Mohammed bin Rashid issues law to establish 'Dubai Orchestra Foundation'

- To develop musical arts, nurture talent, and enhance the emirate’s cultural standing regionally and internationally

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, issued Law No. (20) of 2026 establishing the “Dubai Orchestra Foundation,” with the aim of developing musical arts, strengthening the emirate’s regional and international presence, preserving local artistic heritage, and supporting national identity.

The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the foundation aims to discover, nurture, and train musical talent, and to prepare a generation of musicians capable of developing the local orchestra and representing it internationally. It also seeks to support the creative economy, encourage investment in musical and performing arts industries, and enhance Dubai’s status as a destination for culture, arts, and cultural tourism.

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Under the law, the foundation will form a local orchestra to participate in concerts and events within the country and abroad, launch programs to develop Emirati musical heritage and collective performing arts, and encourage the participation of talent, including people of determination.

Its responsibilities include preparing an annual agenda for performances and concerts, establishing partnerships with the public and private sectors, hosting international orchestras, and collaborating with local and international musical institutions.

The law stipulates that the foundation will consist of a board of trustees and an executive body. The Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai will appoint the members of the board of trustees, which will oversee the foundation’s operations, approve its policies, plans, budget, and projects, and appoint its executive director and approve the appointment of its artistic director.

The executive body will manage daily operations and implement the board of trustees’ decisions. The law obligates government entities to cooperate with the foundation and provide it with the necessary support.

The law also provides for the application of existing regulations issued by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Dubai Community Development Authority. The Chairman of the board of trustees will issue the necessary decisions to implement the law, which will take effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.