For years, the UAE’s aspiring musicians, producers, and songwriters have had to look abroad to turn their creative spark into a formal qualification. That changes this year.

In a major boost to the country’s growing creative economy, SAE University College Dubai is set to launch the city’s first accredited, three-year Bachelor of Music programme this September, blending hands-on studio craft with rigorous academic and industry training. 

With admissions now open and scholarships worth up to Dh50,000 up for grabs, the move marks a pivotal moment for grassroots talent looking to make noise on the global stage.

What will the degree cover?

The full-time programme has been designed around the skills needed in today’s rapidly changing music industry.

Students will study a range of creative and technical subjects, including:

• Songwriting and composition
• Electronic music production
• Studio recording and production
• Live performance
• Stagecraft
• Creative musicianship
• Music business
• Entrepreneurship

Rather than focusing solely on classroom-based learning, the course will combine practical assignments with industry projects.

Students will also complete a major project before graduation, allowing them to develop a professional portfolio that can support their entry into the music industry.

Students will get access to professional studios

As part of the programme, students will have access to professional-standard recording facilities, music equipment and specialist software at SAE University College Dubai.

They will also work with academics and industry professionals throughout their studies.

The university has developed the programme alongside industry partners including Melody House, Muzikminds and Hungarian-American songwriter and music producer Miklos Malek.

What jobs can graduates pursue?

The degree is aimed at students who want to build careers across both the music business and the wider creative economy.

Potential career paths include:

• Music producer
• Songwriter or composer
• Audio engineer
• Performing artist
• Artist development professional
• Music supervisor
• Entertainment professional
• Content creator
• Music entrepreneur

The programme also places significant emphasis on business and entrepreneurship, reflecting the growing need for musicians to understand both the creative and commercial sides of the industry.

Why Dubai is investing in music education

The launch comes as the UAE seeks to expand its creative industries and increase their contribution to the national economy.

Under the UAE National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, the country has set a target for the sector to contribute 5 per cent of GDP by 2031.

The regional music market is also expanding. According to figures cited by SAE University College, recorded music revenues across the Middle East and North Africa grew by 15.2 per cent in 2025.

The new degree therefore arrives at a time when opportunities across music, entertainment, digital content and other creative fields are growing across the region.

Applications are open

Students interested in joining the new Bachelor of Music programme can apply for the September 2026 intake if they meet the university’s admission requirements.

Those unable to join in September will have further opportunities, with intakes scheduled for February and May 2027.

Scholarships of up to Dh50,000 are available to eligible applicants.

Students in UAE schools will have just the first two weeks of the new academic year to apply for transfers between academic streams under new rules introduced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated regulations for the 2026-27 school year are designed to ensure students are placed in the academic pathway that best matches their abilities while maintaining stable learning environments.

Under the new framework, all transfer requests will be subject to academic assessments, counselling for students and parents, admission requirements and official approval. Schools will also monitor students after they move to ensure they are adapting well.

Who can transfer?

• Students in the advanced stream can voluntarily move to the general stream at approved grade levels.
• Students in Grades 8 and 9 can transfer from the general stream to the advanced stream only if they scored at least 80% in English, Mathematics and Science during the previous academic year.
• Students in Grades 10 and 11 in the general stream cannot transfer to the advanced stream because of curriculum requirements.
• Transfers from the applied stream to the general stream will not be permitted.

The Ministry of Education has urged schools to make transfer decisions in consultation with students, parents and academic advisers, stressing that ongoing support is essential to help students succeed in their new academic pathway.

Emirates Engineering has launched a new programme giving UAE university students the chance to transform retired aircraft materials into innovative products while gaining hands-on experience with the airline’s engineering teams.

Called Material Futures Studio, the six-week initiative is led by Emirates Engineering’s Upcycling department. It aims to inspire the next generation of aviation engineers by challenging students to find creative new uses for materials recovered from retired aircraft.

The first edition brings together 23 students from Khalifa University, Emirates Aviation University and the University of Sharjah.

Students began the programme with an orientation session and a behind-the-scenes tour of Emirates Engineering’s facilities in Dubai, where they met senior leaders, explored aircraft maintenance operations and visited the airline’s upcycling workshop to see how retired aircraft materials are already being turned into new products.

How the programme works

Over six weeks, participants will develop concepts and prototypes using materials recovered from retired aircraft, with guidance from Emirates Engineering specialists throughout the design and development process.

The programme will conclude with a showcase where students present their final ideas and prototypes.

According to Emirates, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by giving students practical engineering experience while enabling the airline to tap into fresh ideas and emerging talent.

Part of Emirates’ sustainability efforts

Material Futures Studio builds on Emirates’ wider sustainability strategy and its multi-billion-dollar aircraft retrofit programme.

The airline is currently refurbishing 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, one of the largest retrofit projects in the aviation industry. Rather than discarding materials removed during the upgrades, Emirates Engineering has been repurposing them into new products through its in-house upcycling projects.

These include the Aircrafted by Emirates collection of limited-edition luggage, bags and accessories made from reclaimed aircraft materials, as well as Aircrafted KIDS, which transforms retired aircraft fabrics into backpacks for children. Emirates says more than 4,000 backpacks have already been donated to children in 11 countries.