Dubai: Dubai Metro Music Festival has officially launched, turning the city’s metro stations into stages for a week-long celebration of music. The festival is organized by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai in collaboration with Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Dubai Government Media Office. This unique festival aims to enhance the daily commute with live performances from an array of musical genres.
The weeklong celebration of global music starts from September 21st running till 27th, will see five metro stations including The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, BurJuman, Union, and DMCC – transform into vibrant hubs of rhythm and melody from diverse cultures around the world.
This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of local and 20 talented musicians from the UAE and across the world, including classical musicians, jazz bands, electronic DJs, and traditional performers. Each day, different metro stations across Dubai will host performances, ensuring a variety of musical experiences for commuters and visitors alike.
The festival also features a wide array of instruments, including the Qanun, keyboard, drums, accordion, flute, violin, saxophone, piano, balafon, darbuka, keytar, marimba, and various global percussion instruments. Musicians will also perform with electric guitars, pipe drums, hand pans, and homemade instruments.
The fourth edition of the festival highlights exceptional performances, such as a nine-year-old Qanun prodigy, a piano recital by a 14-year-old Emirati boy with autism, innovative pieces using recycled materials, and street performances celebrating traditional music. Each act promises a unique experience, even within the metro cabins.
.@Brand_Dubai, the creative arm of @DXBMediaOffice, in collaboration with @rta_dubai, is set to organise the fourth edition of the Dubai Metro Music Festival from 21 to 27 September 2024. The festival will transform five metro stations—The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates,… pic.twitter.com/Uqa7gdqwao
— Brand Dubai (@Brand_Dubai) September 17, 2024
Rashed Al Mulla, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Sector said that, “RTA is proud to partner with Brand Dubai for the fourth edition of the Dubai Metro Music Festival, a highlight on Dubai’s creative events calendar, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, the city’s most popular mode of public transport. This initiative reflects RTA’s commitment to enhancing the satisfaction, happiness, and positivity of residents and visitors across the emirate.”
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said that, “The festival reflects our commitment to providing unique and enriching experiences to the community together with the RTA. By integrating captivating musical performances into the daily commute, we are not only enhancing the travel experience but also connecting people through the universal language of music.”
In addition to the live performances, the festival will include interactive workshops and artist meet-and-greet sessions, impressive beatboxing acts, a puppet show with live music. The festival will also feature a unique children’s drumming show and visually stunning drumming performances with light effects. Live performances are daily from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Throughout the festival, acts will rotate across all five metro stations, allowing the public to enjoy a variety of shows throughout the event’s duration. With its innovative approach to integrating art and daily life, the Dubai Metro Music Festival is set to become a key highlight in the city’s cultural calendar, attracting both residents and tourists.