DUBAI: The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the third edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, an exciting platform aimed at discovering, nurturing, and empowering young talent in the musical arts. Set for November 20 at the Etihad Museum, the festival will bring together over 85 skilled young artists from across the UAE, each competing in categories designed to celebrate diverse musical talents.

The festival’s purpose is to inspire young creatives to embrace their artistic passions while supporting musical arts centres and enriching Dubai’s vibrant music scene. By offering a stage for young artists, Dubai Culture hopes to inject fresh energy into the local arts, encouraging the next generation of musicians.

Participants will compete for awards in categories like Best Vocal Performance, Best Arabic Instrumental Performance (Oud), Best Classical Instrumental Performance (Violin), Best Piano Performance, and Best Ensemble Performance. The festival promises a showcase of impressive talents, ranging from solo performers to ensembles.

A highlight of this year’s event is the honouring of Dr. Aref Alshaikh as the ‘Musical Personality of the Year.’ Recognised for his vast contributions to the UAE’s cultural scene, Dr. Alshaikh is celebrated as a distinguished poet who penned the UAE national anthem and authored more than 60 publications, including notable works like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: An Extraordinary Phenomenon.

Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, remarked on the festival’s role in fostering a sustainable creative environment, encouraging young musicians to thrive and contribute to the UAE’s growing cultural industries.

Also read: Sheikh Hamdan approves construction first aerial taxi vertiport in Dubai

The festival is open to young musicians aged 15 to 35, including solo vocalists, bands, and instrumentalists in both traditional and contemporary genres. Participants must submit original works that reflect UAE values and traditions, and adhere to national laws, ensuring the music resonates with the community. This initiative by Dubai Culture serves as a valuable opportunity for young artists to share their creativity and enrich the UAE’s cultural landscape.