Strategic Alliance for the Launch of the Middle East’s First ‘Music City’
The “Music City” initiative is gearing up to launch in the UAE, aspiring to become a central hub for both local and international music talents, including recording artists and songwriters.
2 min
This initiative is a result of a groundbreaking collaboration between DGMC and Universal Music Group, which will work closely to establish “Music City”. It will feature state-of-the-art recording facilities, educational institutions, and a comprehensive service label to support artists from the region in every facet of their careers, such as recording, touring, branding, and merchandising.
Leveraging UMG’s vast experience in artist development, marketing, and promotion, as well as its expertise in navigating emerging music markets, the project intends to refresh the region’s longstanding musical heritage and inspire upcoming generations of artists and songwriters.
The partnership between UMG and DGMC is focused on fostering and promoting the talents of regional artists and songwriters, helping them achieving their creative and commercial ambitions.
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of DGMC, said: “We are thrilled to partner with UMG, the world’s leading music group, on this unique and exciting endeavour. Building a state-of-the-art music infrastructure and providing industry services to support aspiring musical artists is critical to our leadership’s vision to promote culture and the arts. DGMC’s initiatives will not only help to foster our regional creatives and music-related professionals but elevate the UAE’s music economy to global levels.”
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Universal Music Group, said: “We have long recognized the potential in the Middle East, and are incredibly proud to be working with world-class partners like DGMC. We share their excitement and vision to harness this potential and nurture the next generation of recording artists and songwriters. Our partnership will create a powerful platform for the incredible talent in the region and accelerate their careers at home and abroad.”
The project will introduce three Capitol Studios, marking the first expansion of Capitol Studios beyond their iconic location in the Capitol Tower in Hollywood.
These facilities will feature a Dolby Atmos mixing room, recording studios, a green room, a writer’s room, and a rehearsal studio. Additionally, fans can look forward to a variety of engaging music experiences.
A partnership between UMG and DGMC will give rise to a label dedicated to discovering and nurturing local talent with the goal of elevating them to international stardom. Moreover, educational academies will provide a comprehensive curriculum and special “Master Classes” led by industry-leading figures, designed to equip the next generation with the skills necessary to excel in both the creative and business aspects of the music industry.
These efforts aim to not only enrich the UAE’s creative landscape but also to support the expansion of the music community within the region.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
3 min
A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
