SAE Dubai Launches First Accredited Bachelor of Music Degree

SAE University College has launched Dubai’s first accredited Bachelor of Music degree, giving aspiring musicians, producers, songwriters and music entrepreneurs a clear local pathway to an internationally recognised qualification. Applications are open for the September 2026 intake, with further entry points in February and May 2027.

The three-year full-time programme arrives as the UAE accelerates investment in its cultural and creative industries. Under the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, the country aims to raise the sector’s contribution to 5 percent of GDP by 2031. Recorded music revenues across the MENA region rose 15.2 percent in 2025, underlining growing commercial opportunities for skilled creative professionals. SAE’s new degree is designed to supply that talent pipeline without requiring students to leave Dubai.

The curriculum blends creative practice, technical training and entrepreneurial skills. Core areas include songwriting, electronic music production, studio production, stagecraft, live performance, creative musicianship, music business and entrepreneurship. Students complete a major industry project and graduate with a professional portfolio. Teaching takes place in SAE’s professional-standard studios using industry-grade equipment and software. Learners work alongside experienced academics and practising music professionals in an environment that mirrors contemporary music workplaces.

The programme was developed with input from industry partners including Melody House, Muzikminds and Hungarian-American songwriter, producer, artist and television personality Miklos Malek. These collaborations aim to ensure graduates leave with skills that employers value from day one.

Jan Horn, Managing Director of SAE University College Dubai, said the launch reflects the UAE’s emergence as a global creative hub. “The UAE has established itself as one of the world’s most exciting creative economies and as that sector continues to grow, so does the demand for highly skilled creative professionals. We’re proud to launch Dubai’s first accredited Bachelor of Music degree, giving aspiring musicians the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised qualification without leaving the city. As the UAE continues investing in its creative economy, it’s vital that talented young musicians can develop their skills, build industry connections and pursue international careers from right here in Dubai. This programme combines creative excellence with real-world experience. Students will collaborate, produce, perform and build professional portfolios, graduating with the confidence and practical skills to pursue careers across today’s global music industry.”

Zubin Aroz, Head of Department – Music at SAE University College Dubai, emphasised the entrepreneurial and technology-driven nature of modern music careers. “Music has never been more entrepreneurial or technology-driven than it is today. Our goal is to help students discover their creative voice while giving them technical expertise and professional confidence to build sustainable careers. By working with industry-standard technology, experienced mentors and leading partners from across the music ecosystem, students will graduate ready to shape the future of the music industry.”

Graduates will be prepared for roles in music production, songwriting, composition, artist development, audio engineering, live performance, music supervision, content creation, entertainment and music business. The programme also develops the broader creative and commercial capabilities increasingly sought across the wider creative economy.

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To lower barriers for talented applicants, SAE is offering scholarships of up to AED 50,000 along with additional benefits. Candidates must meet the university’s standard admissions requirements. The Dubai campus, located in Dubai Knowledge Park, has been part of the UAE’s creative education landscape since 2005. It currently serves more than 400 bachelor’s degree students and around 1,000 short-course students each year.

SAE University College itself traces its roots to Sydney, Australia, where it was founded in 1976. The institution now operates more than 47 campuses across 20 countries and specialises in creative media education covering audio, film, animation, games, design and music. It holds Self-Accrediting Authority from Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). In the UAE, SAE is licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Qualifications are attestable for both local and international use.

The new Bachelor of Music marks a significant expansion of SAE Dubai’s offering at a time when regional demand for skilled creative professionals continues to rise. By combining practical training, industry collaboration and formal accreditation, the degree positions Dubai as a more complete destination for higher education in music and the broader creative industries.

Prospective students can find full programme details, entry requirements and scholarship information, and submit applications, at dubai.sae.edu/courses/music/bachelor-of-music/.

The launch strengthens the UAE’s capacity to train the next generation of music talent locally while supporting national goals for the creative economy. With professional facilities, strong industry links and financial support available, the programme offers a practical route into one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors.