OudPlayersDubai.com

OudPlayersDubai.com is a booking service based in Dubai that connects clients with live Arabic musicians for events. They specialize in hiring solo oud players, qanun players, oud and qanun duos, and larger takht ensembles of 4 to 5 musicians. The team handles inquiries from the first message to the final performance, providing videos and written quotes within a working day.

Clients can book a solo oud player for majlis or hotel lobbies, an oud and qanun duo for a classical tarab sound, or a full takht ensemble including oud, qanun, nay, riq, and tabla with an optional violin. They also offer a live Arabic band ranging from a trio with percussion to a Khaleeji band with a singer, and female oud and qanun players specifically for ladies' majlis and women-only wedding halls.

Oud and qanun players start from AED 2,000, with most solo oud bookings falling between AED 2,000 and AED 5,000 for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Larger line-ups like a takht ensemble of 4 to 5 musicians are quoted per event, with a market range for 3 to 5 musicians between AED 4,000 and AED 18,000. The final price depends on the season, availability, and how the performance is customized.

To begin, clients must send the event date, venue, guest count, and the specific moments they want music for via WhatsApp or the contact form. The team checks availability, sends videos of free musicians, and provides a written price within a working day. Once confirmed, the client sends their song list at least a week ahead of the event.

Most events book two sets of 30 minutes or three sets of 20 minutes. For a solo oud player, this usually covers about 1.5 to 2 hours of music. The number and length of the sets directly influence the final price and are agreed upon during the booking process.

The service operates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the same pricing structure applied to both cities. They cover hotels, villas, majlis tents, ballrooms, and rooftops, and can add a travel fee for bookings in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or outside the main event area.

A solo instrument carries well in a room of roughly 60 to 80 guests or a majlis without additional equipment. For bigger rooms or events with more than 150 guests without house sound, a small speaker or a larger line-up is required. A full sound system with an engineer and basic PA adds roughly AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 to the quote.

For a standard event, clients should book 3 to 10 days ahead. During peak wedding months, Ramadan, and National Day, it is recommended to book 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Female oud players specifically require 7 to 10 days' notice, and earlier booking is advised during the busy wedding season.

Musicians wear a formal thobe, a kandura, or a tailored black suit depending on the event's formality. This ensures they look appropriate for weddings, corporate events, and private parties while maintaining a professional appearance on stage.

Yes, clients can choose the songs by sending their favorites and anything to avoid at least a week ahead. The team uses this list to prepare the performance, ensuring the music matches the event's mood and the guests' preferences.

No, the site only books oud and qanun players to perform at weddings, majlis evenings, corporate events, and Ramadan nights. The musicians bring their own instruments, and the service does not sell or rent instruments separately.

Reviewers often praise the ability to get videos and written prices quickly, allowing for easy comparison before booking. Some users note that the process is straightforward for those who communicate clearly via WhatsApp, though they emphasize the need to provide accurate venue details to avoid sound issues.

Hotels usually hold an internal NOC and issue permits internally. Public venues require a DET permit, while private villa events typically need none. The booking team advises clients on these requirements based on the venue type.

Hotels booking a weekly lobby slot are quoted differently from a one-off party, with rates reflecting the recurring nature of the engagement. The final price for any event also shifts slightly around Ramadan and in December when demand is highest.

Adding a female vocalist or a percussionist increases the price and may require additional sound equipment. These extras are factored into the quote per event, and the team adjusts the line-up to fit the specific needs of the occasion.