Signature Cluster
Arabic Entertainment in United Arab Emirates
Heritage acts, Arabic musicians and Khaleeji performers for weddings, galas and national celebrations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Arabic and Khaleeji entertainment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai and Abu Dhabi host guests from every corner of the world, yet the moments people remember at a Gulf event are usually the ones rooted in the region itself. The sound of an oud as guests arrive, a line of Ayala performers moving to the drum, a Tanoura dancer turning under the ballroom lights. Arabic entertainment gives an event a sense of place that a generic cover band never can.
Khaleeji music is the music of the Gulf coast, with its own rhythms, instruments and dances, and it sits alongside the wider Arabic tradition that runs from Cairo to Beirut. A well planned programme often blends the two: Emirati heritage acts for protocol and arrivals, then Levantine or Egyptian style music once the dinner is served and the dance floor opens. We book both, and we know which acts suit which part of the evening.
Every performer on this page works regularly in the UAE, understands dress codes for government and family events, and can adapt a set for a mixed international audience. Most acts can be booked as a soloist, a small group or a full production, and several can be combined into one continuous show.
The acts we book in United Arab Emirates
Traditional Arabic band
A four to eight piece band with oud, qanun, violin, percussion and a lead vocalist. It covers classic tarab for dinner and upbeat Khaleeji and Egyptian hits once people start dancing, so one booking carries the whole night. See traditional arabic band
Oud players
The oud is the sound most guests associate with the Arab world. A soloist works beautifully for arrivals, majlis settings and VIP dinners, while an oud duo or trio fills a larger reception without drowning out conversation. See oud players
Qanun players
The qanun is a plucked zither with a bright, shimmering tone. It pairs naturally with oud for a refined dinner set and is a strong choice for embassy receptions, museum openings and luxury hotel lounges. See qanun players
Tabla player
An Arabic tabla drummer adds energy the moment they start. Tabla works as a solo entrance, as a drum battle with a DJ, or alongside a belly dancer or zaffa procession at a wedding. See tabla player
Ayala dancers
Ayala is the Emirati heritage dance performed by two facing lines of men with thin bamboo canes, accompanied by drums and chanted poetry. It is the classic arrival act for National Day, government functions and Emirati weddings. See ayala dancers
Yola dance
Yola performers spin and toss ceremonial rifles in the air with remarkable control. It is a short, striking segment that usually runs alongside Ayala and gives photographers the shot of the night. See yola dance
Dabke dancers
Dabke is the Levantine line dance with stamping footwork and linked arms. Troupes perform a choreographed show and then pull guests into the line, which makes it ideal for weddings and team celebrations. See dabke dancers
Tanoura dancer
The Tanoura dancer spins for several minutes in layered, coloured skirts, often with LED panels for evening shows. It is visual, calm and suitable for every audience, including family and government events. See tanoura dancer
Arabic singer
A male Arabic vocalist can cover Khaleeji favourites, Egyptian classics and modern Lebanese pop. We match the repertoire to your guest list, whether that is Emirati families, a Levantine crowd or a mixed corporate room. See arabic singer
Female Arabic singer
Female vocalists are popular for ladies-only wedding receptions and elegant dinners. They can perform with a full band, with an oud player, or with backing tracks for smaller private events. See female arabic singer
Arabic calligrapher
A live calligrapher writes guests' names in Arabic script on cards, fans or branded items. It is a thoughtful take-home gift and works well at exhibitions, brand activations and hotel openings. See arabic calligrapher
Arabic magician
An Arabic speaking magician performs close-up and stage magic in Arabic, English or both. Perfect for family events, majlis gatherings and corporate dinners where the audience is largely Arabic speaking. See arabic magician
Ramadan entertainment
Calm, respectful programming for iftar and suhoor: oud and qanun sets, storytelling, calligraphy and Tanoura. We plan timings around prayer and keep the tone appropriate for the holy month. See ramadan entertainment
UAE traditional dance
A full Emirati heritage programme combining Ayala, Yola and Harbiya, often with poetry recital. Built for National Day, Flag Day, museum openings and diplomatic events. See uae traditional dance
When Arabic acts work best in the UAE
- Weddings. Zaffa entrances with tabla and drums, a female singer for the ladies' reception, and a traditional band once dinner is served.
- National Day. Ayala, Yola and heritage drummers for arrivals and flag moments, followed by Khaleeji music during dinner.
- Ramadan tents. Oud and qanun duos, calligraphers and a single Tanoura segment, timed around iftar and taraweeh.
- Corporate galas. An oud trio for the reception, a Tanoura or Ayala reveal before the keynote, and an Arabic band to close.
- Hotel activations. Resident oud players for lobby lounges, calligraphy at brand launches and weekend Tanoura shows for restaurants.
Arabic entertainment price guide in AED
Indicative ranges for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Final quotes depend on date, set length, number of performers, travel and technical needs. Peak dates such as National Day and Ramadan cost more.
| Act | Typical format | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Oud player | Solo, 2 x 45 min | AED 2,500 to 4,500 |
| Oud and qanun duo | 2 x 45 min | AED 4,500 to 7,500 |
| Tabla player | Entrance plus 2 sets | AED 2,000 to 3,800 |
| Traditional Arabic band | 4 to 8 piece, 3 x 45 min | AED 12,000 to 30,000 |
| Arabic singer (male or female) | With backing or band | AED 6,000 to 20,000 |
| Ayala troupe | 10 to 20 performers | AED 8,000 to 18,000 |
| Yola performers | 2 to 4 performers | AED 3,500 to 7,000 |
| Dabke troupe | 6 to 10 dancers | AED 6,000 to 12,000 |
| Tanoura dancer | 2 x 10 min, LED option | AED 2,500 to 5,000 |
| Arabic calligrapher | 3 hours | AED 3,000 to 5,500 |
| Arabic magician | Close-up or stage | AED 3,500 to 8,000 |
| UAE heritage programme | Ayala, Yola and poetry | AED 15,000 to 35,000 |
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