Curated by Rekhta International Cultural Events (RICE)
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai
Noor-e-Ishq | A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman's music has been part of South Asian popular culture for more than three decades. Across Hindi, Tamil and several other languages, his work has given cinema some of its most recognised songs and introduced audiences around the world to a sound unmistakably his own.
At Shaam-e-Rekhta Dubai, Rahman takes the stage for a specially curated live performance spanning Sufi music from across his career. For audiences who have grown up with his music, and those discovering it across newer generations, the evening brings the work of one of South Asia's most celebrated composers and performers to the stage in Dubai.
Sadaa Bahaar Geetkaar
Behind some of Hindi cinema's most loved songs are Urdu lyricists whose words have stayed with us long after the films left the screen.
Curated and presented by Javed Akhtar, Sadaa Bahaar Geetkaar celebrates these legendary writers through their songs, their craft and the stories that surrounded their work. Akhtar draws from his knowledge & own experience in Hindi cinema and Urdu poetry to share anecdotes about the lyricists, the making of iconic songs, and the thought behind lines that generations have known by heart.
A first-of-its-kind medley performed by Meiyang Chang and Jahnvi Shrimankar along with a great band, the show will move between Javed Akhtar's stories and the songs themselves.
Please Note
Please view the detailed schedule for Shaam-e-Rekhta Dubai for both the days here.
Shaam-e-Rekhta is an evening-only concept featuring one or two spectacular shows, brought together in a focused celebration of Urdu and its rich cultural expression.
For the past three years, Dubai has welcomed Jashn-e-Rekhta and made it part of the city’s cultural calendar. Shaam-e-Rekhta is the next chapter.
Curated by Rekhta International Cultural Events, it brings the same love for music, poetry and storytelling into a more focused live experience.
The World's Largest Urdu Festival
An evening of wonderful artforms and genres of Urdu literature
A gathering where Urdu poets recite their poetry before a live audience.
An oral storytelling tradition of tales of love, magic and adventure.
Devotional music that builds through powerful voices, rhythm and spiritual poetry.
Soulful musical renditions of poetry rooted in Sufi thought and devotion.
Dance & drama inspired by the lives, ideas and enduring works of Urdu’s great figures.
Musical renditions of ghazals that explore themes of love, longing and passion.
From Rekhta's global events
Shaam-e-Rekhta Dubai 2026 will take place on 12 and 13 December 2026 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai.
No. Each day will feature a different programme. Guests should select their preferred date carefully while booking. A single-day ticket is valid only for the date selected at the time of purchase, unless a two-day pass is specifically made available.
Tickets will be available online only through Platinumlist. There will be no offline ticket sales at the venue. A valid Platinumlist ticket or QR code is required for entry.
Your seat is assured within your selected ticket category; however, seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Specific seats, rows or locations are not guaranteed, so guests are encouraged to arrive early for the best available seating within their category.
Yes. Shaam-e-Rekhta Dubai is open to all ages. Children and minors must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, and a valid ticket is required for entry.
Entry is subject to venue security checks and applicable event regulations. Professional cameras, video cameras and audio-recording equipment aren't permitted. Food and beverages are available in designated areas but aren't included in the ticket price. Parking is subject to availability, isn't included with the ticket and may be limited during peak hours. Guests are advised to arrive early and allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Yes. Guests can explore Aiwan-e-Zaiqa, featuring a curated selection of food stalls, along with Rekhta Bazaar, offering books, merchandise, crafts and other cultural products.