Celebrating Culture And Humanity: A.R. Rahman’s Abu Dhabi Concert Thrills 18,000 Fans

As the lights came up and the crowd began to disperse at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, two moments stood out: everyone was still moving their shoulders to the beat of Chaiyya Chaiyya, which closed a three-hour musical journey led by none other than A.R. Rahman, and the excited exchanges in Tamil and Malayalam on how the show exceeded expectations.

Accompanied by Firdaus, a global women’s orchestra featuring musicians from around the world, including conflict-stricken regions of West Asia, Rahman was joined by stellar vocalists such as Shweta Mohan, Jonitha Gandhi, and Haricharan. This Saturday night concert on November 2 was not only a celebration of peace but also a nostalgic journey for the Indian diaspora in the UAE.

Opening with his Oscar-winning Jai Ho, the concert delivered all one could expect from Rahman and more. From a heartfelt Kun Faya Kun to the romance and sorrow of Munbe Va and Kadhal Rojave, and the exuberant youthfulness in Mustafa Mustafa and Barso Re, the show’s setlist was carefully crafted. Fan-favorite Jonitha Gandhi kicked things off with Mukkala Mukkabala, while Shweta Mohan captured the crowd with Kadhal Rojave, a song her mother Sujatha originally made famous, followed by spot-on performances that led to an early Malayalam rap battle, Padakali from Yodha.

While the show didn’t follow a declared theme, the interplay of individual identity and cultural integration shone through. Rahman took a poignant moment to share with the crowd that the “biggest identity” is “service to humanity, peace, and love.” He then performed Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera, celebrating the call to reconnect with one’s roots, and ended with its Tamil version, appealing to the 'Tamizhar'. He acknowledged the theme of migration with a nod to the acclaimed The Goat Life.

Rahman’s fans are familiar with his desire to explore humanity's themes through his music, but the audience was surprised when he called up a woman from the crowd to join him onstage. Celine Dee Matahari, a French-speaking Dubai resident born to Indonesian parents, delivered Chinna Chinna Asai in accented Tamil, winning over the largely South Indian crowd.

Another delight awaited the audience with Hum Dum Suniyo Re, where a video of Vivek Oberoi synced with the classic bike scene from Saathiya appeared on the big screen, sparking cheers.

The night ended with an orchestral tribute to “Superman of Tamil Nadu” Rajinikanth, a rap mashup, and countless fan favorites covering every genre Rahman has touched. As the iconic drumbeats of Chaiyya Chaiyya filled the arena, nearly 18,000 attendees rose with flashlights blinking in unison, wrapping up an unforgettable Abu Dhabi evening that underscored Rahman’s powerful bond with the diverse diaspora.