Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has officially launched the inaugural Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival, a unified platform consolidating the emirate’s youth music, theatre, and folk arts celebrations. Scheduled to run from November 28 to December 5, 2025, the festival aims to enhance Dubai’s creative economy and performing arts ecosystem by nurturing emerging talent and honoring established cultural pioneers. Coinciding with the announcement, the Authority confirmed the expert judging panels and named three influential arts personalities who will be celebrated for their enduring contributions.
The comprehensive festival, held in the historic setting of the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, merges the former Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, the Dubai Festival for Youth Music, and the Dubai Youth Folk Arts Festival. Organized under the city’s Quality of Life Strategy, the event seeks to position Dubai as a global hub for culture and creativity, featuring an intensive schedule of local theatre productions, folk performances, interactive workshops, and showcases by young soloists and ensembles practicing Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Recognizing the Pillars of Dubai’s Arts Scene
A key component of the festival is the recognition of individuals who have profoundly shaped the local creative landscape. Dubai Culture announced three honorees who will be celebrated as Personality of the Year in their respective fields.
Leading the list is Ahmed Al Jasmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Theatrical Artists Association, who will be named Theatre Personality of the Year. Folk arts specialist Ubaid Ali earns the title Youth Folk Arts Personality of the Year, while Tala Badri, Founder of the Centre for Musical Arts in Dubai, is recognized as Music Personality of the Year. These pioneers are being celebrated for building community appreciation and advancing Dubai’s artistic reputation.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of Performing Arts at Dubai Culture, affirmed the importance of community building through recognition. “Celebrating creators is part of our ongoing commitment to acknowledge artistic pioneers and build community appreciation for their role in shaping Dubai’s vibrant cultural movement,” Al Jallaf stated, noting that the honorees reflect powerful creative legacies across their disciplines.
Expert Panels to Evaluate Emerging Talent
Ensuring the highest standard of evaluation, Dubai Culture has established specialized judging panels composed of renowned professionals:
- Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: Entries will be assessed by Dr. Basma Younes, Dr. Thamer Al Arbid, and director Alex Brond. Awards include Best Theatrical Production, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Script.
- Dubai Festival for Youth Music: Fatma Al Hashmi, Dr. Mohammed Hammami, and Shavkat Mamadjonov will evaluate vocal and musical performances. Distinctions include Best Solo Performance, the Musical Innovation Award (Electronic Music), and Best Vocal Performance.
- Dubai Youth Folk Arts Festival: Ubaid Ali (also an honoree) and Mohammed Mallah will preside over the folk arts entries.
Al Jallaf emphasized that the expertise of these judges will significantly elevate the festival. She highlighted that Dubai’s arts scene continues to thrive through its depth of talent, which generates the original ideas and quality productions necessary to strengthen the global presence of Emirati creativity.
By unifying these youth festivals and bringing expert recognition to both emerging artists and industry stalwarts, the Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival solidifies its position as a critical developmental platform, supporting the next generation of creative professionals defining the cultural identity of the emirate.