Oud, Arabic ensembles and Eid celebrations
Oud, qanun and Arabic ensembles for corporate iftars and suhoors, and live music for Eid at home in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sound and a stage manager included, one contact and a fixed quote within two hours.
Ramadan & Eid · guide
Ramadan and Eid entertainment in Dubai: oud, Arabic ensembles and Eid celebrations
Ramadan changes the calendar of events in Dubai: the day is quiet, the evening starts after iftar, and the corporate season moves to iftar dinners, suhoor gatherings and majlis evenings in hotel tents and villa gardens. Then Eid al-Fitr brings days of family celebrations, and Eid al-Adha follows in late spring. The music has to fit the moment: acoustic, Arabic and at conversation level during the holy month, and a real celebration when Eid arrives. LuminArt provides the artists for both: oud players, qanun and ney, Arabic ensembles with a singer, tabla for the Eid night, and international acts for mixed teams, always with a stage manager and one contact. Companies get a written agreement and invoicing; families get the same team at their villa.
Corporate iftars and suhoors
The iftar dinner is the corporate event of the month: staff, clients and partners in a hotel ballroom, a Ramadan tent or a restaurant terrace, from sunset to late evening. The formats that work:
- Oud solo or oud and qanun. The sound of a Ramadan evening: taqasim and classic Arabic repertoire at conversation level, from arrival to the end of dinner. See Arabic music.
- Arabic ensemble with singer. Oud, qanun, ney and percussion with a vocalist, from Fairuz to Umm Kulthum, for larger iftars and later suhoors.
- Ney or violin over soft backing. For a smaller senior dinner or a lounge set-up.
- Suhoor lounge. Later and more relaxed: oud and percussion, Khaleeji repertoire, a singer for the last hour.
During Ramadan we keep to acoustic and traditional formats: no DJ sets and no dance shows. A short cultural moment, such as Emirati coffee or calligraphy, can be arranged with the venue. The terms are the same as for all our corporate event entertainment: an itemised quote within two hours, a written agreement and invoice, a guaranteed backup performer and one contact on the night.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Eid is the celebration: family gatherings in villas, community events, hotel brunches and company Eid parties. Here the formats open up:
- Arabic band with singer and tabla. Khaleeji, Egyptian and Lebanese hits, for family celebrations and community Eid nights.
- Oud and singer at dinner, dance show after. A traditional first half and a lively second half; a folkloric or belly dance show where appropriate. See dance shows.
- Emirati and Khaleeji programmes. A Khaleeji band and a traditional programme for a family or community Eid; for the week of 2 December see National Day company events.
- Children. A close-up magician and a family show for Eid mornings and community events. See magic shows.
- Mixed teams. For companies celebrating Eid with an international staff: an Arabic act for the first hour, then a party band or a DJ with live sax.
Eid at your villa
Family lunches and evening gatherings in Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Emirates Hills, Al Barari, Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, District One and across Abu Dhabi: an oud player or an Arabic trio through the meal, a singer with tabla for the evening, a party band for the younger guests, a magician for the children. Our villa party packages start at AED 9,000 with sound and a stage manager; for a dinner-only format with one or two artists, ask us for a quote.
For hotels, restaurants and Ramadan tents
Hotels and restaurants programme oud and Arabic ensembles across the whole month, and the best players are booked early. If your Ramadan tent, iftar buffet or suhoor lounge still has gaps, LuminArt can confirm oud, qanun, ney, an Arabic trio or a singer within two hours, with our own sound where the venue needs it, and the same team for Eid.
Respect and practical notes
- Timing. Music starts after iftar; suhoor sets run late evening into the small hours.
- Repertoire and dress. Classical and traditional Arabic repertoire and a modest dress code for all performers.
- Volume. Conversation level: the oud through a small PA or the venue’s own system.
- Alcohol-free. Every format works for a dry event, which is the norm during the month.
- Eid dates. Eid depends on the moon sighting. Tell us your likely dates when you write and we plan a flexible date with the artists.
- Abu Dhabi. The same team and packages; travel appears as a separate line in the itemised proposal.
Ramadan and Eid entertainment: frequently asked questions
Can we have live music at a corporate iftar in Dubai?
Yes. Acoustic Arabic music at conversation level, starting after iftar, is the norm at hotel iftars and Ramadan tents: oud, qanun, ney, or an Arabic ensemble with a singer.
What entertainment is appropriate during Ramadan?
Traditional and acoustic formats, with no dance shows or DJ parties, a modest dress code and music after sunset. A short cultural moment such as Emirati coffee or calligraphy can be added with the venue.
When should we book Ramadan entertainment?
As early as you can: hotels book oud players for the whole month and the best ensembles go first. Confirm your dates with us before the start of the month.
What do you offer for Eid parties?
Arabic bands with singer and tabla, oud and singer with a dance show after, Khaleeji programmes, magicians for children, and party bands or DJs for company Eid parties with international teams.
Do you provide sound?
Yes. A compact PA and an operator sized to the venue, or we play through the hotel’s own system.
How much does an oud player or an Arabic band cost?
Every event is quoted individually within two hours, based on the acts, the venue and the hours. Villa party packages start at AED 9,000.
What if Eid falls a day earlier or later than expected?
Eid follows the moon sighting. Give us your likely dates when you book and we agree a flexible date with the artists.
Send us the date, the venue and the head count on WhatsApp and you will have a Ramadan or Eid proposal within two hours. Live music for iftars, suhoors and Eid in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Your party, our artists