From Karama to LA: How UAE opened doors to a global music career for this Indian expat

Palash Deshpande credits his formative years in Dubai for providing the environment necessary to launch a global career in music. The 26-year-old producer, songwriter, and educator began taking guitar lessons at a small academy in the Karama district when he was 12 years old. Born in Mumbai, India, Deshpande lived in Dubai from 2010 to 2018, a period he describes as crucial for developing the confidence to pursue music professionally. He stated that while he did not initially know music would become his career, the city offered the exposure needed to discover that possibility. Deshpande’s early experiences in the United Arab Emirates extended beyond formal lessons. While teaching himself music production, he observed audience reactions to his work. He recalled DJing at school events as a teenager, noting that seeing hundreds of students enjoy his bedroom experiments was highly encouraging. His family, who continue to reside in Dubai, also facilitated his entry into the industry. His father, Rajesh, worked in the city’s professional audio sector. Through these connections, Deshpande secured an internship at a live sound company, allowing him to learn audio engineering firsthand. By age 16, he had completed an audio production course, becoming one of its youngest students. This combination of school support, family networks, and practical experience enabled him to explore various aspects of music before making final career decisions. In 2018, Deshpande relocated to Boston to attend a contemporary music institution. He had decided by the end of high school to pursue music professionally. He noted that growing up in Dubai exposed him to diverse cultures and backgrounds, which eased his adaptation to an international academic environment. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to work in the music industry. His subsequent collaborations resulted in placements with various artists and an invitation to spend a month in China writing and producing music with established local musicians. Following his initial career steps, Deshpande pursued a master’s degree in music production and recording. His studies focused on the science and psychology behind what makes songs memorable. He now disseminates this research through online educational videos and mentors artists, songwriters, and industry professionals globally. He views Dubai as the starting point of his journey, citing the technical knowledge, confidence, and international outlook developed there as preparation for his current work. His musical identity was further shaped by the multicultural environment of Dubai. During his upbringing, he listened to a wide range of genres, including Bollywood music, American pop, electronic dance music, and international chart hits. Deshpande explained that being constantly surrounded by different cultures meant he never felt limited to a single genre or musical tradition. This broad exposure allows him to understand and appreciate diverse styles, a skill he applies when working with artists from various backgrounds. He believes the ability to navigate these differences was cultivated during his time in the emirate. Separately, the Arab Reading Challenge announced that it will crown the winners of its tenth edition on October 29, 2026. The closing ceremony will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed the country’s commitment to serving the Arabic language and nurturing new generations. He stated that the future of a nation begins with nurturing young minds and that the investment in the challenge is an investment in a better future. He added that the Arabic language has historically driven human and social progress and will restore its former glory through the dedication of its youth. Organized by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, this year’s edition attracted over 40 million students from 60 countries. This includes 74,062 participants in the People of Determination category. The participation rate represents a 24 percent increase over the ninth edition and accounts for 48 percent of all school students across the Arab World. The challenge involved 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the initiatives, described the tenth edition as a landmark milestone due to its record-breaking participation and expansion across 60 countries for the first time. Prizes for the upcoming ceremony include Dh500,000 for the Arab Reading Challenge Champion, with runners-up receiving Dh100,000 and Dh70,000 respectively. The People of Determination Champion will receive Dh200,000. The Best School award carries a prize of Dh1 million. Outstanding Supervisors will receive Dh300,000, while the Community Champion category offers a total of Dh200,000. Total prizes awarded since the challenge launched in 2015 now stand at Dh110 million, with Dh11 million distributed annually. Participation in the tenth edition is up 1,019 percent compared to the first edition, which drew 3.6 million students. Last year’s ninth edition saw 32.231 million students participate from 50 countries, with Tunisian twins Bisan and Baylasan Kouka winning the main title.