The Dubai Metro Music Festival kicked off on Saturday, transforming the daily commute into a vibrant musical experience. Commuters were treated to live performances from artists around the world at select metro stations, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a concert.
Key Takeaways
- The festival runs until September 27, featuring performances at five key metro stations.
- Commuters experienced live music during their daily travels, enhancing their journey.
- The event is organized by Brand Dubai in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
A Unique Commuting Experience
As the clock struck 5 PM, the Dubai Metro stations came alive with the sounds of music. Passengers at BurJuman and Union stations were greeted by a variety of performances, ranging from traditional to contemporary music. The usual hustle and bustle of commuters was replaced by a shared enjoyment of live entertainment.
Frank Abara, a Nigerian expat, shared his excitement after experiencing the festival. "I take the metro every day, but this was something entirely different. To have live music while commuting was amazing. It completely transformed my journey. I felt like I was part of a music festival," he said.
Fatima Malik, a resident of Al Qusais, echoed similar sentiments. Traveling with her children, she was pleasantly surprised by the live performances. "We usually change lines at Union Metro station. While we were on the escalator, I could hear music. As we reached the ground level, we saw the show. My kids and I were in awe when we saw the musicians performing at the station. They even started dancing!" she remarked.
A New Reason to Ride the Metro
The festival has not only entertained commuters but also encouraged more people to use the metro. Ravi Menon, an engineer, found a new reason to take public transport. "I have traveled to many cities and have seen something like this in Europe, but never in Dubai," he noted.
His friend, Abhilash Sinha, a finance professional, added, "It’s a great way to relax after a long day. Usually, after hours at the office, I am exhausted by the time I get on the metro. As soon as I heard the live music, it felt like a weight was lifted. The rhythm of the instruments just melted away the stress."
Festival Details
The Dubai Metro Music Festival is organized by Brand Dubai in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It will run until September 27, featuring a diverse lineup of classical and fusion artists. The performances are taking place at five key metro stations:
- Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- BurJuman
- Union
- DMCC
From string instruments like the Qanun to percussion and wind instruments, the festival showcases a variety of musical talent, creating a unique experience for all metro passengers.
As the festival continues, commuters can look forward to more delightful surprises during their daily travels, making the Dubai Metro not just a means of transport, but a platform for cultural expression and enjoyment.