Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spotify to strengthen collaboration across the music and creative sectors.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the two entities by expanding opportunities for emerging musicians and local talent, supporting their growth, and strengthening their visibility on global platforms.
The MoU, inked in the presence of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, reflects a shared commitment to nurturing creative expression, empowering talent, and advancing the cultural and creative industries as a key pillar of the creative economy.
Establishing a first-of-its-kind partnership between Dubai Culture and Spotify, creates a new model for public–private collaboration in the emirate. The agreement enables the exchange of insights to support the development and delivery of joint cultural initiatives aligned with international best practices and global music trends.
The partnership will co-deliver programs that expand access for Emirati and UAE-based artists to professional resources and platforms, strengthening career development, sector competitiveness, and audience insight through specialized data and analytics. It will also provide practical support to help creatives sustain and advance their careers.
As per the MoU, both entities will launch joint initiatives and partner on long-term, sustainable projects that promote artistic expression, cultural exchange, and innovation in the local music sector. This includes a curated series of music-led projects spotlighting Dubai’s creative community, supporting the emirate’s ambition to cement its status as a global cultural center and a leading hub for creativity and talent.
Hala Badri Director General – Dubai Culture
“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, said that, “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 reflects the ongoing efforts of Dubai Culture, through its programs and initiatives including grants, artist residencies, and learning and talent development opportunities, to invest in the next generation of creatives and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading creative destination defined by cultural diversity, strong infrastructure, and a flexible legislative framework.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
The agreement also underscores the Authority’s commitment to innovation and to advancing the cultural and creative sectors by fostering a supportive ecosystem that enables musicians to build sustainable, long-term career pathways. This approach aligns with Spotify’s initiatives such as the RADAR Arabia program, which supports emerging musical talent, and the Fresh Finds Arabia playlist, which spotlights rising voices and connects them with new audiences.
Spotify, founded nearly 19 years ago, is the world’s leading audio streaming service, connecting local artists with global audiences and enabling music to cross borders. In 2024, it paid around $10 billion to rights holders and now reaches over 713 million users, including 281 million subscribers, across over 180 markets.
