Dubai: The 3rd edition of the Dubai Metro Music Festival has ended successfully after a week-long celebration of global music that witnessed five metro stations in Dubai transform into lively hubs of art and music.
The event was organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The festival was held across five Dubai Metro stations, including Union, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman, Dubai Financial Centre, and Sobha Realty. More than 800,000 commuters who visited the five metro stations saw captivating musical performances by 20 local, regional, and international musicians who displayed their creative talent in a wide range of instruments, genres, and styles.
The 2023 festival was dedicated to the theme of sustainability in accordance with the UAE’s announcement of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability.’ Several musicians showcased their talents using instruments made from recycled materials, adding an environmentally friendly touch to their performances. This creative approach further helped in building awareness about sustainability and highlighted the importance of using eco-friendly materials.
Ms. Rowdah Al Mehrizi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication Department at RTA, remarked that the 2023 festival successfully achieved its goals of raising awareness about environmental protection and encouraging ways to preserve natural resources.
Ms. Al Mehrizi shared that “at RTA, we aim to provide a unique experience for riding the Dubai Metro. The Festival’s interactive and contemporary approach helped draw attention to sustainability issues in a unique way thanks to the popularity of the Dubai Metro.”
The director further noted that the number of Dubai Metro users reached 225.1 million in 2022, making up the largest proportion of mass transit, shared transportation, and taxi users in Dubai, at 36 percent compared to 33 percent in 2021.
From traditional to experimental musicians, classical instrumentalists to fusion musicians, the event hosted a mix of artists from Egypt, India, France, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Cuba, the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Canada, the Netherlands, Jordan, and Australia, besides the UAE.
Ms. Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, commented that “as a platform for exceptional creative talent from around the globe, the Dubai Metro Music Festival highlights the richness of Dubai’s creative dynamism. The success of the festival is a testament to Dubai’s vibrant arts and cultural diversity and its position as a leading global cultural hub. It is an honour to orchestrate the convergence of brilliant musicians that led to the transformation of Dubai’s public spaces into immersive art experiences that delight and inspire residents and visitors alike.”