Abu Dhabi:The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the establishment of a dedicated institution for the Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to enhance the emirate's cultural landscape by providing free access to world-class music education for young musicians.

According to Wam, the Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi is set to open in January 2027 in the Mina Zayed district, featuring a 600-seat concert hall and 18 practice rooms designed to professional standards. Enrollment for the first cohort of 100 students aged 6-9 is expected to begin in October 2026, with plans to nurture talents in both Western classical and Arabic musical traditions.

The program seeks to create long-term engagement pathways for young musicians across the emirate, offering training and development opportunities. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of the Youth Orchestra as an investment in the future, highlighting the role of music in fostering discipline, creativity, and confidence among young individuals.

Designed by the late Frank Gehry, the Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi is part of a broader effort to enrich the cultural ecosystem of Abu Dhabi. It aligns with the emirate's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, aiming to preserve and promote musical traditions while supporting emerging talent in the arts.