The 23^rd edition of the International Festival of Oud, organised by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco, has awarded the Ziryab of Virtuosos 2022 to Emirati musician Ali Obaid Al Hafiti. The artist received this honour for his musical creations and his outstanding contribution to the UAE’s artistic heritage.

The award was presented during the Tetouan International Lute Festival which took place from May 20-22. The event celebrated the achievements of the artist who helped establish the first Emirati Eastern Music Band in collaboration with some of the most prominent Arab musicians. Since its inception, the band has won acclaim throughout the Arab region for its traditional tunes, reflecting the popular musical heritage of the UAE. It showcases the musical prowess of Ali Obaid, who is regarded as an ambassador of Emirati music in the country and across the region.

Ali Obaid performed at the end of the festival, presenting the audiences with the most beautiful musical renditions that reflect the beauty of Emirati and Arab music. The musical performance reflected the potential of the artist who played an active role in the founding of Fujairah Arabic Music Band, the first artistic band with a traditional Emirati character and identity in the UAE. It showcases the musical legacy of the UAE and demonstrates the position of Fujairah as a culture and knowledge hub and is a platform to spread Emirati music far and wide.

Obaid is considered one of the most prominent musical voices in the UAE and the Arab region. He learned to play the oud instrument at the age of 12.  He was one of the first graduates of the Bait Al Oud  in Abu Dhabi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and participated in many Arab and foreign music festivals and won several awards and honours. He was taught by great masters such as Dr. Naseer Shamma, the renowned Iraqi oud player.

The Ziryab of Virtuosos Award is one of the highest recognitions in the field of music regionally and globally. The honour has been bestowed upon greats such as Moroccan artist Abdelwahab Dukkali; Lebanese musician Marcel Khalife; Moroccan artist and singer Nouamane Lahlou; Iraqi oud player Dr. Naseer Shamma from Iraq; Juan Carmona from Spain; Joubran trio from Palestine and many others.