In a bold cultural move, the Executive Council of Dubai has approved the launch of the Dubai Orchestra project. The goal? To shine a global spotlight on Emirati arts, nurture homegrown talent, and transform the city into a world-class cultural hub.
Backed by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, this project is part of a broader vision led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. That vision places Dubai not just on the map, but at the center, of the world’s creative economy.
“Art is a universal language that connects people,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Dubai is a hub for initiatives that build bridges between cultures and celebrate creativity.”
He emphasized that the new orchestra will enrich the cultural scene, foster innovation, and support sustainable creative industries. It also reflects Dubai’s long-standing aim of being a leading destination for international cultural collaboration.
Under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Executive Council has approved the ‘Dubai Orchestra’ project with the aim of enhancing the presence of Emirati arts and culture on the global stage, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture and an incubator for… pic.twitter.com/eyWUKMV84Z
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 18, 2025
The Dubai Orchestra will be led by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in partnership with both public and private sectors. By 2033, half of its members are expected to be Emiratis, an ambitious target designed to develop and highlight local musicians on global stages.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, called the move “a powerful reflection of Dubai’s creative scene.” She said it will shape a distinct musical identity while helping the city compete globally in the arts sector.
This project isn’t just about music. It forms a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Creative Economy Strategy. Both aim to position Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.
The orchestra also aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which prioritizes quality of life, community inclusion, and vibrant cultural experiences as central to the city’s future.
The Dubai Orchestra will run youth-focused programs, partner with schools and cultural groups, and offer music education opportunities. These efforts will help nurture new talent and keep traditional musical heritage alive.
It will also collaborate with international orchestras, blending global artistry with regional identity to create a sound unique to Dubai.
The orchestra’s approval signals a larger movement: Dubai’s rise as a global beacon of creativity. With strong leadership, strategic alignment, and a community-driven mission, the Dubai Orchestra is set to elevate the UAE’s cultural status for generations to come.
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