WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, vocal groups, art schools, and all children, youth, and adult groups to participate in the XII International Music & Dance Festival “DUBAI MUSIC FEST” from 16–22 April 2026 in Dubai, UAE.

NOTE: If you have a flight ticket to arrive the day before or the day after, it is not a problem; just inform us so we can provide the necessary permit.

The purpose of this invitation and the festival’s theme is to present the cultural traditions of different countries and provide an opportunity for group members to get together, establish friendships, and present their cultures through dance and music in the amazing city of Dubai. The festival aims to bring music closer to the people by presenting performances on streets and squares.

Dubai is an extraordinary city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyline, and at its foot lies the Dubai Fountain with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.

 GENERAL RULES

The festival is a non-competitive showcase of traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups, majorette teams, instrumental groups, soloists, and performers from other art styles. Every group has the right to participate. The number of participants is limited to three groups per country. Each group should consist of no more than 50 members, including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members.

Each ensemble should have a prepared program of approximately 15 minutes, either live or via USB. Choral groups and orchestras should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes. Performances will be in the evening hours, allowing time during the day for sightseeing and excursions. Groups should send a short CV (5–6 sentences in English), five photos of the group, and a video performance link.

Wizz Air offers affordable flights from many EU destinations to Abu Dhabi or Dubai airports.

Groups are responsible for their own transportation, although transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

 ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Participation fee:

185 EUR per person for 4 BB (4 nights / 5 days with breakfast)
235 EUR per person for 5 BB (5 nights / 6 days with breakfast)

Accommodation is provided in the 4* MD Hotel Al Barsha https://gewanhotels.com/hotels/md-hotel-by-gewan/ in triple rooms. Double rooms are available for an additional 15 EUR per person per night. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, spa, and gym, and is located near Emirates Mall and SKY Dubai.

Dinner can be arranged at 20 EUR per person.

Festival organizers provide one free spot for every 35 dancers (35+1), a souvenir and gift for each group, a certificate of attendance, drinks during performances, and promotion of the festival through press releases, newsletters, and posters.

Personal responsibility and health insurance are the obligation of the participants. First Aid and medical services will be available, but expenses must be covered by the group.

Participants may extend their stay in Dubai at a special festival rate of 48 EUR per night with breakfast in triple rooms. Tourist tax is 2.5 EUR per person per day. EU citizens do not require a visa for Dubai.

After the festival, organizers will provide a link to photos and videos of each group’s performance.

Transfers for groups arriving by plane can be arranged; the cost will be agreed upon based on the number of participants. Wizz Air offers direct flights from Budapest to Dubai International Airport and from many European cities to Abu Dhabi. Fly Dubai and Turkish Airlines also have convenient connections.

The total number of participants is limited to 300.

 PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1
13:00 Arrival in Dubai, hotel accommodation, and free time (beach time)
21:00 Meeting with the festival representative

Day 2
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–18:00 Optional sightseeing in Dubai
21:00 Free time in Dubai

Day 3
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–16:00 Beach time or optional excursion (Global Village, Miracle Garden, Butterfly Garden)
18:00–21:00 Festival evening (10–12 minutes program per group, music via USB, certificates and gifts for each group)

Day 4
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–17:00 Optional Desert Safari, beach time, or visit to Dubai Mall with fountains
18:00 Overnight at hotel

Day 5
09:00–11:00 Breakfast
10:30–18:00 Visit the traditional market in Greek Dubai, Eye of Dubai, Madame Tussauds Museum, or Dubai Frame
20:00 Free time in Dubai

Day 6
09:00–11:00 Breakfast
10:00 Departure

Optional Additional Days

Day 6
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–18:00 Beach time at JBR or excursion to Abu Dhabi
21:00–00:00 Free time at Dubai Music Fountains

Day 7
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–18:00 Beach time at JBR or excursion to Sharjah
21:00–00:00 Free time at Dubai Music Fountains

Day 8
08:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00 Departure

 COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply

Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation

You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number

Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review

WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance

If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions.

Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot

Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization

A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 IMPORTANT DETAILS

Festival organisers provide a stage for the performance. 

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ314eWGPPNDY2Xf4K7hUL9CVI

 EXCURSION INFORMATION

Transfers and excursions are available at additional cost. These include transfers from Dubai airport to hotel and back, transfers from Abu Dhabi airport to hotel in Dubai and back, half-day Dubai city tour including Medinat Jumeirah market and Little Venice with old Dubai, Burj Khalifa Level 124/125 tickets, Desert Safari with BBQ dinner and show, full-day Abu Dhabi tour with sightseeing and buffet lunch, dinner cruise at Dubai Marina, visits to Miracle Garden & Dubai Frame, and visits to Butterfly Garden & Global Village.