Tribute to Ziad Rahbani by Faraj Suleiman in Abu Dhabi

Experience Ziad Rahbani reimagined through Faraj Suleiman’s boundary-pushing jazz vision.

Faraj Suleiman returns to The Arts Center to pay tribute to the legendary Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani in an evening of boundary-pushing jazz and contemporary piano.

Faraj Suleiman reimagines the work of the iconic Ziad Rahbani through his own artistic language, compositional mindset, and distinctive musical identity. It is built around full reinterpretation, with each musical selection re-orchestrated, re-harmonised, and rhythmically reshaped to reflect Faraj’s creative vision of one of his major musical influences.

This transforms the performance into a distinctive artistic experience, shaped entirely through the unique colours and textures that characterise his world.

Meet the Artist:

Faraj Suleiman is a Palestinian composer, pianist, and live performer whose work sits at the intersection of contemporary composition, Arabic musical heritage, and modern groove-driven arrangements. In addition to his work as a recording and performing artist, he is also an active composer for film and theater, and has created music for a range of children’s productions, expanding his practice across multiple artistic and narrative forms. Recognised for a distinct musical identity and a strong stage presence, he has developed a sound world that is both emotionally direct and compositionally refined, making him one of the leading contemporary artists reimagining Arab music today.

Event Policies, Terms, and Conditions

• The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons. • Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center. • Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety. • As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is NO LONGER needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi. • The wearing of face masks is NO LONGER required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings. • For access and wheelchair bookings, please email: nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu

How to get there

By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10, Al Mina, and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12 to Laffan St. Exit at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12. Continue on Laffan Street to your destination. GPS navigation is advised. By public transportation: You can take bus 170 (Al Saadiyat New York< University Via Abu Dhabi) to the Saadiyat New York University 3 bus stop and take a short walk from there. By taxi: You can easily reach your destination via taxi or by using a ride-hailing app. Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety.