Abu Dhabi’s Ramadan-season concert calendar continues with Ramadaniyyat featuring Naïssam Jalal and Hazem Shaheen at The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. For box office support, call 02 628 4555, and for general Arts Center enquiries, call 02 628 6868. The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 March 2026, with doors at 9:00 PM and music starting at 9:30 PM (suitable for couples, solo; best for older kids and teens who enjoy quiet listening). Ticket prices start at approximately AED 52.50, and categories may increase with seat location.
A quiet meeting of Arabic taqsim and jazz
This is the kind of concert that rewards attention rather than chatter, because the music grows through listening and response. Naïssam Jalal and Hazem Shaheen shape the night around composition and improvisation, so the mood stays intimate and unforced. The classical Arabic practice of taqsim sits at the center, and then the duo opens the door to jazz language without losing the Arabic grounding. Expect a meditative pace, patient phrasing, and pieces that develop organically rather than following fixed routines. Therefore, if you prefer reflective nights during Ramadan, this program fits that rhythm well.
Naïssam Jalal’s sound and stage presence
Jalal brings a distinctive presence as a flautist and vocalist, and she tends to build bridges between musical cultures with a clear personal signature. Moreover, her work often feels curated in real time, because she treats silence and space as part of the music. She has earned major recognition in recent years, and her projects regularly move between jazz expression and wider sonic traditions. In a duo setting, her phrasing can feel especially close and direct, which suits the Red Theater’s acoustics. As a result, even subtle shifts in dynamics can land clearly in the room.
Hazem Shaheen and the oud-led conversation
Shaheen’s oud work anchors the dialogue with warmth and structure, even when the performance turns fully improvised. Additionally, his background as a composer and singer supports the duo format, because he can guide transitions without overpowering the flow. The oud’s resonance naturally complements flute and voice, so the pairing can move from delicate lines to fuller, pulse-driven moments. The strongest sections usually arrive when both musicians leave space for each other to steer. Consequently, the concert feels like a conversation more than a showcase.
Getting to NYU Abu Dhabi with fewer delays
Campus entry typically runs through the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center, so it helps to keep your ticket ready when you arrive. If you drive, plan your approach via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street E10, then connect toward Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street E12 and follow signs for Saadiyat and NYU Abu Dhabi, since GPS guidance can simplify the final turns. If you prefer public transport, Bus 170 reaches Saadiyat NYU area stops and then you can walk a short distance to the Arts Center. Taxis and ride-hailing remain the easiest option after iftar hours, and they also reduce parking stress when the campus gets busy. Parking and security checks can slow arrivals close to showtime, so earlier entry usually feels smoother.
If you are coming from Dubai, leaving around late afternoon can help you avoid the heaviest evening build-up toward Saadiyat Island. However, if you must leave later, aim to arrive before 8:45 PM to protect your buffer for campus access. If you are coming from Al Ain, the return drive feels easier after 11:00 PM, so consider a calmer post-show departure. For accessibility and wheelchair booking support, you can email the box office team using the official address provided by the venue.
Practical notes on venue comfort and seating
The Red Theater is a large-format performance space, so choose seats based on how you like to listen rather than how close you want to be. If you want to watch fingerwork and breath cues, mid-front sections work well, while mid-center often offers balanced sound for improvised music. Additionally, because the program leans quiet and detailed, you may enjoy it more if you limit late entry and keep phone brightness low. This concert works best when the room stays focused, so plan your timing like you would for chamber music. Therefore, a calm arrival often becomes part of the experience.
Weather, timing, and ticket reminders for the night
Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 is forecast to stay bright and mild, with an evening-friendly range after sunset and a daytime high around 28°C and a low near 15°C. Still, Saadiyat breezes can feel cooler near entrances, so bring a light layer and comfortable walking shoes for campus paths. Traffic typically thickens from 7:30 PM onward, and parking can tighten closer to doors, so earlier arrival or a taxi can save time. Ticket prices are approximately set by category and can change, so check availability before you go, and remember that entry requires a valid ticket. Book early if you want the best seat locations. For reliable ticketing, use PLATINUM LIST or the NYUAD BOX OFFICE. Finally, as the editor team at www.few.ae would put it, this is one of those Ramadan-season programs that rewards planning, because the calm you create before the doors open carries into the listening.