It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the Gulf has never been recognized as a global epicenter of music— up until now at least. Over the past couple of years, things have been shifting. Today, most countries that make up the GCC are embracing a sweeping wave of forward-thinking legislation, allowing each nation to invest, and most importantly cultivate, an industry that is now brimming with talent and bubbling with creative energy. With local artists now taking charge of almost every genre under the sun, in the UAE, the alternative scene’s future — which struggled to take off prior to this decade — rests in the hands of 19-year-old singer Alya.
Born and raised in Dubai to a British mother and an Emirati father, the young star in the making is an eclectic blend of all the genres she was exposed to growing up—jazz, hip hop, R&B, Afro, rock, and even opera. Her sonic background, which she claims has trained her ear, allows her to effortlessly mix and match sounds to eventually compose one that is her own.
“I take inspiration from all the genres I listened to growing up and try to let that influence my music, whether I’m doing an Afro-pop song or an R&B song. Sometimes, I might take something from how I listen to Amy Winehouse or Ella Fitzgerald and their jazzy way of singing. So, I’d say that my sound is just this big mash-up from what I used to listen back in the day and what I listen to today,” Alya told MILLE, before recounting how she made her foray into the industry.
“I don’t think music was ever something I consciously decided to do. I think it’s just because I was brought up around it— it came naturally to me. It just made me happy. It was never like, ‘Oh, I’m going to decide to do that’ or anything like that. I’d just naturally go around the lounge singing my heart out. It was something inside me that I loved so much. It was the only option in my head, probably without even realizing,” she confessed, admitting that she could never see herself working a corporate 9-5.
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Her career initially kicked off four-years-ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The then-14-year-old was invited to enter an online competition via Instagram, though she only had 200 followers at the time and a single video of herself singing in her bathroom. “I ended up being the youngest contender and somehow managed to make it to the final two,” she recalls fondly. That’s when things really started to take off—she gained 30,000 Instagram followers almost overnight. As more opportunities started coming her way, she decided to take advantage of the momentum she was experiencing and try her luck at becoming a full-time musician.
Committed to making her goal a reality, she has since inked a deal with a record label that now supports her in bringing her vision to life. The milestone, which can feel out of reach for many aspiring singers, came naturally for Alya, who describes the moment she signed the deal as the beginning of a new chapter—one that aligns perfectly with the path she’s always envisioned.
When asked how she has adapted to the significant transformations in her life—from rising to fame as a professional singer to managing the intense scrutiny that comes with it, both online and offline, at a young age—she explains that she has come to terms with these changes. She acknowledges them as inherent aspects of her career, accepting that they are part and parcel of the job, whether one prefers them or not.
“I’m the type to be very chilled and laid-back when it comes to stuff like that,” she admits. “It was just happening, and I was just like, ‘Oh, this is crazy,’ while everyone else was freaking out about it. It definitely gave me a confidence boost. It made me realize, ‘Oh, people actually like what I’m doing’ and that I can finally do what I’ve been wanting to do deep down all this time, and people like it. Maybe I can actually do something with this,’” she added, emphasizing how feeling camera shy is anything but a hindrance.
“I just love the camera. I don’t know, it just comes naturally to me. I’ve never really felt shy. I think on my first music video shoot, I’d never done anything like that before, and everyone was like, ‘What? Why is she so comfortable in front of the camera?’ I don’t know, I just enjoy it so much,” she smiled, adding that ultimately, it’s not worth being bothered by what people say, as they will always have something to say, no matter what.
“You’ve gotta understand that before you get into it. Everyone’s gonna have their opinion. When you put your work out there—whether it’s on socials, with your music, or anything else—you’re putting it out there for criticism, you know what I mean?” she confidently asserted, adding that there’s a very fine line between constructive criticism and just plain negativity.
“When it’s criticism, it’s about the work rather than you as a person. But when it feels personal, it seems more like an attack on you as an artist than on what you’re releasing,” she explained. “Of course, some will love it, and others will hate it,” she noted, adding that her own disinterest in certain popular artists doesn’t mean she dislikes them personally. “It’s just my opinion. There are huge pop artists everyone raves about that I’m not into. But music is meant for critique. Naturally, it’s also there for enjoyment, but putting your work out invites criticism. That’s how you refine your art, improve, and evolve,” she concluded, emphasizing that criticism is a natural part of the creative process.
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It’s refreshing to see how wise and grounded she is, considering her age. Especially when it comes to handling the pressures and challenges of the industry. For that, she credits her mother, who’s been a steady source of support and guidance throughout her journey, teaching her the importance of balance and patience, and always reminding her to stay focused on the bigger picture.
“I think it’s the way I was raised. I grew up with my mom, who’s a very strong-minded woman. She’s been in the music industry as well, and she’s really guided me and helped me in my career, especially at the beginning. I feel like her guidance and the mindset she raised me with has shaped me into the person I am now,” she shared.
“My goal is to put the UAE on the map as an international English singer who can do it at the same level as anyone else in the US or the UK. I want people to see what’s possible. I know so many amazing Emirati artists who are too scared to step out and do it properly.”
She continued, “At the end of the day, the country is growing, developing, and the younger generation of Emiratis is evolving with it. People need to understand that. Especially with women—I want to empower them to go for it. I feel like the country is doing just that right now, pushing for women to take leading roles and supporting their involvement in the music industry here more than ever. I just want people to build up the courage, put themselves forward, and I want to carry that flag everywhere I go,” she concluded.
