SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
By fusing the elements of traditional and modern music, the UAE’s first female composer Dr. Eman Al Hashimi is embarking on a rhythmic journey that expands the horizons of the Emirati creative space.
By merging elements of Arabic and Western music in her compositions, she sees music as one language with different accents, allowing for seamless integration.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr. Al Hashimi said that music not only entertains and inspires but also promotes health, community building, and environmental sustainability.
As the UAE champions sustainability practices both at home and abroad, Dr. Al Hashimi, who is a committed member of the Environment Friends Society, believes that music has tremendous potential for the advancement of environmental and social causes.
“Music is a soft force that can influence our emotions, behaviours, and the world around us. We continuously explore how music affects our environment in various ways,” she said.
The impact of music on the environment is multifaceted, encompassing physical, social, and economic dimensions. Music often draws inspiration from nature, promoting a deeper connection to the natural world and encouraging environmental stewardship, Dr. Al Hashimi added.
She said that numerous studies have thrown light on the impact of music, particularly classical music, on plant growth and health.
Besides that artists can use their platforms to raise awareness about environmental issues, as many music festivals advocate eco-friendly practices like recycling and renewable energy.
“Recently, I coordinated a workshop specifically on the role of music in preserving the environment and its power in achieving environmental balance, all the while illustrating how music can encourage creative expression and activate parts of the brain, thereby promoting innovative and artistic thinking,” she continued.
An internationally certified life coach, WIPO certificate holder, and Government Excellence Model (GEM) evaluator, she holds a BA in Human Resources Management, an MA in Communication and Strategic Public Relations, and an honorary doctorate for her achievements.
“I am not sure how my education or background directly influence my compositions, but they have certainly impacted my mood and feelings, which in turn has led me to create new works. However, I am certain that my education has had the biggest influence on my writings, as I have successfully published six books so far,” she said.
As a writer, a public speaker, and a composer, Dr. Al Hashimi balances her diverse creative pursuits seamlessly.
Dr. Al Hashimi also incorporates emerging tech trends into her works.
Recently she performed a live music show in the UAE with the aid of AI.
“It was a unique experience where I had to learn many details about AI and the Metaverse, which made me eager to explore further. This knowledge allows me to harness these contemporary innovations in service of music, ultimately benefiting humanity as a whole.”
In a nation renowned for its creativity, Dr. Al Hashimi has numerous accolades to her credit. She became the first Emirati female composer and pianist to perform at World Music Day and Expo-Milan.
Her pioneering work includes Martyr, a piece created with the military band, writing operettas such as the Year of Zayed and Mother of Emirates, and composing soundtracks for films.
She has also performed at the Louvre Museum and established the band Eman Al Emarat.
Moreover, she is the first Emirati woman to win the Best Composer Award in the UAE (2018), and the Dubai Sensation Award for Business Excellence (2024).
She was also honoured with the Middle East Women’s Leadership Award (2024), and named among the 100 most effective and creative minds in the UAE (2018).
She has been recognised as one of the 50 leading Emirati women on Emirati Women’s Day (2021) and her innovative projects also included composing melodies for the Emirates Mars Mission (2020). Furthermore, she volunteers with hospitals and orphanages through her music.
As she credited family and friends, and the “support of our beloved country for making the impossible possible” in her musical journey, she urged aspiring artists to uphold strength, determination, and faith to persevere through challenges.
Regarding future projects, Dr. Al Hashimi said that she has completed the concept for an Emirati film within a purposeful social comedy framework. “I have also fully finished writing the script and detailing the scenes. Now I am awaiting the filming process, which will involve collaboration with prominent Emirati stars as well as a distinguished group of Egyptian and Arab artists.”