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Titled Al Wasl, the nation’s first opera is a cultural milestone for the UAE
16 April 2019
| Last updated on 21 April 2019
The UAE’s first ever opera will be launched at Dubai Expo 2020 next year…
Described as “a cultural milestone for the UAE”, Al Wasl will be the country’s first opera that will combine both Emirati and global talent through the shared universal language of arts and culture.
The opera will span thousands of years of history; first by exploring the UAE’s Bedouin roots and the country in ancient times. The story will then journey to the UAE’s present achievements as a forward-thinking modern multi-cultural hub, followed by an insight into the future and the UAE’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s leading nations.
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The title, Al Wasl, means ‘the connection’ in Arabic and references the historic name for Dubai.
The opera has been commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai and will be a story of tolerance, diversity and progress that explores the nations rich culture and heritage.
“The story is about the cycles of generations and young people and old people learning to listen to one another” explains Composer Mohammed Fairouz in a video announcing Al Wasl.
The two-hour production is being created in partnership with the Welsh National Opera and will premiere in October next year at Dubai Opera, aligning with the official opening of Expo 2020 and the opening of Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island.
It will be performed in both Arabic and English and will feature more than 100 artists and musicians as well as a production team of 70 professionals. A worldwide tour of the opera is reportedly being considered by organisers, too.
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Speaking to Gulf News, Fairouz explained how the opera will be crafted for a diverse, global community.
“In the UAE, we find inspiration in the present by looking to our history with pride and our future with hope. Al Wasl shines a light on the rich history of our people and nation, and how we embrace the whole world with humanity and generosity”, said Fairouz.
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