Dubai’s orchestral music scene is set for a boost

If you love classical music, this will be music to your ears. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has just established the Dubai Orchestra Foundation. The aim of the foundation will be to advance the arts and orchestral music in Dubai, propelling Dubai’s regional and international cultural standing while preserving its own local artistic heritage. It will further showcase and offer a platform for musical talent in the UAE to further nurture their skills. The foundation will further support in the development of Dubai’s musical infrastructure including music education and production. The main goal is strengthen the city’s creative economy and showcase Dubai as one of the leading destination for culture, arts and cultural tourism, encouraging investment in the music and performing art industries. *5 historic Emirati subcultures that are still active today* One of the foundation’s key responsibility would be to establish a local orchestra, which will further promote Emirati musical heritage while supporting emerging talent, including People of Determination. We can look forward to an annual calendar of musical events, alongside performances by international orchestras. The move will further strengthen collaborations with orchestras and cultural institutions around the world. Just this year in January 2026, the UAE National Orchestra held its inaugural concert. The orchestra, comprising of 70 musicians and a 30-member choir consisting of local talent, brings together Arabic and Western musical traditions and celebrates the UAE’s cultural diversity. The debut concert featured The Beginning, a new work by Lebanese composer Nadim Tarabay. It is inspired by Emirati musical traditions, including Ayala and Taghrooda.