The Dubai Festival for Youth Music, initiated by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, is set to celebrate its third edition. This dynamic event aims to discover, develop, and empower emerging musical talents throughout the United Arab Emirates. The festival is crafted to motivate young creators to follow their musical passions while addressing the opportunities and challenges faced by young musicians in the Emirates.
Festival Goals and Aspirations
Taking place on November 20 at the Union Museum, the festival welcomes young Emirati and resident musicians in the UAE aged 15 to 35. It includes a variety of performance sectors such as solo and group vocals, as well as instrumental music featuring instruments like the oud, wind instruments, and piano. The event’s purpose is to provide a platform for these rising artists to demonstrate their musical skills and earn recognition within the artistic community.
Competition Divisions and Prize Categories
The festival introduces competitions in various sectors, including Best Vocal Performance, Best Arabic Instrumental Performance (Oud), Best Classical Instrumental Performance (Violin), Best Piano Performance, and Best Ensemble Performance. A jury of esteemed individuals, including composer Mohammad Malulla, conductor Fadel Hamidi, and artist Jasem Mohamed, will evaluate the performances. Moreover, the festival will commend Dr. Aref Alshaikh with the ‘Musical Personality of the Year’ award for his contributions to literature and culture.
Influence and Future Outlook
The Dubai Festival for Youth Music is part of Dubai Culture’s mission to bolster the cultural economy of the Emirates by establishing a sustainable creative ecosystem. The festival aims to inspire young musicians to pursue their artistic careers and contribute to the local music scene. It also stresses the significance of honoring notable figures in the arts and literature, thereby elevating public awareness of their accomplishments.
The Dubai Festival for Youth Music is a substantial initiative fostering the development of musical talents in the United Arab Emirates. By providing a venue for young musicians to exhibit their abilities and receive recognition, the festival plays a vital role in enriching the local music landscape. As the event continues to expand, it is poised to have a lasting impact on the cultural and creative industries of the Emirates.







