Is the stage set for the UAE to be a global music hub?
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“The art scene in the UAE is booming, it has been for some time now,” says Greg Brown , “and the music industry has contributed to this.” Brown knows a thing or two about the industry. Aside from being the founder of Concrete Creative , he is also the frontman of the UAE rock band Karman Line. “Growing up as an artist here, there weren’t many opportunities for us to showcase our work. There has always been a hunger for a thriving cultural landscape. The more artists there are in one place who share that hunger, the bigger and better the art scene will become. Now, we’re starting to see it flourish.”
Sixteen-year-old Célinedee Matahari can attest to this, having graced countless stages. “The UAE may at first not be perceived as the most up-and-coming music destination, but over the last few years, the industry’s activity has drastically increased, and we’ve seen many landmark events.”
The UAE government’s support in building high-quality cultural infrastructure, such as Dubai Opera and Coca-Cola Arena , is a significant catalyst for this transformation.
Matahari, who recently opened for Jason Derulo at Coca-Cola Arena with her band, The Climate Changers, as part of the Earthsoul festival, highlighted the vital role of such venues: “Before its opening in 2019, year-long concerts were not possible, especially in the summer due to the extreme heat, as Dubai only had big outdoor venues until then.”
Government investment in infrastructure, coupled with initiatives such as Dubai Expo 2020, affirms the UAE’s position as a cultural hub, says Rajesh W. PEREIRA , founder and CEO of Matrix AV. There are world-class venues, state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, and an increasing number of music festivals.
“At Alserkal, we’re witnessing a noticeable expansion in artists and music audiences,” says gilda gilantash , Director of Events, Programming & Partnerships, Alserkal Initiatives. “The Quoz Arts Fest (QAF) has become a significant platform for musicians and grassroots collectives from the Middle East and the Global South.”
The framework supporting the UAE’s transformation into one of the GCC’s leading hubs for live music has had a considerable knock-on effect on the number of opportunities now available to artists, says Brown. “Ten years ago, mostly underground rock and metal scenes drove the music industry,” he says. “These days, it is a diverse melting pot of genres and styles where full-time musicians can make a decent living. There are also numerous programs and funding opportunities from the government supporting the growth of the creative industries.”
A THRIVING MUSICAL LANDSCAPE
Such events, says Pereira, also mark the emergence of local talent that is gaining regional and international recognition. Brown adds, “We’ve seen many homegrown talent performing nationwide. This has brought much attention to the local music scene, contributing to its growth.”
Gilantash echoes this, highlighting how artists like Saint Levant, Bu Kalthoum, and Marsimba, who performed at QAF, have gained international renown. In 2023, QAF was also expanded to introduce Quoz Encore, providing emerging talent with their first stage and an opportunity to launch their musical careers. The recent surge in applications, she says, showcased a “caliber of talent so impressive that we moved some acts to the main stage.”
Aside from the quantity and quality of musical talents, the diversity in the line-up of festivals and events celebrates and promotes cross-cultural appreciation across venues of different scales, from Dubai Tennis Stadium to Abu Dhabi’s cultural hubs. “Furthermore, the expatriate community has brought its musical traditions to the UAE, enriching the local music scene with influences from South Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas,” says Pereira.
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NAVIGATING PERMIT, COST AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES
The past decade has seen the UAE music industry mature, with opportunities continuing to expand for artists. Pereira adds that this is further complemented by digital platforms, streaming services, and social media revolutionizing music consumption, distribution, and monetization.
Brown explains that the UAE’s position as a global tourist destination has also kept the city’s appetite for live music burning. “People always want to be entertained, so long as tourism numbers stay consistent, so will the opportunity for local artists,” he says.
However, there are still challenges that those in the industry hope can be improved. Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex, with various permits and licenses required for events and productions. “The industry is also highly competitive, with a constant influx of new artists and producers. For independent artists, ensuring their sustainability can be challenging due to financial constraints and limited access to resources,” says Brown.
Pereira highlights the high cost of studio time, equipment, and marketing, adding that the number of smaller, accessible performance spaces for emerging artists still has room for improvement.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
However, these bumps in the road remain minor compared to how far the industry has come, with Brown pointing to the growth in commercial opportunities through collaborations and endorsements. “Previously, most musicians operated as freelancers and jumped from contract to contract at venues with no real stability,” he says. “Now there is a greater opportunity for full-time employment by venues.”
Additionally, corporate partnerships have provided financial backing for music events and initiatives, further fuelling the industry’s growth and pointing to how it brings economic benefits through employment in related businesses.
Hitesh Sharma , Managing Director of Taste Studio Catering , confirms this: “The influx of tourists and music lovers, particularly for high-profile concerts and festivals, generates significant revenue. This ripple effect extends beyond ticket sales to include sectors like hospitality, transportation, and retail, which experience increased business during major events.”
Sharma says one of the most exciting aspects of this growth has been the boom in catering opportunities. “At Taste Studio, we have seen increased demand from music venues and festivals. We have collaborated with event venues such as The Agenda, which allows us to cater to music festivals and events, further highlighting the interconnectedness of the industry.”
Beyond their team, Sharma also highlights the demand for security personnel, production crews, marketing professionals, and technical support staff, underscoring how new arenas and event spaces have led to building and maintenance jobs, showcasing this sector’s wide-reaching economic benefits.
Additionally, he says that venues initially built for events like Expo 2020 are now being repurposed for music festivals and concerts. “This versatility has breathed new life into these spaces, allowing them to continue generating revenue and providing entertainment.”
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