Music

This is How Spotify is Empowering the Next Generation of Emirati Talent

BYYassine Hariss

January 28, 2026

Dubai’s ministry of culture and Spotify have just inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to expand “opportunities for emerging musicians and local talent, support their growth, and strengthen their visibility on global platforms.”

In layman’s terms, an MOU is a written agreement that maps out the intentions of the parties that are involved without carrying the weight of a legal contract.

The first-of-its-kind in the United Arab Emirates, the partnership will see joint programs be rolled out with the mission of nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that puts artists front and center. Designed with the intention of stimulating creativity, artistic expression, innovation and cultural exchange, the tie-up will also include “the curation and delivery of a series of music-led projects that spotlight Dubai’s creative community,” all while stressing the small emirate’s position as a global hub for all things related to the world of the arts and culture.

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Une publication partagée par SpotifyPolicy (@spotifypolicy)

“At Dubai Culture, talent development is a core pillar of our work across the cultural and creative industries. In the music sector, this translates into sustained support that enables musicians to develop, produce, and continue their practice over time. The agreement with Spotify is part of our broader efforts to support artists and creatives at all career stages and to strengthen the professional foundations of the music sector in Dubai. Through this approach, we are enabling musicians to build viable, long-term careers within a structured and supportive cultural environment,” Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said.

“Dubai is a city shaped by creativity, diversity, and early adoption, where culture and innovation naturally intersect. As a global hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, it’s playing an increasingly important role in the region’s music economy. At Spotify, we’re committed to empowering creators worldwide, and through our collaboration with Dubai Culture, we’re helping build a stronger local music ecosystem, supporting discovery and helping music coming out of Dubai reach listeners around the world,” Gustav Gyllenhammar, Senior Vice President of Markets and Subscriptions at Spotify, added.

This move from Spotify isn’t far from being its first as it slots neatly into the platform’s ongoing push across the region, from its RADAR program — built to surface the next generation of sonic talent — to its Fresh Finds Arabia playlist, which consistently spotlights the most compelling new voices coming out of the Middle East and North Africa.

This is How Spotify is Empowering the Next Generation of Emirati Talent

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This is How Spotify is Empowering the Next Generation of Emirati Talent

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