Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician AR Rahman is set to perform at the Tanweer Festival in the Mleiha desert this November, ahead of his 2026 Abu Dhabi performance.
The Tanweer Festival returns for its second edition on November 21, 22, and 23, 2025. The festival executed by Eventify Entertainment will offer a combination of music, art, workshops, and nature-inspired experiences in the Mleiha desert.
AR Rahman, often referred to as the Mozart of Madras, will headline the Main Stage on the festival’s opening night, November 21. His career spans over three decades, with compositions for more than 150 films and albums, including Slumdog Millionaire (2008), 127 Hours (2010), and Bollywood hits such as Dil Se (1998), Lagaan (2001), Taal (1999), and Rang De Basanti (2006).
The opening night will begin with a performance by the Heritage Band Al Nadba, followed by an address from Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi. A calligraphy lighting performance by Julien Breton (Alif Motion Artist) will also be part of the evening. Singer and educator Aya Khalaf will perform, bringing Palestinian musical heritage to the stage ahead of AR Rahman’s set.
On the second day of the festival, Grammy-nominated sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar will perform, presenting a blend of Indian classical music with flamenco and electronic elements.
