Riyahiyat” Launches in Abu Dhabi: A New Women-Centric Arabic Tarab Experience at the Cultural Foundation – Qasr Al Hosn

An immersive and participatory Tarab evening exclusively for women, celebrating Emirati Women’s Day 2026 at the Cultural Foundation

Featuring Lamiaa Al-Riahi — acclaimed Tunisian artist and Tarab pioneer — and Arab Choir.

On August 28, 2026, “Riyahiyat,” a cultural initiative by Highways Arabia, will launch its first Abu Dhabi edition at the Cultural Foundation – Abu Dhabi, presenting a landmark evening bringing women together exclusively to celebrate the art of Arabic Tarab.

“Riyahiyat” is more than a musical concert; it is an immersive and participatory musical experience — created by women, for women — where music and artistic expression come together in an atmosphere of joy, connection, and freedom. The concept was born from a simple ambition: to create an elegant and inspiring space where women can gather and celebrate together, with the audience becoming not merely spectators, but an essential and active part of the live performance.

The idea for “Riyahiyat” was initiated by Sanaa Al-Qazzi, Co-Founder and General Manager of Highways Arabia, driven by her desire to create an experience that brings women together around Arabic music and Tarab in a unique and participatory setting. From its inception, the initiative has been supported by her partner, Kalin Nassif, Co-Founder of Highways Arabia, allowing it to evolve into a cultural initiative embraced and produced by the company in Abu Dhabi.

For both founders, the initiative also represents a tribute to the UAE and Abu Dhabi, and to the space the country has provided them over the years to build, produce, and develop creative, media, and cultural projects.

A Carefully Chosen Date and a National Celebration

The choice of August 28 for the launch of the first Abu Dhabi edition of “Riyahiyat” was a deliberate decision aligned with the national agenda. The date coincides with Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s announcement that Emirati Women’s Day 2026 will be celebrated through a month-long national programme, running from August 28 to September 28, under the theme “Together, We Rise Stronger and Better.”

“Riyahiyat” is proud to contribute to this national celebration, honoring the remarkable achievements of Emirati women across various fields.

An Iconic Cultural Landmark

Just as the date was carefully selected, so was the venue. Rather than choosing a purely commercial setting, “Riyahiyat” was drawn to the Cultural Foundation – Abu Dhabi, a space that embodies the living dialogue between heritage, culture, and contemporary artistic expression.

The Cultural Foundation’s leadership embraced the initiative from the very beginning, providing its full support and collaboration.

Artistic Participation: Lamiaa Al-Riahi

The evening will be led by acclaimed Tunisian artist Lamiaa Al-Riahi, founder of the first women’s singing club in the Arab world.

Her immersive and interactive concept has successfully brought together thousands of women through participatory Tarab evenings across the region — transforming every audience into a chorus of voices and every performance into a shared collective experience.

Rooted in Abu Dhabi’s Creative Ecosystem

As a creative production based in Abu Dhabi, “Riyahiyat” is committed to reflecting and celebrating the UAE’s cultural ecosystem.

The evening brings together a distinguished selection of artists and musicians based in Abu Dhabi. Lamiaa Al-Riahi will also be joined on stage by the women of Arab Choir, the Abu Dhabi-based Arabic choir.

Their participation creates a bridge between regional Arab artistic excellence and the local music scene, under the distinguished musical direction of Dr. Ahmed Abdel Sattar.

Celebrating the Women Shaping the UAE’s Cultural Landscape

The evening will feature special moments honoring distinguished Emirati women across various artistic fields.

The programme will also spotlight pioneering Emirati women in music, painting, filmmaking, sculpture, and performing arts, celebrating the growing presence and leadership of women in the nation’s cultural life.