Young musicians across the UAE are being invited to turn their creativity into music this festive season, with the chance to record their own original song, star in a professionally produced music video and perform live in front of an audience. Bringing together Shangri-La Dubai, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Premier Music Academy and SAE University College Dubai, the festive music competition aims to discover and support the next generation of musical talent, while bringing communities together through a shared love of music.

Following the success of last year’s Dubai edition, the competition is expanding to Abu Dhabi for the first time, with two winning bands to be selected, one from each city. Open to aspiring musicians aged 14 to 19, the initiative encourages young people to come together, form a band and create an original song inspired by the festive season, with entries closing on 30 October 2026.

Whether they are aspiring singers, songwriters or instrumentalists, participants are encouraged to bring their own personalities and musical styles to the competition. Each band must consist of at least three members, including a singer, and submit an original, upbeat festive song or performance video of no more than two minutes, together with a copy of the lyrics. From the joy of the festive season to the landmarks and experiences that make the UAE feel like home, the competition gives young musicians the freedom to tell their own stories through music. Creative costumes, lively performances and a strong sense of teamwork are also encouraged.

For the two winning bands, the competition could be the beginning of something much bigger. Each group will have the opportunity to professionally record its original song and produce a music video, with the support of Shangri-La Dubai, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, and Premier Music Academy. The winners will also receive one term of complimentary tuition at Premier Music Academy’s Weekend Elite Academy, alongside a complimentary summer camp voucher from SAE University College Dubai worth AED 1,200, giving them further opportunities to develop their musical skills, gain hands-on experience and learn from industry professionals.

The experience will culminate in a live performance at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies at Shangri-La Dubai and Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, where the winning bands will take to the stage to perform their original songs for guests, families and the wider community. Each winning group will also receive AED 10,000 worth of gift vouchers for Shangri-La Dubai and Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

Beyond the competition itself, the initiative is about encouraging young people to explore their talents, build confidence, and experience what they can achieve together. For some, it may be their first time writing an original song or performing in front of an audience; for others, it could be an important step towards a future in music. By bringing together young musicians from across the UAE, Shangri-La Dubai, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Premier Music Academy and SAE University College Dubai hope to create an experience that inspires creativity, builds friendships and gives emerging talent a platform to be heard.

Entries must be submitted by 30 October 2026 via THIS LINK.

Competition submission requirements

• Open to young musicians aged 14 to 19 across the UAE.
• Entries close on 30 October 2026.
• Each band must have at least three members, including a singer.
• Submit an original, upbeat song inspired by the festive season.
• The submitted song or performance video must be no longer than two minutes.
• Include a copy of the song lyricswith the submission.
• The song must mention Shangri-La Dubai or Shangri-La Abu Dhabi at least once.
• Lyrics should capture the season’s joy, the UAE’s festive spirit and its iconic landmarks.
• Bands are encouraged to include costumes, energy and stage presencein their performances.
• Two winning bandswill be selected: one for Dubai and one for Abu Dhabi.

SAE University College Dubai prize terms and conditions

• Each competition winner will receive a complimentary SAE University College Dubai camp voucher.
• Each voucher has a maximum value of AED 1,200, redeemable towards any eligible SAE University College Dubai summer camp.
• Vouchers must be redeemed within six months from the date of issue.
• A maximum of 12 voucherswill be provided in total, covering two bands with six winners each.
• Vouchers are non-transferableand can only be used by the respective winners.