A takht ensemble in Dubai is 4 to 5 seated musicians playing traditional Arabic music: an oud and a qanun, a nay (reed flute), a riq or tabla, and an optional violin. It gives you the classical Egyptian and Levantine sound of the Umm Kulthum and Fairuz repertoire, heard clearly across a dinner but never fighting the conversation. It suits a formal gala dinner, an embassy or cultural evening, or a wedding dinner where the family wants tradition. Send your date and venue, and we suggest the line-up and send a price.
Price: a takht ensemble of 4 to 5 musicians is quoted per event. See oud and takht prices in Dubai.
The instruments in a takht
- Oud. The fretless, pear shaped string instrument that carries the melody and the harmony.
- Qanun. The flat plucked zither with bright, fast runs. Read more about the qanun player.
- Nay. An end blown reed flute with a soft, breathy tone.
- Riq or tabla. A small frame drum with jingles, or a goblet drum, that keeps the pulse.
- Violin (optional). Adds the long, singing lines of classic Arabic orchestras.
A singer can front the ensemble for tarab songs. Ask for one when you send your date.
When to choose a takht over a duo
An oud and qanun duo is perfect for a majlis, an arrival or a dinner of up to about 100 guests. A takht is the step up when the room is bigger, the event is formal, and you want guests to hear the music clearly while they eat. Corporate galas usually want a takht or a duo during dinner, and a livelier set afterwards if there is dancing.
What traditional means
A traditional booking usually means acoustic or near acoustic instruments, formal Arabic dress for the musicians, and songs from classical Egyptian, Levantine or Khaleeji sources rather than modern pop covers. If that is what you want, say so clearly in your request. Otherwise you may be offered a commercial pop line-up, because that is the one many people ask for.
Sound and space by guest count
| Guests | Sound | Space |
|---|---|---|
| Under 60 | Acoustic or one small speaker | Corner or lounge area, no stage |
| 60 to 150 | Small PA, 1 to 2 microphones, a monitor speaker | At least 2 m by 2 m |
| 150 to 400 | Full PA, sound engineer, 3 to 5 microphones | Stage or riser of 3 m by 2 m or larger |
Many hotel ballrooms have a house sound system the musicians can plug into, which lowers the cost. Outdoor majlis tents and terraces usually need the musicians to bring their own speakers, so confirm this early.
Occasions for a takht
Gala dinners and corporate evenings. See corporate and hotel events.
Weddings. A takht for the dinner, with a band or DJ for the dance floor later. See wedding oud players.
Ramadan. Lower volume after iftar in hotel tents. See Ramadan and iftar.
Book a takht
Send the date, the venue, the guest count, the sets you want and any must have songs on WhatsApp or through the quote form. The team replies with a line-up for your room and a price.
