emirates7 - The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the launch of the third edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, an initiative dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and empowering emerging talent in the musical arts.
Scheduled for 20th November at the Etihad Museum, this year’s festival will feature over 85 talented participants from across the UAE. The event aims to inspire young creatives to follow their artistic dreams, support musical arts centres, and invigorate the local music scene with fresh talent.
Participants will compete in several categories, including Best Vocal Performance, Best Arabic Instrumental Performance (Oud), Best Classical Instrumental Performance (Violin), Best Piano Performance, and Best Ensemble Performance, among others.
The festival will also honour Dr. Aref Alshaikh as the ‘Musical Personality of the Year’, celebrating his significant literary achievements and contributions to the UAE's cultural heritage. A respected poet, Dr. Alshaikh is credited with writing the UAE’s national anthem and has authored over 60 publications, including works like ‘Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: An Extraordinary Phenomenon’, ‘What the Thirsty Seek’, and ‘Names from the Gulf’.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, stated, “The Dubai Festival for Youth Music seeks to cultivate a sustainable creative environment that empowers talent and provides platforms for their growth. Our goal is to inspire young artists to continue their creative journeys and contribute to the vibrancy of the cultural and creative industries through their musical skills.”
The festival welcomes young Emirati and UAE-based musicians, vocalists, bands, and instrumentalists aged 15 to 35. Submissions must include original, locally produced musical works that comply with UAE laws, reflect community values and traditions, and have not been previously showcased at other local or international festivals.
Scheduled for 20th November at the Etihad Museum, this year’s festival will feature over 85 talented participants from across the UAE. The event aims to inspire young creatives to follow their artistic dreams, support musical arts centres, and invigorate the local music scene with fresh talent.
Participants will compete in several categories, including Best Vocal Performance, Best Arabic Instrumental Performance (Oud), Best Classical Instrumental Performance (Violin), Best Piano Performance, and Best Ensemble Performance, among others.
The festival will also honour Dr. Aref Alshaikh as the ‘Musical Personality of the Year’, celebrating his significant literary achievements and contributions to the UAE's cultural heritage. A respected poet, Dr. Alshaikh is credited with writing the UAE’s national anthem and has authored over 60 publications, including works like ‘Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: An Extraordinary Phenomenon’, ‘What the Thirsty Seek’, and ‘Names from the Gulf’.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, stated, “The Dubai Festival for Youth Music seeks to cultivate a sustainable creative environment that empowers talent and provides platforms for their growth. Our goal is to inspire young artists to continue their creative journeys and contribute to the vibrancy of the cultural and creative industries through their musical skills.”
The festival welcomes young Emirati and UAE-based musicians, vocalists, bands, and instrumentalists aged 15 to 35. Submissions must include original, locally produced musical works that comply with UAE laws, reflect community values and traditions, and have not been previously showcased at other local or international festivals.