To book an oud player in Dubai, decide which part of the evening you want live music for, match the line-up to your guest count, check the sound and the venue rules, and send the team your date, venue, guest count and a few songs. Standard bookings need 3 to 10 days. Ramadan, National Day and the wedding months of October to March need 2 to 4 weeks. The steps below cover each decision in order.
Price: oud and qanun players start from AED 2,000. The final price depends on the season, availability and how you customise the performance. See oud player prices in Dubai.
1. Pick the moments for music
An oud player usually covers one part of the event, not the whole night. Good moments are the arrival, the majlis or cocktail hour, dinner, and the entrance of the bride and groom. Most events book two sets of 30 minutes or three sets of 20 minutes. If you also want dancing, plan a band or a DJ for later and keep the oud for the quieter part of the evening.
2. Match the line-up to the room
- Up to about 60 to 80 guests or a majlis: a solo oud works without a speaker.
- Up to about 80 to 100 guests: an oud and qanun duo works acoustically.
- Larger rooms: add a microphone and a speaker, or book a trio with percussion or a takht ensemble.
The most common and most expensive mistake is a solo oud player at a big dinner with no sound. The music stops carrying after the first few tables.
3. Sort out the sound
Ask the venue whether it has house sound and whether outside equipment is allowed. Ballrooms often have a system the musicians can plug into. Outdoor terraces, desert tents and yachts usually need the musicians to bring their own speaker. Some hotels and beach clubs cap volume, especially near homes or during Ramadan evenings, so check the limit before you book a bigger line-up.
4. Choose the songs
Most oud players know a large repertoire of classical Arabic and Khaleeji songs. If you want something specific, like a song for an entrance, or modern hits, send a list at least a week ahead, with anything you want to avoid. If you want tarab classics sung, book an oud player and singer.
5. Agree the dress and the setup
Musicians usually wear a formal thobe, a kandura or a tailored black suit. Tell the team which fits your event. Prepare a chair and a small side table or stand for each musician, close to where guests sit, with power nearby if a speaker is needed.
6. Check permits
Live music in a public venue in Dubai usually needs a DET entertainment permit, formerly DTCM. Most five star hotels already hold one and issue an internal NOC once your booking is confirmed. A private villa or majlis usually needs no separate permit, unless the guest count is large or the event is open to the public. Abu Dhabi events fall under DCT.
7. Book at the right time
Send your date 3 to 10 days ahead for a standard event. For Ramadan, book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. For National Day in Abu Dhabi, 3 to 4 weeks. For a female oud player, allow 7 to 10 days. In the wedding months of October to March, earlier is safer.
What to send
- Date, start time and the moments you want music.
- Venue, indoors or outdoors, and whether it has house sound.
- Type of event and number of guests.
- The line-up you have in mind, or ask the team to suggest one.
- A few songs you love, and anything to avoid.
- Dress code.
Send it on WhatsApp or through the quote form. For costs, see the price guide. For a wedding plan, see oud player for a wedding.
