PopArabia and Creative Media Authority Introduce Groundbreaking 'CREATE In Abu Dhabi' Songwriting Camp

In a significant move to bolster Abu Dhabi's standing as a creative and musical hub, the Creative Media Authority (CMA) has joined forces with PopArabia to launch a series of specialised songwriting camps. This partnership, set to span two years, aims to enrich the UAE's music scene by facilitating collaboration among artists, writers, and producers from across the globe. The inaugural camp, held at Yas Creative Hub over four days, marked a promising start to this venture, drawing participants from various continents including the Middle East, Asia, Canada, and Europe. This initiative is a part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to enhance its songwriter economy and contribute to the UAE's cultural export capabilities.

The creation of these camps not only signifies Abu Dhabi's commitment to cultural development but also aligns with its recognition by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network as a Creative City of Music. The focus of these gatherings on urban, hip hop, afro, and pop music genres encourages a diverse and vibrant exchange of ideas and skills. By doing so, it supports the growth of a sustainable ecosystem for music and related industries within the region. The involvement of global music entities such as Music Publishers Canada, the Independent Music Publishers Forum (IMPF), MDL Beast Records, ESMAA, and Reservoir further underscores the international scope and ambition of this endeavor.

Aiming for Global Musical Integration

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing its significance in showcasing local talent to the international community. He stated, "Being able to host a songwriting camp is an absolute blessing, and to be able to showcase our next generation of talent to the world is inspiring. Creative Media Authority is committed to providing world-class training and development opportunities such as these to emerging creatives, and being able to provide them with opportunities to work with some of the world's leading creatives enhances and grows our creative ecosystem, placing Abu Dhabi's talent alongside the best in the world."

The songwriting camps, branded 'CREATE’ by Music Publishers Canada, are not exclusive to Abu Dhabi but have been hosted in other countries renowned for creative collaboration, including Australia, USA, Germany, and the UK. This global network of camps aims to foster creative exchange and spotlight the potential of Arabic music, further positioning Abu Dhabi as a key player in the cultural and artistic innovation sphere of the Middle East. This initiative also aligns with PopArabia's commitment to nurturing emerging music talent in the region and introducing the unique sound of Arabic music to a worldwide audience.

Expanding the Creative Horizons

Hussain "Spek" Yoosuf, Founder and CEO of PopArabia and ESMAA, highlighted the growing significance of the Middle Eastern music market and its evolving regional sound that appeals to listeners globally. He noted, "The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world for music, and we're witnessing the emergence of a vibrant regional sound that is increasingly resonating with global audiences. PopArabia and ESMAA have been longtime advocates for music creators and their rights in this region, and these camps are a natural extension of our broader mission to building and supporting a thriving ecosystem for music in the UAE and for the wider region."

This partnership between the Creative Media Authority and PopArabia not only promises additional songwriting camps throughout 2025 and 2026 but also opens the possibility for an extension beyond these years. The integration of Abu Dhabi into the global music community through such initiatives presents an exciting future for the UAE's creative industries, promising to foster talent and innovation on an international scale.

The collaborative effort between the Creative Media Authority and PopArabia in hosting songwriting camps in Abu Dhabi represents a significant step towards nurturing the local music industry and integrating it into the global music scene. Through these camps, Abu Dhabi is set to become a beacon of musical creativity and innovation, offering a platform for talent development and cultural exchange that benefits not only the UAE but also the wider global community.