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Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) provides a sustainable artistic environment for creatives, artists, and musicians through the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, aimed at enriching the artistic scene and enhancing the strength of cultural and creative industries by developing the skills of emerging talent in the local music sector.
As part of the preparations for the second edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Library on 27 November, Dubai Culture has announced the completion of the performance auditions held at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. The jury members received approximately 90 applicants from all around the UAE, from which more than 33 will compete for the festival’s awards in eleven categories: Best Male Singer (solo), Best Female Singer (Solo), Best Duo (Duet), Best Singing Group (Choral), Best Woodwind Player, Best Pianist, Best Instrumental Band (Oriental), Best Oud Player, Best Instrumental Band (Western), Best Theatrical Performance, and Excellence in Music for People of Determination.
The Authority also proudly announces that the esteemed Emirati artist, Ibrahim Jumaa, has earned the distinguished accolade of 'Musical Personality of the Year.' This prestigious recognition celebrates his illustrious artistic journey and unwavering dedication to nurturing and empowering fellow artists. Jumaa stands as a pioneering figure whose invaluable contributions have played a foundational role in shaping the nation's music landscape. His investment is showcased through his work in elevating Emirati folk music and his remarkable compositions, which have resonated with local, GCC, and Arab music luminaries.
Dubai Culture has also announced the jury members who will be responsible for evaluating the finalists. These include Emirati music composer Ihab Darwich, a Recording Academy of the United States voting member and head of Emirati Musicians' Association, artist Tareq Al Menhali, secretary on the board of directors of the Emirati Musicians' Association, and Elham Al Marzooqi, the first Emirati cellist.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, affirmed the Authority’s commitment to enhancing local music production by providing the necessary infrastructure to elevate this sector, one of the pillars of Dubai's creative economy, saying: “Through the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, Dubai Culture seeks to provide an innovative platform that allows young talent the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase their work publicly in the fields of singing, music composition, instrumentation, composing, and performance. This also highlights the potential of music centres based in Dubai.”
Al Jallaf underscored the significance of recognising and commemorating eminent and influential figures within the music industry as part of the Authority's duty to local artistic icons and introducing the community to their invaluable contributions in advancing the dynamic and thriving creative landscape that characterises Dubai and the UAE.