Dubai Culture Strengthens Global Presence of Emirati Musicians with Successful Italian Tour
Rome: The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of a cultural tour in Italy, part of the ‘Empowering Emirati Musicians Programme’ supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant. This initiative underscores the Authority’s commitment to nurturing local musical talent, allowing participants to enhance their skills and engage with international experiences, thereby bolstering their presence on the global stage.
Enriching Cultural Exchange
During the tour, 20 participants from the programme, organized in collaboration with House of Pianos, held their inaugural concert at Steinway & Sons in Milan. The event was attended by Abdulla Ali AlSabousi, the UAE Ambassador to Italy, and Khalid Al Jarman, Head of the Political, Media and Diplomatic Affairs Section at the Embassy. Following this, the group performed at Academia Cremonensis in Cremona, marking the second concert of their tour.
The tour included a series of training workshops aimed at further developing the participants’ musical skills. They had the opportunity to engage with leading international musicians and deepen their understanding of the history of Italian opera, which plays a significant role in the country’s rich musical heritage.
Additionally, the participants attended a panel discussion titled ‘Music as a Bridge Between Cultures,’ which brought together representatives from both the UAE and Italy. The discussion focused on the role of music in promoting intercultural dialogue, empowering young talent, and fostering cultural cooperation between the two nations.
This dialogue highlighted the arts as a universal language that fosters mutual understanding and contributes to building meaningful cultural partnerships.
In his opening remarks, Abdulla Ali AlSabousi emphasized that art and music serve as powerful tools of cultural diplomacy. He noted that these forms of expression promote values of tolerance and human connection, which are foundational to the UAE’s identity. He commended the students for their exceptional performances, describing them as cultural ambassadors who represent the UAE’s identity and civilizational message.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, remarked that the achievements of the participants in Italy reflect the Authority’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a new generation of Emirati musicians capable of competing on international platforms. She stated that the programme continues to create opportunities for talented musicians to develop their skills and access leading international stages.
Al Suwaidi further highlighted the importance of investing in local talent, enabling national competencies to engage with global experiences and acquire valuable expertise. She noted that the programme provides a supportive environment for learning, professional development, and networking, thereby enhancing the presence of Emirati creatives on the international stage and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a cultural hub.
Diverse Repertoire
Throughout their performances, the young musicians presented the UAE National Anthem alongside a varied repertoire of Western classical and Arabic works. This included pieces such as ‘Ode to Joy’ from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, known as ‘Surprise,’ and ‘Qamra’ by Lebanese singer Fairuz. Their performances not only showcased their artistic capabilities but also demonstrated their ability to represent the UAE’s creative talent on international cultural platforms.
The participants also visited the Violin Museum (Museo del Violino) in Cremona, where they explored the instrument’s history and its significance within Italy’s musical heritage. Furthermore, they toured some of Milan’s most renowned cultural landmarks, including Teatro alla Scala and the Duomo di Milano. These experiences enriched their artistic journey, deepening their understanding of the relationship between music and heritage and inspiring them to draw from international cultural experiences throughout their creative endeavors.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-29 19:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk
