Katia Saad - AnnaNahar - United Arab Emirates
When Arab heritage meets artistic civilization, and foreign symphony merges with the Arabic language, a creative Arab experience is born: Antar and Abla Opera. This operatic work by Opera Lebanon, organized by Bidaya company, premieres for the first time in the United Arab Emirates after receiving the Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award for 'Best Cultural and Artistic Work Serving the Arabic Language'. The work draws from the most famous love story, Antar and Abla, to transcend the boundaries of time and space, offering audiences a world-class musical opera performance accompanied by a symphonic orchestra and the Charlene Monks martial arts performance group.

Annahar had an exclusive interview with leading figures and stars of Antar and Abla Opera, which will be performed at Zayed Sports City from December 12 to 14, 2025. 
Antar and Abla Brings Together Arab Heritage and Global Operatic Singing
Antar and Abla Opera" by the writer Dr. Antoine Maalouf is among the foundational beginnings of Arabic opera in the world, written about 20 years ago. Its first performance was in Beirut in 2016 with the participation of over 200 artists, transforming it into an artistic masterpiece combining Arab heritage with global operatic singing, and establishing a new style in Arabic operatic dramatic writing.

Maestro Maroun Rahi, the composer, points out that it is the first Arabic opera aimed at creating an operatic singing school in Arabic akin to the Italian, French, German, and Russian schools. Its music was composed to translate the richness of melodies interwoven with Arabic text, responding to the aesthetics of words, letters, and their dramatic meanings.

One of the major challenges he faced in composition was that "the opera mold is a global one but in different languages, and the composer must adhere to the guideline that says: language comes first."

Distinguishing this version, Rahi says: 'It will surprise everyone with its sophistication, and its performance at Zayed Sports City is an authentic Eastern Arabic version akin to the European Arena di Verona festival. The performance is built using the latest visual technological methods, matching the dramatic depth of its sincere human meanings. Additionally, the inclusion of the Shaolin monks troupe represents a convergence of civilizations through its heroes, showcasing feats of valor instead of warfare, alongside the integration of modern technology and techniques, marking this operatic work as pioneering the onset of digital opera in the world.'

Opera Antar and Abla

The Opera: An Arabic Art Form with Global Standards 
Today, Bidaya company embraces the project of organizing Antar and Abla Opera, believing in the importance of preserving heritage and protecting Arab legacy. Eman Al-Salem, CEO of Bidaya, asserts that this work is a significant step to highlight the beauty of Arab legacy and its capacity to inspire. The character of Antara Ibn Shaddad embodies a living model of strength, courage, heroism, and chivalry, traits we wish to highlight to inspire today's youth.

On the significance of this Arab operatic work in enhancing the emirate's position as a cultural capital and elevating the arts, Eman Al-Salem says: 'Poetry and theater in the UAE are essential elements in consolidating national identity, preserving heritage, and enhancing social awareness. Therefore, hosting Antar and Abla Opera in Abu Dhabi reflects the intersection of high arts with authentic Arab values and the emirate’s commitment to supporting distinguished Arab works and presenting them with standards on par with global performances.' The opera also contributes to enriching cultural movement by attracting audiences seeking artistic experiences that engage with identity and heritage.

She adds: 'Abu Dhabi today is a central cultural hub for Arab creativity, introducing the world to its innovation. It does not only host global artistic performances but also establishes itself as a sector for cultural Arab production capable of competition and expansion.'
The Love of “Antar” and “Abla”: A battle for existence
In terms of numbers, Antar and Abla Opera includes 45 members in the symphonic orchestra, 38 chorus members, 108 performers, and 7 main characters. 

On the role of the lead Abla, mezzo-soprano Mariam Mouawad says that Abla is the muse for Antar’s chivalry and poetry writing and remained faithful to love. She states: 'As a Lebanese opera singer, I am honored to play this role to showcase the role of the great Arab woman.' Mariam underwent intensive vocal training with a pianist to prepare for this role, with rehearsals on the operatic text and focus on the musical text until she mastered it with its musical context. She collaborates with the theatrical team, offering creative ideas to ensure the success of the large-scale work.

On the importance of the introducing of the Arabic language in the operatic and dramatic field, Mariam says: 'Arabic is a powerful and rich language with musical rhythms, and I feel it is very suitable for operatic theater.' She aspires for more operatic works in Arabic, 'to create a motivation to showcase our creativity as professional artists and to become an added value in the world of opera.'

Sharing the stage with 'Abla' is 'Antar,' portrayed by tenor and executive producer Amine Hachem, who considers the character among the most complex any artist can embody in an operatic work. What draws him to this exceptional role is the deep conflict residing in his heart: he is an exile from his homeland, unacknowledged by his father because of his Ethiopian mother's lineage, and his love for Abla is a battle for existence. His greatest challenge is maintaining the authenticity of the Arab spirit while delivering a complete operatic performance in terms of technique, drama, presence, and the physical and vocal effort, combat energy, and poetry. 

What addition does this work provide to his career? Amine says: 'It grants me the rare opportunity to use the full spectrum of tenor voice, from heroic strength to poetic tenderness. This perfectly aligns with my artistic direction as an operatic singer and artist working to blend East and West and expand performance boundaries.' He adds: 'As the executive producer of the work, I feel I am contributing to the birth of a fully-formed artistic work from the concept to the stage.'

Antar and Abla Opera is a creative operatic work bringing together a select group of artists and experts from around the world, collaborating to refine a vision with an Arab identity, carrying the spirit of heritage, and addressing global audiences through the language of music and art. Nadim Tarabay took on the task of re-arranging and orchestrating this work, led by Maestro Brian Hallman, with scenography expert artist Elie Zeidan.