Antonine University (UA) was honored to be represented at the Majlis of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, through a distinguished session entitled “Music’s Memory: The Evolution of Music Through the Ages.” Held at Al Rumailah Palace, the event celebrated the universal language of music as a bridge between civilizations, highlighting its role in shaping cultural identities and fostering dialogue between East and West.
In his address, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi emphasized that music is not only a mirror of human creativity but also a vessel of cultural memory, one that enriches collective heritage and strengthens communication among societies.
Representing UA’s Faculty of Music and Musicology (FMM), Dr. Hayaf Yassine, Chairperson of the Departments of Arabic Art Music and General Musicology of Traditions, was invited as the keynote speaker on Arabic (Eastern) music. A leading Arab ethnomusicologist, Dr. Yassine delivered an in-depth exploration of the development of Arabic musical thought and its dialogue with Western traditions. His Omani counterpart, Dr. Nasser Al Taei, addressed the evolution of Western European art music, together offering a comparative study that underscored the interwoven trajectories of both traditions. The session was moderated by Emirati journalist Ms. Mozah Al Kindi and attended by leading political, cultural, artistic, and academic figures.
The discussion revolved around five central themes:
1. The civilizational significance of music and its social functions.
2. The earliest forms of musical notation, dating back more than 4,000 years.
3. The rise of Classical music in the 18th and 19th
4. Music in early Islam and the emergence of the muwashshaḥ.
5. The presence of music in major Arab cultural capitals and the challenges of modern preservation.
Particular attention was devoted to the Andalusian muwashshaḥ as a cornerstone of cross-cultural exchange and one of the most refined manifestations of Arab musical heritage.
Dr. Yassine also performed live on the sanṭūr, offering a captivating demonstration of the Arabic maqām system, characterized by its microtonal intervals and expressive modal structures. His improvisation was complemented by a European quintet that showcased Western polyphonic textures; together illustrating the universality and diversity of musical expression.
The dialogue further stressed the contemporary need to preserve Arab musical identity, support emerging talents, and revitalize musical content to ensure a strong Arab presence within global artistic currents.
At the conclusion of the event, both keynote speakers were honored by H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid bin Nayea Al Tunaiji, Director of Majlis Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, in recognition of their scholarly and artistic contributions. The hosts also expressed their appreciation for UA’s academic excellence and looked forward to future cultural and research collaborations. This recognition also underscored the pioneering vision of Prof. Nidaa Abou Mrad, FMM Dean, whose leadership continues to advance musicological and ethnomusicological research across the Arab world.