The 55th UAE National Day, Eid Al Etihad, falls on 2 December 2026. It is a day when people across the Emirates come together in pride and gratitude for the country. Every year, companies, hotels, schools and families start preparing weeks in advance, and live music is often what gives a celebration its warmth and character. In this article, the Angham Al Oud team, led by oud player Wael Salah, shares what we have learned from performing at national celebrations, to help you choose the right musical format and plan your event calmly and clearly.
Why live music for National Day?
Recorded music fills a room with sound; live music fills it with presence. When musicians play in front of guests, the audience responds to the melody, sings along to familiar national songs, and the musical segment becomes a shared moment rather than background. Live music is also flexible in pace and length: the band can open with gentle pieces during the reception, then move to national and Khaleeji songs for the main segment.
Takht sharqi, full band or solo oud?
The right format depends on the size of the venue, the number of guests and the shape of your programme. Here is a quick look at the three options our team offers:
Solo oud: live oud, with or without vocals, suited to receptions, small gatherings, family majlis evenings and hotel lobbies. It is calm, needs little space and brings an authentic Eastern feel. Learn more about our oud player in Dubai.
Takht sharqi: a small ensemble of oud, qanun, nay and percussion with a tarab vocalist. It suits formal dinners, mid-sized corporate and hotel celebrations, and evenings that call for a balanced, classic Arabic atmosphere. Details on our takht sharqi page.
Full band: a wider line-up of instruments and rhythms for large halls and celebrations with a main segment or strong audience participation. See our Arabic band in Dubai.
If you are not sure which option fits, tell us the number of guests, the type of venue and the length of the segment, and we will suggest the closest line-up.
Music for every kind of celebration
Companies: many companies hold an internal celebration for staff or a reception for clients. Solo oud works well during the reception, followed by a takht or full band for the main segment, depending on attendance.
Hotels and restaurants: hotels usually need a programme that runs for several hours in the lobby, restaurant or ballroom. Sets can be spread across the evening, with attention to the mix of guests.
Schools and universities: celebrations here often involve students and parents. The band can accompany student performances or present its own segment of well-known national songs.
Formal occasions: at events with a formal character, the programme, timing and presentation matter. We coordinate in advance with the organiser on the running order and duration.
Private gatherings: at homes, villas and family majlis, the mood is closer and warmer. An oud player or a small takht is often enough to bring everyone together around the songs they love.
National and Khaleeji songs in the programme
The programme can include well-known Emirati national songs, Khaleeji and traditional Emirati songs, alongside classic Arabic pieces and oud instrumentals. We prepare the programme together with you and are happy to hear special requests. Please note that the final programme may vary with circumstances, the musicians available, the length of the segment and the nature of the venue, so we agree on a proposed list before the event and review it with you.
Simple steps to plan the music
- Set the date and length: choose the day and time, and estimate how long the music should run.
- Describe the venue: hotel ballroom, office, school hall or villa majlis; indoors or outdoors.
- Think about your guests: staff, international hotel guests, students and parents, or family.
- Choose the mood: calm tarab, a national atmosphere with singing along, or a mix of both.
- Check with the venue: sound system, power, space for the musicians and setup times.
- Send us the details: we will come back with a clear suggestion for the line-up and programme.
Why book early?
The National Day period is one of the busiest times of year for live music in the UAE, as corporate, hotel and school celebrations fall on almost the same days. Booking early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred date and line-up, and leaves enough time to coordinate the programme, songs and technical details. We recommend contacting us as soon as your date is set.
Practical details: sound, travel and booking
- Sound system: halls and hotels usually provide the sound system. For homes and villas, we can supply sound equipment for a modest fee.
- Travel: there is no travel fee within the usual cities; a travel fee applies only to far locations such as Liwa.
- Booking time: please book at least one day in advance, and much earlier during the National Day season.
- Deposit: a deposit of up to 50% may be requested to confirm the booking.
Our recent work
The Angham Al Oud team was honoured to collaborate with Rouh Dubai Choir for National Day celebrations, bringing live instruments and choral voices together. Read more in our National Day article. The team also performed at Liwa Festival 2026, an experience we value in the heart of Al Dhafra.
Frequently asked questions
Can we request specific national songs?
Yes. We are glad to receive your requests and will try to include them, depending on circumstances and the musicians available.
Do you perform outside Dubai?
Yes. We are based in Dubai and serve all Emirates, with a travel fee only for far locations such as Liwa.
How long does setup take at the venue?
We arrive with enough time to set up and sound-check before the segment, and agree on timings with the organiser in advance.
Plan your celebration with us
If you are planning a celebration for the 55th National Day, the Angham Al Oud team would be glad to help you choose the right line-up and programme. Contact us on WhatsApp at +971543446440 or through our contact page.
Dubai – serving all Emirates.