Music Brings Cultures Together
The International Europe–United Arab Emirates Cultural Prize is a major cultural initiative aimed at strengthening relations between Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
The goal of this cultural award is to overcome cultural, linguistic, and social differences through the universal language of music and to foster a lasting dialogue among young people from diverse backgrounds.
The language of music knows no boundaries
Modeled after internationally recognized cultural and music competitions—in particular the German-Japanese Johann Sebastian Bach Competitions—the International Culture Prize Europe–Emirates aims to give young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage while also building cultural bridges between Europe and the Arab world.
Under the auspices of the Initiative Werterhalt & Weitergabe e.V., this project is intended both as a contribution to international understanding and as a means of promoting peaceful and respectful coexistence among cultures.
The focus is not only on musical excellence, but also on bringing generations together. The aim is to strengthen the dialogue between young people, experienced artists, mentors, and cultural institutions—in line with the agenda of the “Preserving and Passing on Values” initiative, which has been advocating for generational justice, the transmission of values, cultural exchange, and social cohesion for years.
The International Culture Prize explicitly aims to use music as a unifying force among nations and thereby contribute to peace, understanding, and cultural cooperation in the long term.
Musical Genres
Young musicians are invited to participate in the following categories:
The cultural award focuses on the interpretation of European classical music and sophisticated contemporary compositions. At the same time, it aims to create space for cultural diversity, individual forms of expression, and innovative musical encounters.
It is precisely the interplay of different musical traditions from Europe and the Arab world that is intended to spark new creative inspiration. In addition to technical perfection, the judges will therefore place particular emphasis on expressiveness, personality, stage presence, and the ability to interpret cultural nuances.
Participants are expected not only to showcase their musical abilities but also to serve as ambassadors of international cultural dialogue.
Competition Schedule
Registration deadline: November 1, 2025
Complete registration using the registration form on the landing page.
Announcement of the winners from the preliminary round on December 1, 2025
The winners will be notified personally as to whether they have advanced to the semifinals.
The winners of the semifinals will be announced on January 1, 2026
The winners will be notified personally as to whether they have made it to the finals.
Invitation to the semifinal winners to attend the final on February 1, 2026
In the finals, the best musicians from the semifinals will compete against each other.
The winner will be announced on June 22, 2026
The winners of the International Culture Prize will be officially announced.
Svitlana Chumak
Program Director, Culture Award
Are you ready for a musical exchange?
The following are eligible to participate:
Musicians between the ages of 18 and 39.
The candidate's primary residence should be in Europe or the United Arab Emirates.
Soloists, small ensembles, or international musical collaborations.
You're interested in engaging in in-depth intercultural dialogue and collaborating with other musicians.
Purpose of the Cultural Award
The International Culture Prize Europe–United Arab Emirates is not merely a music competition, but a platform for understanding, cultural diplomacy, and peaceful exchange between Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
Especially in a time of international tensions and social change, the cultural award is intended to serve as a symbol of peace, mutual respect, cultural openness, and intergenerational dialogue. Music is seen here as a universal language that brings people together
Venues
Competitions, concerts, and final events are planned, particularly in:
The selection of these international cultural hubs deliberately reflects the connection between European musical tradition, international openness, and modern cultural development.
For centuries, Munich has been regarded as a center of classical music and European cultural history. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, on the other hand, have emerged in recent years as major international hubs for art, culture, innovation, and intercultural exchange.
The partnership between these cities creates an extraordinary cultural platform linking Europe and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to the competitions, the program will include concerts, cultural exchanges, receptions, and international networking events bringing together artists, patrons, and cultural institutions.
Additional international venues may be added in the future.
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