House of Pianos UAE, in collaboration with Steinway & Sons, Dubai Opera, and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has proudly concluded the landmark 1st Steinway Piano Competition GCC 2025. This prestigious event marks a historic milestone for the UAE’s cultural and musical landscape.
Spanning five days of intensive performances and inspiring moments, the competition gathered some of the most promising young pianists from across the GCC, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Under the evaluation of an esteemed international jury comprising experts from the USA, China, Russia, Italy, Kuwait, and the UAE, the competition set a new standard for musical excellence, passion, and achievement in the region.
A standout feature of this year’s event was the debut of the Emirati Category – a first for both the UAE and the wider GCC. Proudly organized by House of Pianos, this new category was designed to promote local talent and celebrate Arabic music and composers.
The Emirati Category served as the culmination of the Piano Camp Program, a six-month intensive training initiative by House of Pianos in strategic partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. This visionary program provided 15 young Emirati pianists, aged between 6 and 17, with lessons, workshops, and masterclasses, preparing them to perform confidently on a competitive stage. Their performances highlighted not only technical skill but also the deep artistic potential within the new generation of Emirati musicians.
Following this success, House of Pianos is excited to announce the expansion of the Piano Camp initiative. In continued partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the next season aims to reach even more young Emirati students across all seven Emirates and, for the first time, launch an adult program for passionate learners. House of Pianos aspires to make the Piano Camp one of the UAE’s premier musical education programs, broadening access to musical training and cultural development.
“This competition is a celebration of dreams, discipline, and cultural pride,” said Shavkat Mamadjonov, Founder of House of Pianos. “Seeing 15 talented Emirati pianists compete for the first time in the UAE fills us with immense pride. It represents a bright future for classical music both in the UAE and across the GCC.”
The Steinway Piano Competition GCC aims not only to offer young musicians a local platform to showcase their talent but also to open international performance opportunities. Future appearances are planned in Italy, Greece, Germany, and the USA, providing a global stage for the Gulf region’s rising stars.
Held biennially, the competition aspires to become the leading piano event in the UAE and the GCC, inspiring more young artists to pursue music education and careers, and enhancing the region’s cultural identity through the universal language of music.
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