The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation organised a grand live musical concert titled “For the Love of the UAE” on Saturday, June 20, performed by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra led the renowned Maestro Riyad Qudsi, in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber Orchestra, the Elfa Choir and singer Somar Najjar.
During the two-hour performance, the orchestra presented a diverse musical program that opened with the UAE’s national anthem, followed by the song ‘We Love the UAE’. More than 15 international musical pieces and Emirati songs followed, with the audience singing along with the orchestra in an enchanting atmosphere of interaction, particularly as emerging young talents played renowned musical pieces by some of the world’s greatest composers.
The concert was attended by H.E. Dr. Suleiman Mousa Al Jassim, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, and H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Foundation, along with a distinguished gathering of cultural figures and an audience numbering in the hundreds from various Arab and expatriate communities. They enjoyed a rich program of international music interwoven with Emirati melodies, enhanced by the enthusiasm of the audience, which added to the event’s charm and gave it a strong sense of social and cultural cohesion.
The concert featured a selection of patriotic songs, including “We Love the UAE”, “Dar Zayed”, “Your Love Is Deep Within Our Hearts”, and “O Dearest Home”, among other popular favourites. The event also included classical works by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Vivaldi and Khachaturian, performed by more than 35 musicians of various nationalities.
At the conclusion of the concert, H.E. Dr. Sulaiman Mousa Al Jassim presented the Al Owais commemorative shield to Maestro Riad Kudsi, thanking him for the orchestra’s outstanding performance and wishing the ensemble continued success and achievement.
The concert underscored the spirit of the UAE’s national unity, a cornerstone of the country’s social fabric, reflected in the close bond between the leadership and the people. It also highlighted a strong sense of patriotism as a core value that embodies deep belonging and pride in the nation’s achievements under one flag.
The event forms part of a broader programme of cultural activities organised by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation to promote cultural engagement and artistic exchange. The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra is regarded as one of the UAE’s leading active musical ensembles, bringing together experienced musicians and promising young performers. The orchestra provides emerging talent with the opportunity to perform alongside seasoned artists, helping to foster artistic continuity and ensure that high-quality music remains an integral part of public and cultural life.
