MOHAMMAD GHAZAL and SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
From January 2027, Abu Dhabi is set to offer aspiring young artistes free access to world-class music education at a brand-new institution in the capital, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced on Monday.
The education programmes will be on offer for young musicians, aged between 6 to 9 years, at the Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi, a dedicated facility in the Mina Zayed (MiZa) district that will house a 600-seat concert hall and 18 rehearsal and practice rooms.
The institution will form an integral part of Abu Dhabi's music and performing arts landscape, advancing the emirate's cultural vision to widen access to artistic excellence and build a vibrant cultural ecosystem for the future, DCT Abu Dhabi said in a statement.
“Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi is about creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their potential through music. Beyond musical skills, it helps build confidence, creativity, discipline and collaboration. It reflects our belief that investing in young people today is essential to building a vibrant and sustainable cultural future for Abu Dhabi,” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad in an exclusive interview.
“We hope future generations see culture as a natural part of everyday life in Abu Dhabi, something they participate in, shape, and carry forward. Our cultural institutors are designed to create opportunities for learning, creativity, and expression at every stage of life. Ultimately, we want young people to feel a sense of ownership, pride and belonging in Abu Dhabi’s evolving cultural story,” he added.
Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi will provide a professional-standard environment for collective music-making. Enrollment for the first cohort of 100 students is now already open.
Programmes offered at the institution will cover training in both Western classical and Arabic musical traditions. Additional ensembles for advanced students will also be introduced during the first year.
Once operational, the institution will help establish long-term pathways for young people to engage with music and develop their skills.
“The Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi is an important investment in our future and in our commitment to making culture and creativity accessible to all. Through its free access to world-class musc education programmes, we are creating opportunities for young people to discover their talent, develop their potential and experience the lifelong benefits that music can bring.
"Beyond technical ability, music fosters discipline, collaboration, creativity and confidence, qualities that shape well-rounded individuals, enrich communities and contribute to a more vibrant society,” Al Mubarak said.
“The Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi will become both a platform for emerging talent and a cornerstone of the emirate’s growing cultural ecosystem. As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global centre for culture and creativity, and as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, institutions such as this ensure the next generation has every opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and shape our cultural future, while preserving the rich musical traditions that form an important part of our heritage,” he added.
The building has been designed by the late Frank Gehry, a pioneering Canadian-American architect known for his postmodern architecture. Gehry was also behind the design of the recently announced Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi performing arts institution, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District.
According to DCT Abu Dhabi, Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi will offer structured collective lessons four times a week during after-school hours, as well as on two Saturdays per month. All enrolled students will also be provided with musical instruments free of charge.
Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate’s continued investment in creative talent, cultural participation, and the performing arts. It is inspired by the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, founded by Gustavo Dudamel, renowned Venezuelan conductor and current director of the New York Philharmonic.