Tunisian Singer Lamia Riahi to Debut Immersive Women-Only Tarab Concert in Abu Dhabi

A typical concert requires the audience to simply listen, but Riahiyat invites them to sing along. The upcoming women-only event, scheduled for the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi on August 28, is designed so that the attendees are active participants in the performance rather than passive observers. Led by Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi, the evening will feature Arab Tarab, Tunisian music, and, for the first time in her career, Gulf songs.

“I will try to satisfy almost every taste,” Riahi tells The National . “I will sing Arabic music from the eastern Arab world as well as Gulf music. This will actually be the first time I perform Gulf songs,” she adds. “But I love it very much and I know many songs by some of the most important Gulf singers.”

The setlist will also include Tunisian favorites recognized across the Arab world alongside music from the “golden age.” This concert marks Riahi’s debut performance in the Gulf region. “This concert is definitely a dream for me,” she states. “I am used to performing concerts, thank God, but I consider this a new and very important step.”

Riahiyat stems from Riahi’s ongoing cultural work in Tunisia, where she manages a private cultural centre and a women’s singing ensemble. She explains that the concept originates from the understanding that women require dedicated spaces to escape the daily pressures of work and family life. “I feel women are the group carrying the greatest burden,” she says. “Women are tired. A woman needs a way to enjoy herself and relieve that pressure, whether through sport, music or many other things.”

Sanaa Azzi and Caline Nassif, co-founders of Highways Arabia, developed Riahiyat as part of a broader vision to produce more cultural events highlighting women and Arab talent. Through their sessions, women gather to sing, socialize, and dance, with the dancing kept private and unfilmed. Riahi notes that participants of various ages have grown in confidence through the group, sharing stories of members overcoming physical challenges to return to the stage.

For Sanaa Azzi, co-founder and general manager of Highways Arabia, the appeal lies in the collective spirit. “I think that the idea of having all these women gathered in a safe environment and sharing their love for Tarab and old songs is something that I would have liked to experience myself,” Azzi shares. “So, let’s bring it to Abu Dhabi.”

The Abu Dhabi edition is deeply embedded in the local cultural landscape. Riahi will perform alongside the women of Chorale El Arab from Arab Choir Abu Dhabi and regional musicians, under the musical direction of Dr Ahmed Abdel Sattar. Additionally, the evening will begin with a short film honoring the achievements and progress of Emirati women, particularly their contributions to the arts.

The venue selection at the Cultural Foundation was intentional to foster intimacy and audience connection. While organizers recognize that a participatory Tarab event is a bolder, more niche concept than a conventional concert, they hope to establish a unique and welcoming environment. As Highways Arabia looks ahead, Azzi and Caline Nassif plan to use Riahiyat as a foundation to build and export more collaborative women-led creative projects from the UAE.