For Spotify, the MoU builds on initiatives such as RADAR Arabia and the Fresh Finds Arabia playlist, both of which spotlight and support emerging local talent.
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spotify to deepen collaboration across the music and creative sectors, with a focus on supporting emerging artists and strengthening the visibility of local talent on global platforms.
Signed in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to nurturing creative expression, empowering musicians, and advancing the cultural and creative industries as a core pillar of Dubai’s creative economy.
The MoU establishes a first-of-its-kind partnership between Dubai Culture and Spotify, creating a new model for public–private collaboration in the emirate. It enables the exchange of expertise and insights to develop joint cultural initiatives aligned with international best practices and evolving global music trends.
Under the agreement, both parties will co-develop programmes that expand access for Emirati and UAE-based artists to professional resources and digital platforms. These initiatives are designed to support career development, enhance sector competitiveness, and provide artists with valuable audience insights through specialised data and analytics, while offering practical tools to help creatives sustain and grow their careers.
The partnership also includes plans for long-term, sustainable projects and joint initiatives that promote artistic expression, cultural exchange, and innovation within the local music sector. A curated series of music-led projects will spotlight Dubai’s creative community, supporting the emirate’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global cultural centre and a leading hub for talent.
Dubai Culture highlighted that talent development remains central to its mission across the cultural and creative industries, noting that sustained support in the music sector enables artists to develop, produce, and maintain long-term creative practices. The collaboration with Spotify forms part of broader efforts to support musicians at all stages of their careers and reinforce the professional foundations of Dubai’s music ecosystem.
Hala Badri, Director General – Dubai Culture, said: “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.”
Gustav Gyllenhammar, Senior Vice President of Markets and Subscriptions at Spotify, added: “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.”
The MoU builds on Dubai Culture’s ongoing initiatives, including grants, artist residencies, and learning and talent development programmes, aimed at investing in the next generation of creatives. It also aligns with Spotify’s regional initiatives such as RADAR Arabia and Fresh Finds Arabia, which support emerging talent and amplify new voices, reinforcing a shared vision of sustainable growth and innovation in the music sector.
