Abu Dhabi is expanding its cultural programmes with the launch of a specialist music centre for children, offering professional-level music education free of charge.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced on Monday, October 26, that the new home of the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra will open in January 2027 in MiZa, Mina Zayed.

Designed by the late internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, the facility will feature a 600-seat concert hall and 18 rehearsal and teaching rooms, providing young musicians with professional-standard facilities.

Registration has opened for the first cohort of 100 children aged six to nine. The centre’s curriculum will cover Western classical music and Arab musical traditions.

The initiative aims to give children with an interest in music access to high-quality education and create a long-term pathway for developing their skills. Additional ensembles for advanced students are also expected to be formed during the programme’s first year.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, described the initiative as an investment in the emirate’s cultural future.

He said: “The Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra is an important investment in our future and part of our commitment to making culture and creativity accessible to everyone.”

He added: “By providing free access to world-class music education programmes, we are creating opportunities for young people to discover their talents, develop their abilities and benefit from the lifelong rewards of music.”

Al Mubarak also stressed that the benefits of music education extend beyond learning to play an instrument.

He said: “Beyond technical skills, music fosters discipline, collaboration, creativity and confidence — qualities that help develop capable individuals, enrich communities and build a more vibrant society.”

A New Architectural Landmark in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Landscape

The Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra’s new building will also join the UAE capital’s collection of prominent cultural and architectural landmarks.

Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District. He was also behind the design of the recently unveiled Dar Al Funun Abu Dhabi performing arts centre.

The Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra project is part of the emirate’s broader strategy to establish itself as an international hub for art, music and creativity.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “The Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra will serve both as a platform for emerging talent and as a key pillar of the emirate’s growing cultural ecosystem.”