Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. 20 of 2026 establishing the Dubai Orchestra Foundation. The new body is tasked with developing the emirate's music scene and supporting its wider arts sector.
Under the law, the foundation will promote orchestral music, preserve Emirati musical heritage, and back local musicians as well as emerging talent. It is also charged with building music infrastructure and expanding education opportunities in the field — an agenda officials say will strengthen Dubai's standing as a cultural destination.
The foundation will be run by a board of trustees, whose chairman, vice-chairman and members are appointed by the chairman of Dubai's Executive Council. A chief executive officer and an artistic director will oversee day-to-day operations and the institution's artistic direction respectively.
The move continues Dubai's long-running push to position itself as a global arts and culture hub, a city that in recent years has hosted a growing calendar of music, theatre and visual-arts events. Industry observers say a dedicated foundation could pave the way for a permanent, full-scale symphony orchestra in the emirate, filling a gap that has so far been covered mostly by private institutions or one-off productions.
Officials have not yet released details on the foundation's budget, timeline or its first programmes; further announcements are expected from Dubai authorities in the coming weeks.