Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa provided the backdrop for an unprecedented New Year’s Eve performance that defied both gravity and conventional entertainment boundaries. Lebanese conductor Yasmina Sabah ascended slowly above the Dubai Fountain while expertly leading an orchestra positioned beneath her, creating a breathtaking fusion of musical artistry and aerial theatrics.
The spectacle, orchestrated by developer Emaar, featured Sabah elevated in a brilliant red gown specifically designed to visually emphasize her altitude against the night sky. The garment’s extended train flowed dramatically beneath her as she conducted the ensemble, with the Burj Khalifa illuminated in golden hues during her ascent.
In a recent interview with Lebanese publication Annahar, Sabah revealed the extraordinary nature of her selection process. ‘Several months ago, I received an email inquiring whether I could lead an orchestra while flying,’ she recounted. ‘Although uncertain how to respond, I agreed without excessive deliberation.’
Contrary to assumptions that such a technologically complex production would require extensive local preparation, Sabah arrived in Dubai merely ten days prior to the global broadcast event. ‘We underwent intensive training, but it represented an extraordinary experience uniting international artists through magnificent production values,’ she noted.
The performance synchronized perfectly with the countdown to 2026, enabling Sabah to musically farewell 2025 while symbolically representing Lebanese cultural achievement on a global platform. For those who missed the live event, the conductor will recreate her aerial performance daily until January 7, with full documentation available via YouTube broadcasts.
Sabah brings established credibility to the achievement, having previously conducted during Expo 2020 Dubai while maintaining leadership of Lebanon’s Firdaus Orchestra and Choeur de l’USJ. This latest feat establishes new precedents for integrating performing arts with architectural marvels in large-scale public celebrations.