Dubai Culture launches open call for second edition of Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 31 March 2026: Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is calling on the UAE’s creative community to take part in the second Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival, a dedicated platform for emerging talent across theatre, music, and folk arts.
Through this initiative, the Authority continues to nurture both up-and-coming and established artistic talent, providing a launchpad for fresh voices on the local scene while driving the continued growth of cultural activity in the emirate and strengthening Dubai’s position as a hub for creative industries.
The festival brings together the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, Dubai Festival for Youth Music, and Dubai Youth Folk Arts Festival, forming part of Dubai Culture’s broader strategy to provide an integrated platform dedicated to discovering talent, fostering innovation, and enabling creatives to present their work to the public. The open call welcomes entries from art and music centers, local community theatres, production companies, and public and private institutions, as well as artists, theatre practitioners, and musicians (UAE nationals and residents), to submit their ideas and creative works across all three disciplines.
The submission deadline is set for 25 June 2026, after which a specialized committee comprising leading artists and experts will evaluate submissions across all festival categories. Those interested in participating can access full details and the application form via Dubai Culture’s official website.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, noted that the open call reflects the Authority’s commitment to investing in young creative talent as a key driver in shaping the future of the arts sector. It also highlights its efforts to expand participation in the festival, contributing to the vitality and competitiveness of the UAE’s cultural landscape.
She said: “Through the festival, Dubai Culture seeks to provide an integrated creative platform capable of attracting young talent and creatives, offering them opportunities to explore their potential and develop their artistic expression in line with the rapid developments within the performing arts sector. The festival also enables participants to present their work in public spaces, connect with their peers, and exchange knowledge and experiences, supporting the development of sustainable career pathways that contribute to Dubai’s creative economy.”
The festival targets young theatre practitioners and musicians, including solo singers, vocal groups, and instrumentalists (both Eastern and Western instruments), aged between 15 and 35. Participants are required to submit original and contemporary works that comply with UAE regulations and are approved by relevant authorities. Submissions must not have been previously presented at local or international festivals and must align with the values and traditions of the local community. All works must be produced by licensed companies in Dubai, local music groups, or individual creators.
Theatre performances will be evaluated based on a set of artistic, aesthetic, and intellectual criteria established by the organizing committee. These include the integration of all elements of the performance, such as concept, performance, direction, and teamwork, along with originality and the ability to address youth and community-related themes. Consideration will also be given to creativity and innovation in direction and scenography. Performances must be live and realistic, with sound and musical elements produced by the participants themselves.
The first edition of the Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival, held last December, attracted 18 submissions from community theatre associations and production centres, 64 creatives in the music sector, and four folk arts groups, reflecting the festival’s role in strengthening Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.
