One of the UAE’s first professional female Emirati cellists, Elham Almarzooqi has significantly contributed to the development of the country’s classical music scene. A regular guest of Abu Dhabi Festival, she has performed with leading orchestras and conductors, with appearances including the major international production A Journey to the New World at Carnegie Hall in 2025 and the Emirati Recital Series at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026. Her performances have also included appearances alongside Beyoncé and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
In 2023, Almarzooqi received the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth National Grant supporting international performances. Supported by ADMAF, she has represented Emirati talent through global performances. She is a member of the Firdaus Orchestra, an all-female ensemble mentored by A.R. Rahman, and serves as Vice President and Board Member of the Emirati Musicians’ Association, which she helped establish alongside composer Ihab Darwish.
“I will never forget playing at Carnegie Hall as the first Emirati professional cellist.”
