Sharing the UAE's sound globally

From maqams to musical dialogue, Abdel Rahman Al Blooshi explains how the UAE's heritage fits seamlessly into a global concert stage

- Husain Rizvi

When Global Fusion 2026 takes over Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel on January 18, it will be a meeting of Grammy Award-winning talents from around the world.

Among the international ensemble is Emirati oud player Abdel Rahman Al Blooshi, a rising cultural ambassador carrying the sound of the UAE onto a truly global stage. In conversation with City Times, Al Blooshi reflects on representing Emirati heritage alongside global legends and the oud's power as a storytelling instrument. Edited excerpts:

You'll be sharing the stage with Grammy Award-winning musicians from vastly different musical traditions. What does it mean to you to represent Emirati heritage in a setting like Global Fusion 2026?

It is a profound honour. Standing alongside such accomplished musicians confirms that Emirati music is not just local folklore; it is a rich, living tradition capable of dialogue with the world's best art forms. To me, representing my heritage here means building a bridge, showing that the soul of the UAE can harmonise perfectly with global sounds while retaining its unique identity.