The Dubai Festival for Youth Music spotlights young performers and creators with a professional stage, expert jury feedback, and real career exposure. Relaunched in 2026 with bigger showcases and more categories, the festival invites singers, instrumentalists, songwriters, producers, and bands to submit their best work and perform in front of large live audiences.

About the Dubai Festival for Youth Music

Why the festival matters in 2026

The festival celebrates the UAE’s creative economy and gives youth a credible platform to perform, collaborate, and learn. It also drives cultural tourism—drawing visitors who plan trips around Dubai’s growing arts scene.

Who organizes it & who can join

Hosted under the city’s cultural initiatives, the festival welcomes residents of the UAE within the official age bracket. Non-resident guests can attend as audience members and may be invited for collaborations or workshops.

Eligibility & Age Criteria

Age limits & residency requirements

Age: 15–35 years as of the application deadline (2026).
Residency: Open to UAE residents (Emiratis and expatriates). Proof of residency may be required at verification.

Solo, duo, band participation rules

Apply as solo, duo, or band/ensemble.
Each participant may appear in one primary submission only. (Side roles such as session instrumentalist must be declared.)

Performance Categories

Vocals: solo/duo/choir

Pop, R&B, Arabic, classical, a cappella, fusion—choose your style and submit a well-mixed audio/video.

Instrumental: solo & ensemble

Piano, oud, violin, guitar, percussion, and cross-cultural fusions; acoustic or amplified.

Songwriting & composition

Original music (lyrics or instrumental). Provide lyrics, credits, and a brief creative statement.

Electronic/producer & DJ sets

Beatmakers, live electronics, DJ performance with controller/CDJ. Provide tracklist, stems or project proof (on request), and evidence of authorship/rights.

Key Dates & Timeline 2026

Exact dates are announced on the official festival page. Use the structure below to plan your calendar.

Application window & shortlist announcements

Applications open: 2026 (TBA)
Applications close: 2026 (TBA)
Shortlist notification: Within ~2–3 weeks of closing

Live showcases & grand finale

City showcases: Multiple venues across Dubai
Grand finale: Flagship stage with jury & public audience

How to Register (Step-by-Step)

Prepare your materials

ID & residency proof (Emirates ID or equivalent)
Artist profile (100–150 words) & high-res photo
Audio/video: 1–2 pieces that best represent your category
Credits & lyric sheets (for originals)
Permissions for any samples/covers (if applicable)

Submit the online form

Complete the official registration form with accurate personal details.
Upload media files or unlisted links with downloadable access.
Review and accept festival terms (IP, consent, age, safety).

After you apply: confirmations & next steps

You’ll receive an acknowledgment email with an application ID.
If shortlisted, you’ll be sent soundcheck times, backline specs, and stage rules.

Submission Specifications

Audio/video quality & length

Performance length: up to 5–10 minutes per act.
Quality: 1080p video (preferred); WAV/320 kbps MP3 audio.
Stable framing, clear vocals/instruments, minimal background noise.

File naming, links & metadata

Format: ArtistName_Category_Title_2026
Include lyrics, composer/producer credits, and ISRC (if released).

Rules, Licensing & IP

Original works vs. covers & permissions

Originals: Must be your own work; keep demos and project files.
Covers/samples: Provide written license/permission from the rights holder or platform-approved license.
Commercial beats/loops: Supply proof of license and adherence to terms.

Usage rights, consent & privacy

By participating, artists may grant the festival a limited license to use performance excerpts (non-exclusive) for publicity, with credit given to the artist.

Judging Criteria & Scoring

Musicality & technique

Pitch, timing, phrasing, instrumental control, mixing quality.

Originality, stagecraft & audience impact

Songcraft, arrangement, authenticity, confidence, and engagement. Judges may also consider artistic development potential.

Prizes, Benefits & Opportunities

Stage time on a flagship Dubai venue before large audiences
Professional feedback from industry mentors
Showcase slots/collabs with partner events
Studio time or production mentorship (category-dependent)
Trophies/certificates for winners & finalists

(Prize specifics vary by year; finalists are informed with their showcase invites.)

Venue, Access & Audience Info

Location, transport & accessibility

Showcases are typically hosted at central Dubai venues with Metro/parking access. Expect accessible entries, ramps/lifts where available, and clearly marked stage routes.

Family-friendly guidelines

All ages are welcome as audience unless a venue is marked 18+. Respect cultural norms, venue rules, and performance time limits.

Do’s, Don’ts & Disqualification Triggers

Do:

Arrive 30–45 minutes before call time
Bring backups (USBs, cables, batteries)
Keep lyrics respectful and within community guidelines

Don’t:

Use unauthorized samples or unlicensed covers
Exceed time limits or alter stage plots without approval
Engage in unsafe behavior or incite the audience

Violations may lead to disqualification.

Travel to Dubai: Visa Guide for Participants & Guests

Who needs a visa & documents required

Most travelers need a pre-approved Dubai eVisa. Prepare:

Passport valid 6+ months from arrival
Passport-size photo (white background)
Basic itinerary (hotel details; flight may be optional before approval)

Processing times & pro tips

Typical processing: 24–72 working hours
Ensure clear scans and consistent name spellings
Carry both digital and printed copies of your eVisa

Risks of DIY Visa & Why Use Dubai Visa Center

DIY applications can face delays, document errors, or wrong visa type selection. With Dubai Visa Center, you get:

Expert document review & accurate visa selection
Secure payments and application tracking
Support via chat, WhatsApp, email & phone—end-to-end guidance

Apply for Your Dubai Visa

Perform on Dubai’s biggest youth stage—hassle-free.
👉 Apply for your Dubai visa through Dubai Visa Center today and lock in your 2026 travel plans.