Our Story
Firdaus Studio was envisioned as a world-class orchestral recording and complete music production space in the Middle East, combining advanced technology, pristine acoustics, and a mission to cultivate a vibrant musical community. Designed to inspire both local and international artists, it pushes boundaries in creativity and sound.
Rooted in the spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai and now a vital part of Expo City Dubai, Firdaus Studio reflects the city’s commitment to excellence and innovation. As part of a city of the future, the studio upholds the highest standards, ensuring its offerings align with Expo City’s vision of creating world-leading experiences.
Firdaus Studio is dedicated to supporting emerging talent in the region. Through initiatives that provide mentorship, studio resources, and performance opportunities, it empowers musicians to grow and connect with industry professionals.
Beyond being a studio, Firdaus Studio serves as a creative hub and the home of the Firdaus Orchestra, an all-female ensemble celebrating musical diversity. Together, we’re shaping the region’s cultural identity and building a lasting legacy in music.
Our Team
At Firdaus Studio, our team are more than experts in sound—they’re passionate collaborators dedicated to bringing each artist’s vision to life. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to musical quality & excellence, they blend technical precision with creative insight.
Learn more about each member and the unique skills they bring to our studio.
Aditya Modi
Head of Studio
Aditya Modi is a distinguished audio professional with over 25 years in the music and audio industry. Specializing in recording studio design, sound engineering for studio albums and live concerts, professional audio equipment distribution, and architectural acoustics, Aditya has collaborated with icons like AR Rahman and Beyoncé. As the former chairperson of the Audio Engineering Society India, he has significantly contributed to audio education. Aditya joined Firdaus Studios at its inception as its design custodian, and has been pivotal in its evolution, currently serving as the Head of Firdaus Studio.
Leandro Caires
Commercial Director
Leandro has extensive experience in media and entertainment, specializing in commercial strategy and partnership development across the UAE, USA, and Latin America. He has worked with renowned brands and entertainment platforms, including the NBA, OSN, and Expo 2020 Dubai, creating unique opportunities and partnerships with leading media outlets. At Firdaus Studio, Leandro focuses on driving growth, expanding the studio’s reach, and enhancing its impact in the industry, positioning Firdaus as a top destination in the audio and music sector.
Ralph Tabet
Studio Manager
Ralph Tabet’s deep passion for music began behind the drum kit, naturally evolving into a dynamic career in music production and sound design. His journey spans key roles as an early freelancer, and in music establishments such NRJ and Nostalgie radio stations, SAE Institute in Los Angeles, and Jean Marie Riachi’s well-known, JMR Studios.
With over 20 years of experience in the music and entertainment industries, Ralph has worked with a wide range of artists, including prominent celebrities and renowned agencies.
Since 2021, he has served as Studio Manager at Firdaus Studio, an initiative of Expo City Dubai, where he brings his extensive industry knowledge and expertise, to one of the world’s most visionary creative spaces, born from the legacy of the largest exhibition event on the planet, Expo 2020.
Navneeth Balachanderan
Sound Engineer
Navneeth Balachanderan started his sound engineering career at 15, working on soundtracks for ad films, TV productions, and movies. Over the years, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists. As a studio engineer with the Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai, “NAV” oversees technical aspects and has worked with international artists like Beyoncé and Coldplay. His role at Firdaus Studio during Expo 2020 has expanded his international recognition as a Senior Sound Engineer.
Swatantra Sarode
Senior AV Technician
Swatantra brings over 13 years of experience in audio, AV networking, and streaming, having led diverse projects across television, live events, and broadcasting. From managing audio for nationwide televised shows in India to serving as head of audio and overseeing 200+ streams at COP28 in Dubai, I bring a comprehensive skill set in audio engineering, live sound, and AV systems management, ensuring seamless delivery of high-quality audio across platforms.
Aramazd Tcholakian
Assistant Sound Engineer
Aramazd Tcholakian’s musical journey began with the classical guitar and drums, leading him to digital music production. He studied Audio Engineering at SAE Dubai and Composition at the Yerevan State Conservatory. “Aram” then began to pursue a degree in Composition for Film and Games at Berklee College of Music before joining Firdaus Studio. He works in various roles, including Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools operation, and Score supervision, continuously pursuing his degree part-time while contributing to the studio’s success.
John Villaran
Studio Technician
John Villaran’s career at Expo 2020 transitioned from an Admin Assistant to a Studio Technician at Firdaus Studio. Despite a background in health and social care, his passion for music led him to master studio operations. John excels in studio setups and live productions, supporting engineers in creating exceptional audio experiences for prestigious clients, including Beyoncé and the Firdaus Orchestra.
Ali Hassan
Studio Technician
Ali Hassan began his career at Expo 2020 and joined Firdaus Studio with a passion for audio technology. As a studio technician, he meticulously sets up studios and stages, ensuring optimal equipment maintenance. Ali’s collaborations with renowned artists have enriched his experience, reinforcing his commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences.
Menatalla Ibrahim
Receptionist
Menatalla Ibrahim brings a wealth of experience from the hospitality industry, having worked with Emaar Hospitality. As the Receptionist and Administrative Assistant at Firdaus Studio, an initiative of Expo City Dubai, she ensures smooth studio operations. Mena excels in managing daily office activities, coordinating with vendors, and maintaining an organized environment. Her dedication to customer service and keen eye for detail enhance the studio’s reputation and operational efficiency.
Sanober Qadri
Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications
Sanober Qadri brings over 13 years of experience in brand marketing, content strategy, and experiential communication across leading media and entertainment platforms. At Firdaus Studio, she leads marketing and communications with a focus on brand positioning, strategic partnerships, and high-impact campaigns. With a proven track record in building brands from the ground up, Sanober plays a key role in shaping the studio’s presence in the region and across global creative industries.
Hanin Tarshe
Associate – Marketing & Communications
Hanin is a passionate marketing and social media professional with over 4 years of experience in content creation, influencer marketing, digital strategy, and social media ad campaigns. Part of the Marketing & Communications team for Firdaus Orchestra and Firdaus Studio at Expo City Dubai, I specialize in crafting engaging social media content, directing shoots, and managing brand presence across digital platforms. I also run my own Instagram and TikTok platforms, where I express my creativity and stay ahead of trends in the digital space. My background in Architecture brings a unique design-driven approach to all my creative work.
Awards & Recognition
