Enchanting Melodies of the Middle East from the Emirate of Sharjah

The United Arab Emirates will return to the stage of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Tattoo. In 2025, the Festival stands will embark on an intriguing journey through the Middle East, accompanied by the Band of the Sharjah Police Science Academy. The Emirate of Sharjah, which is regarded as the cultural center of the UAE, was designated the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998. Delving into the distinctive essence of the Middle East, the Sharjah Police Academy musicians will perform traditional folk songs and melodies.

The band was established in 1994 with the primary objective of performing protocol duties at formal gatherings and ceremonies. Since then, it has significantly increased its potential, and now occupies a prominent position in the UAE’s public life. The ensemble is also actively involved in the promotion of national music and culture at home and abroad. From ethnic melodies to classical masterpieces and contemporary hits, the Band’s repertoire is vast, encompassing European marches blending in well with the folk Bedouin songs.

For instance, the UAE’s music traditions are derived from the centuries-old Bedouin culture of oral genres, which include chanted poetry, rhythmic drumming and acapella singing, to name a few. Expressing dancing performances are also noteworthy as they are part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. One example is the Al-Ayyala dance which is set to the beat of drums and performed by men carrying thin bamboo sticks. Along with traditional and ethnic music, the UAE also encourages the development of modern styles, including fusion and Arab wind genres, as showcased by the Sharjah Police Academy ensemble.

During their alluring spectacle on Red Square, the musicians will employ a plethora of traditional Arab instruments, like different-sized drums and the oud, a pear-shaped stringed piece resembling a lute, as well as the commonly used wind and percussion ones. Furthermore, in order to innovate, they are also going to add an electric violin. Although a very uncommon addition to a military wind band, it’s the violin that seamlessly blends the music tradition of the Middle East with a variety of contemporary trends.

In charge of the band is Lieutenant Colonel Hussain Ali Saleh Mohamed Alraeesi.

Over 1500 artists from all over the world will come together in the Russian capital to celebrate their shared passion for music. In 2025, the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory and all those who served. Some of the best military and law enforcement artists from Russia and abroad will hit the cobblestones of Red Square. The Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival enjoys the unwavering organisational and/or financial support of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture as well as the Moscow Government Department of Culture.