From Fairouz to Fusion Maya Waked Brings Her Multicultural Sound to Dubai Stage

From Beirut to Dubai: Maya Waked Returns with a Show Like No Other Dubai, UAE – As the curtain rises at the prestigious Zabeel Theatre this November, audiences in Dubai will witness the soulful return of Maya Waked, the trailblazing Lebanese-Canadian singer whose music defies the borders of genre and geography. Once a backing vocalist for the legendary Fairouz, Waked has evolved into a genre-defying artist renowned for her transformative renditions of classics and emotionally resonant original compositions. On November 14, Maya Waked will illuminate the Dubai stage with a concert that fuses Arabic, French, and English lyrics, weaving together melodies from her Lebanese heritage with global influences including Bossa Nova, jazz improvisations, and folk traditions. More than a musical performance, Waked’s show promises to be a deeply personal and immersive experience. “My music speaks to those who find themselves between worlds, much like I have,” she says. “Whether I am celebrating my Lebanese identity or expressing my journey as an immigrant, I want my music to be a home for those who feel displaced, whether physically or emotionally.” Having grown up in Beirut with a family devoted to the music of Fairouz and the Rahbani brothers, Maya’s path to the stage was shaped as much by love of culture as by circumstance. Music was not just a distraction from the turmoil of war—it became her language of comfort. This deep connection eventually led her to go from backing vocals for Fairouz (2000–2005) to embarking on her own career, blending her middle eastern roots with western experimentation. Maya’s unique style is grounded in a philosophy that music transcends merely notes. Her creative process often begins by drawing on global folk music, to which she adds newly crafted Lebanese lyrics. “The fun part is when I allow myself to introduce an element of surprise into the music—it surprises both me and the audience,” she says. The upcoming performance in Dubai will include both beloved classics and contemporary interpretations, such as fan favorites Bi Beirut, a haunting collaboration with the Russian Balalaika Quartet, and Shou Ada Ma Bada, originally composed by the late Ziad Rahbani, with whom Maya worked closely during her early career. “As someone who grew up outside Lebanon, I’ve always felt the need to provide a voice for those living away from home,” Maya reflects. “My songs explore themes of belonging, love, memories, and the complexities of home, trying to capture the experience of living in a multicultural environment.” Beyond music, Waked has also expressed her creativity through writing. She published her first novel in Paris in 2007, followed by two others in Beirut, writing in both Arabic and French. After relocating to Canada, she connected with the Lebanese diaspora as a radio host, building cultural bridges through her show “Allo Beirut” which aired live at Place des Arts in Montreal. Her discography includes the 2012 debut “Helm Majnoun”, singles like Adday (2017) and Baad Bakkir (2020), which became an anthem of separation during the global lockdowns. Recently, her 2023 collaborations further pushed her signature East-meets-West fusion, setting the stage for a show that is as emotionally rich as it is musically inventive. Maya Waked’s Dubai concert is more than an evening of music—it’s a celebration of identity, a homage to heritage, and a conversation between cultures. As Maya says, “My music is for anyone who’s ever asked, ‘Where do I belong?’” Prepare for an unforgettable night as atmospheres shift from nostalgia to renewal, storytelling to celebration—all under one roof. Event Details:📅 Date: November 14, 2025📍 Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai🎟 Tickets: Available at https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/102046/maya-waked-from-beirut-to-dubai-at-zabeel-theatre-dubai Team V.DIR-EM-UAE