My UAE: Rashed Al Nuaimi is hitting all right notes

A profile of the Emirati opera singer Rashed Al Nuaimi.

Rashed Al Nuaimi, who plays his first solo concert next week in Abu Dhabi. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

When people find out that Rashed Al ­Nuaimi sings opera, pop and jazz, the reaction is often varied, but when they hear the Emirati sing, any reservations are shattered.

“It is considered unusual for an Emirati to sing opera,” Al Nuiami, 23, admits. “I guess that is why I get the attention I get.”

Al Nuaimi has loved music for as long as he can remember, and while he’s now being recognised for his talent, he didn’t think much of it when he younger, until his family started paying attention and praising him for it.

“It was just something that I loved to do, and I was happy regardless of whether they thought I could [sing]. I used to imitate opera music in the shower, then I would open the door and see my sister holding a recorder, and she would send it to her friends.”

It wasn’t until the Dubai resident went to university, where he studied multimedia design, that he began focusing on his voice. “I was looking for a free elective class, and I found vocal lessons 101. That’s where I actually learnt there is more to music than just singing. It’s not as simple as people think it will be – there is a lot of hard work that goes into it.”

The course introduced him to classical music, but he also loves other types of music, and says he hasn’t yet decided which “lane” he wants to go down. “I am struggling, because I find a lot of joy in lots of different genres – it kind of depends on the day and my mood,” he says. “We have a parrot at home, and every time I enter the house, she greets me with a hello with a vibrato, because that’s how I greet her. I [sing] so commonly, that even the parrot is picking up on it.”

While he loves his singing, he also loves filmmaking, and has plans to produce an Emirati musical. Before then, though, he has his first solo concert, at Abu Dhabi National Theatre on ­December 17.

“People will be coming just to see me,” he says. “I don’t know how that feeling will feel. It is going to be the first time I am going to sing my original songs.”

What music do you currently have playing on your iPod?

Adele. Her album 21. I am using her as an inspiration on how to write, because that is where I think she excels.

Describe yourself in four words.

Ambitious, quiet, friendly, happy.

What five things do you never leave home without?

My phone, my bag that has a pocket for everything, laptop, lens attachments for my phone camera and a USB with instrumental music on it, because you never know when you have to do a show.

What’s your favourite travel destination?

Definitely New York. The first time I went, I was so disappointed, because our only form of exposure was through TV and movies. The second time I fell in love in a different way. I saw the cultural aspect of it.

What would you say was your life’s theme song?

It has to be a Disney song. It's hard to pick just one. Different songs represent different parts of my life, such as from the film Hercules – I Can Go the Distance; Aladdin – A Whole New World; and other songs such as Let It Go (Frozen) and The Circle of Life (Lion King).

Where do you relax?

My bedroom, honestly, because my room is my barrier – it is just mine. It’s a relaxing area.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

As clichéd as it may seem, it is Disney’s: ‘Be who you are.’ It is so true, and when you truly understand that, you are so comfortable.

Who’s your favourite music artist?

Whitney Houston. I listened to her growing up, and at first it was because she used to hit amazing notes, but as I grew and figured out her life and the struggles she went through, it made me feel like I could relate to her more.

What’s your favourite food?

Dynamite shrimp from P F Chang’s. It has been my obsession since 12th grade. All I can say is it tastes really, really good.

Follow us @LifeNationalUAE

Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.