The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is set to host the third edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, a vibrant platform aimed at discovering and fostering new musical talent across the UAE. The festival’s focus is to inspire young artists, promote music education, and invigorate the local music scene with new, dynamic voices.
Taking place at the Etihad Museum on 20 November, the festival will feature over 85 talented young musicians from across the UAE, competing in various categories such as Best Vocal Performance, Best Arabic Instrumental Performance (Oud), Best Classical Instrumental Performance (Violin), Best Piano Performance, and Best Ensemble Performance, among others. The event aims to provide a stage for these emerging artists to showcase their musical abilities and gain recognition in the arts community.
As part of the festivities, Dubai Culture will honor Dr. Aref Alshaikh with the coveted ‘Musical Personality of the Year’ award, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to literature and culture. Dr. Alshaikh, a celebrated UAE poet and author of over 60 books, including the national anthem, has played a significant role in enriching the cultural fabric of the UAE. His work includes notable titles such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: An Extraordinary Phenomenon and What the Thirsty Seek.
The festival’s judging panel will consist of renowned figures such as Composer Mohammad Malulla, maestro Fadel Hamidi, and artist Jasem Mohamed, who will evaluate the performers. Additionally, notable artists Abdulla Ali Makki and Ameera Al-Ali, who have participated in the prestigious Steinway Piano Camp, will also showcase their talents at the event, further enhancing the festival’s reputation as a celebration of artistic excellence.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, expressed the Authority’s dedication to strengthening the UAE’s cultural economy. “Through the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, Dubai Culture strives to create a lasting creative ecosystem that nurtures talent and provides opportunities for growth. We aim to inspire these young musicians to continue their artistic pursuits and contribute to the strength of our cultural and creative industries,” she said. Al Jallaf also emphasized the importance of honoring key figures in arts and literature, which forms a core part of Dubai Culture’s mission to celebrate and elevate local talent.
The Dubai Festival for Youth Music is open to young Emirati and UAE-based musicians, solo vocalists, bands, and instrumentalists, both traditional and contemporary, aged 15 to 35. Applicants are invited to submit original musical works that adhere to UAE laws and have not been previously presented at other festivals. The submissions must reflect the community’s values and traditions and should be produced locally, whether by individual artists or music groups.
