Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (20) of 2026 on Friday, October 9, establishing the Dubai Orchestra Foundation. The new body is tasked with raising Dubai's profile as a regional and international hub for music and the arts, preserving Emirati musical heritage, and showcasing homegrown talent.
Under the law, the foundation will establish a dedicated orchestra that performs both within the UAE and internationally. Its mandate also includes supporting emerging musicians, including People of Determination, hosting visiting international orchestras, promoting music education and production, and building an annual calendar of musical events across the emirate.
Governance of the foundation will rest with a board of trustees, responsible for approving policies, budgets and senior appointments, while a dedicated executive team will oversee day-to-day operations and programming.
The move fits into Dubai's broader strategy to position itself as a global cultural and creative capital, alongside existing initiatives in visual arts, design and theatre. Officials say the foundation is also expected to build partnerships with international cultural institutions, opening the door to exchange programmes and joint performances with major orchestras abroad.
By formalising a dedicated institution for orchestral music, Dubai aims to create long-term career opportunities for local musicians and strengthen the emirate's appeal to performing artists and cultural investors from around the world.