Dubai law aims to lure creative economy investment via new orchestra body

Law No. (20) of 2026, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, establishes the Dubai Orchestra Foundation, a dedicated body intended to build out the emirate’s orchestral infrastructure and attract investment into the creative economy. The new legal instrument takes aim squarely at the music and performing arts sector, formalising Dubai’s cultural investment agenda.

The economic logic behind the decree is explicit. The Foundation is tasked with strengthening the creative economy, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a destination for culture, arts and cultural tourism, and encouraging investment in the music and performing arts industries. Officials framing the sector see orchestral music as part of a wider play for cultural capital: the Foundation will advance the arts in Dubai, preserve local artistic heritage, showcase the UAE’s musical excellence, and bolster the emirate’s regional and international cultural profile.

Under the Law, the new entity carries a defined operational mandate. Its responsibilities include establishing a local orchestra, performing in the UAE and abroad, promoting Emirati musical heritage, and supporting emerging talent, including People of Determination. It will also develop an annual calendar of musical events, build partnerships at home and overseas, back music education and production, host international orchestras, and deepen collaboration with orchestras and cultural institutions worldwide.

Governance follows a structure familiar to institutional investors and operators. The Foundation will be overseen by a Board of Trustees, supported by an executive body. The Board will consist of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman and members with relevant expertise, all appointed by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Its remit covers supervising the Foundation’s operations, approving key policies, plans and the budget, and appointing the Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director.

Day to day execution sits with the executive body, which will comprise the CEO along with administrative, financial and technical staff. The CEO reports directly to the Board and manages operations, implementing approved plans and programmes. That structure places budgetary and programme authority with the Board while leaving delivery to a professional management team.

Meanwhile, the Law enlists the wider public sector as a supporting partner. Government entities are required to cooperate with and assist the Foundation in carrying out its responsibilities, in line with the relevant regulations and directives of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Community Development Authority. The Chairman of the Board will issue the decisions needed to implement the Law.

For market watchers, the establishment of a dedicated foundation with board-level governance and a mandated budget process signals an institutional commitment to Dubai’s cultural sector, positioning orchestral music and performing arts as an asset class within the emirate’s broader tourism and creative economy strategy. The Law takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, and the first decisions issued by the Board will show how quickly that commitment translates into funded programmes.