The Dubai Metro Music Festival has returned, infusing the city's bustling stations with vibrant energy as a diverse array of artists turns daily commutes into impromptu musical concerts. Among these talented performers is 12-year-old Nahome Ruecker, a German artist who has spent his entire life in the UAE. Specializing in piano and drums, Nahome has dedicated the past six years to honing his craft. As a student and budding musician at the Dubai American Academy, the Dubai Metro stations have now become his new stage and audience—the daily commuters.
For Nahome, performing at the festival is a dream realized. 'It's incredible to perform for people who weren't expecting it. There's something special about surprising them with music as they head home or rush to work,' said Ruecker. 'The best part is watching people stop, listen, and enjoy; our music is bringing a moment of joy into their daily routines.'
The festival kicked off on September 21 and will run until September 27 at five Dubai Metro stations. Organized by Brand Dubai in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), metro users can anticipate a variety of musical genres represented by different musicians. Ruecker has received an overwhelming amount of support from the audience, which has been a source of pride and motivation. 'The appreciation from the crowd is amazing. People come up to me and say how much they loved my performance. It makes me want to keep doing this and making them smile,' said Ruecker.
Guided by a mentor, Ruecker's teacher and mentor, Patrick Abdo, a Lebanese expatriate and founder of The Music Path, is also performing during the festival. Over the next six days, Abdo will perform alongside Ruecker and 14 other students across five metro stations. 'Performing at the metro stations is a unique experience. We are playing for people from every walk of life who wouldn't necessarily come to a concert. And they're loving it. It's an honour to bring music to their daily journeys,' Abdo said. 'Watching people pause in their commute to appreciate what we're doing is incredible. You get this instant connection, and that's what music is all about, creating moments that resonate with everyone, no matter where they are from or what they do,' Abdo added.
Meanwhile, Vala Rama, a Russian artist passionate about blending ancient music with modern sounds, is captivating commuters inside the metro trains. A self-taught musician, Rama plays over ten instruments and is primarily known for his mastery of the jaw harp, one of the oldest instruments in the world, originating in Asia thousands of years ago. What sets Rama apart is his ability to play while on the move. Known on social media as Joymotion, he brings his unique style to life in spaces where people are constantly on the go. 'Entertaining people in the metro is an amazing opportunity. I have entertained in many parts of the world before, but performing inside a moving train in Dubai was a dream, and now it's come true,' Rama said. Rama finds joy in Dubai's welcoming spirit. 'The people here are so kind and polite. Everyone comes from different countries, but we all feel equal. That's why I love Dubai; there's a sense of unity, and being able to share my music in this environment is truly special,' he added.
The Dubai Metro Music Festival unites talents from around the globe, each contributing their unique sound and story. This festival has transformed metro rides into a journey of musical discovery. From the modern pulse of drumbeats to the ancient hum of the jaw harp, commuters are in for a week of unforgettable performances, connecting people through the universal language of music.
