops within a professional orchestral environment.
Derived from the Arabic word “تشييد,” meaning “to build” or “to elevate,” Tashyeed reflects the orchestra’s ambition to nurture the next generation of Emirati performers while strengthening the wider cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates.
“At the heart of a national orchestra are the people who bring it to life, and creating opportunities for Emirati musicians is central to what we are building,” said Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, during the programme’s launch.
“Through Tashyeed, participants will develop within a real orchestral environment and gain a clear understanding of its professional demands. Over time, this will support the continued growth of the orchestra and contribute to the United Arab Emirates’s musical future through home-grown talent,” she added.
Unlike traditional music training programmes, UAE National Orchestra’s Tashyeed initiative integrates participants directly into rehearsals and performance environments, giving them hands-on exposure to the standards and discipline of professional orchestral life.
The cohort was selected through a focused evaluation process and includes musicians from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Participants play a variety of instruments, including the oud, qanun, strings, and percussion, blending Arabic musical heritage with Western orchestral traditions.
The programme is structured across three progressive semesters, with weekly sessions that combine individual instruction, ensemble practice, and rehearsal integration.
Dr Mahmoud Said, Learning Programs Lead at the UAE National Orchestra, said the initiative is designed to provide both technical training and practical, real-world orchestral experience.
“By combining focused training with real exposure to rehearsals and performance environments, the programme helps musicians develop the discipline, awareness, and adaptability required at a professional level,” he said.
UAE National Orchestra’s Tashyeed programme also marks the first pillar of its broader learning and community mandate, which is expected to expand into school outreach initiatives, composer development programmes, and international collaborations.
Participant Nada Alaydaroos described the initiative as a valuable opportunity for Emirati musicians to enhance their artistic and professional skills while contributing to the continued development of orchestral music in the United Arab Emirates.
The programme will conclude with a graduation concert presented in collaboration with the UAE National Orchestra.
