Announced on January 26 in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the agreement reflects strong institutional backing
In a significant development for the UAE’s creative economy, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global streaming giant Spotify to promote and expand the reach of local music and emerging talent. The agreement was announced on January 26 in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, underscoring high-level support for the initiative.
The partnership aims to build a more sustainable music ecosystem in the emirate by offering UAE-based musicians access to tools, resources, training and mentorship that support long-term career development. Joint programmes under the MoU will also harness Spotify’s data and analytics to help artists better understand and grow their audiences , both locally and globally.
According to officials, the collaboration represents a new model of public-private engagement in Dubai’s cultural sector, aligning with the city’s broader vision to establish itself as a global hub for creativity and artistic innovation. Alongside exposure on platforms like Spotify’s regional initiatives such as RADAR Arabia and Fresh Finds Arabia, the agreement is expected to enhance professional opportunities for Emirati and UAE artists.
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, highlighted that talent development remains central to the authority’s mission, with the MoU enabling deeper support for musicians at all stages of their careers. Gustav Gyllenhammar, Senior Vice President at Spotify, said the collaboration will help strengthen Dubai’s role in the regional music economy and enable local music to reach audiences worldwide.
The partnership is broadly seen as a boost for creatives across the UAE, promising enhanced visibility and professional development in a rapidly evolving global music landscape.