Soul music is rich, deep, and emotional. With its roots in gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues, the genre is famously shaped by icons like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Otis Redding. But soul music is also evolving, and today, a powerful new voice is emerging from the Middle East, bringing soul music to a place it’s never quite been before. Meet Emirati soul singer Arqam Al Abri, a homegrown talent blending traditional Emirati and Khaleeji music with raw, soulful vocals that stop you in your tracks.
The Unexpected Voice of Soul
The discovery of Arqam Al Abri, like many great modern moments, began with a casual scroll through Instagram. One clip — him performing “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon — captured not just our attention, but our emotions. Dressed in a navy-blue kandura and a crisp white ghutra, Al Abri stood as a striking figure, crooning with a voice that echoed classic soul singers but felt undeniably fresh and rooted in the region.
His following on social media, now well over 60,000, is filled with nothing but praise. Every post, every clip garners adoring comments from fans drawn to his authenticity, humility, and undeniable talent. But who is the man behind the voice?
Born into Music
Arqam recalls, “My dad was a musician and had a massive music collection that we used to listen to.” Growing up in Dubai to Emirati and Omani parents, music was more than just background noise — it was a way of life. “We used to sneak into his room and listen to Elvis, James Brown, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke… That’s what inspired us.” One of his earliest memories is hearing his father sing.
Interestingly, despite the power and control of his voice, Al Abri has had no formal vocal training. He laughs when asked when he realized he could sing like that. “Sing like what?” he chuckles. “I had a voice coach for a couple of weeks, but other than that, I’ve just learned by doing.”
A Soul Education on Stage
Al Abri credits his growth to the musicians he’s worked with. “Every rehearsal, every jam session, every show — it’s all a lesson. I’ve learned from guitarists, drummers, keyboard players… every musician I’ve collaborated with has taught me something.”
When it comes to musical influences, the list is impressive. In addition to his father and brother (also a singer), Arqam draws inspiration from Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, and especially Sam Cooke. “I can listen to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on repeat,” he says.
The Soul of a Nation
When asked whether being Emirati influences his music, he says, “To a certain extent, yes. I add some elements of our music into my songs. I’ve sampled the Ayala in one of my songs Towards the Light, and used the Oud in another original called Leaving. I also often perform with Nezar Omran, a brilliant Oud player.”
This fusion of soul and Khaleeji sounds isn’t just experimental. It’s intentional. Arqam wants to bridge cultures through music, something he’s now empowered to do more deeply thanks to a grant from the UAE’s Ministry of Culture. With it, he’s working on a new EP that will include four or five original tracks, blending Emirati instruments, sounds, and soul.
A Stage Fit for a Star
Arqam has already performed in top venues across the UAE, but one of his most cherished moments was performing alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang. “It was surreal,” he admits.
But it hasn’t always been easy. Being a soul singer in a region without a strong existing soul scene came with its challenges. “The early days were difficult. But I can’t complain. Challenges are what make you who you are.”
The Song that Got Him Through
The Covid-19 lockdown forced artists around the world to adapt, and Arqam was no different. Having recently left his job to pursue music full time, the uncertainty hit hard. Out of this period came the song Heavy — a deeply personal track that starts somber and ends on a note of hope.
“It was the first song where I played guitar on my own track,” he shares proudly. It also marked a pivotal moment in his career — proof that he could sustain himself through music even during one of the most difficult global moments in recent history.
A Soulful Introvert
For someone with such a magnetic stage presence, Arqam is surprisingly reserved. “I’m fairly reclusive… very demure… very mindful,” he admits. It’s this introspection that connects him to one of his favorite songs to perform live — Creep by Radiohead. “It’s a beautiful song. I relate to it — not feeling entirely comfortable in crowds.”
His stage persona, then, becomes a transformative space. A place to shed the shyness and let the music speak. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he says, “to be able to do something that I hope touches people and helps me make a decent living.”
Beyond the Spotlight
When he’s not writing, recording, or performing, Arqam unwinds with a simpler pleasure — spending time with his cats. It’s the quiet moments, perhaps, that balance out the emotional energy of his music.
He’s currently working on several upcoming campaigns, hinting at new partnerships and collaborations that will likely expand his audience further.
Advice to Emerging Artists
For anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps, Arqam offers one essential piece of advice:
“Find out who you are. It’ll show in your music.”
In an age of streaming algorithms and fleeting trends, Arqam’s message and music feel refreshingly grounded. His sound is born from deep emotion, cultural pride, and an unshakeable commitment to authenticity.
What’s Next for Arqam Al Abri?
With a new EP on the way, more collaborations in the pipeline, and a growing fanbase both locally and internationally, Arqam Al Abri is redefining what it means to be a soul singer — not just in the UAE, but on a global scale.
If his journey so far is any indication, the best is yet to come.
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