Khaleeji Rhythm: A Night of Gulf Jazz at Etihad Museum

Photo: Gemini

Dubai’s cultural calendar continues to pulse with vibrant cross-regional encounters, and this February promises an evening where heritage meets improvisation. At Etihad Museum, audiences are invited to experience Khaleeji Rhythm — a live musical performance that brings together Gulf traditions, contemporary jazz sensibilities, and collaborative artistry from across the UAE and Kuwait.

The evening centers on Boom. Diwan, led by Grammy-nominated ethnomusicologist and guitarist Dr. Ghazi Al Mulaifi, whose work bridges academic research with electrifying stage presence. Known for weaving archival musical forms into modern soundscapes, the ensemble transforms Khaleeji rhythms into fluid, exploratory performances that feel both rooted and refreshingly new.

Joining them are the renowned percussionists of the Abu Dhabi Folklore & Theatre Society, under the direction of Mubarak Al Otaiba, alongside Emirati sound artist Safeya Alblooshi. Together, they present a collaborative set celebrating the UAE’s maritime heritage — from pearl-diving songs to seafaring cadences — reimagined through live improvisation and layered instrumentation.

Set within the architectural symbolism of Etihad Museum, a space devoted to national memory and shared history, the concert becomes more than a performance: it is a dialogue between past and present, archive and experiment, shorelines and sound.

Whether you are drawn to traditional Gulf music, contemporary jazz, or the thrill of cross-cultural collaboration, Khaleeji Rhythm promises an immersive sonic journey — one that honors the tides of history while moving confidently into new creative waters.

Event Details

📅 7 February 2026

📍 Etihad Museum, Dubai

🕠 Seating begins at 5:30 PM

An evening where drums echo like waves, strings trace forgotten routes, and the Gulf’s musical memory finds new voice on stage.

Source and photo: Dubai Culture