Cultural Entertainment Manager – Events & Festivals

We are seeking an experienced and culturally knowledgeable Cultural Entertainment Manager to lead the planning, booking, coordination, and delivery of cultural and entertainment programming across a portfolio of events, festivals, and destination experiences.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing traditional cultural performances including Al Ayala, Al Razfa, Al Taghrooda, Jalsat, Harbiyah performances, folk arts, cultural demonstrations, and heritage entertainment
, alongside contemporary concerts, live music performances, and headline entertainment acts.

The role requires strong expertise in artist and talent management, show operations, technical production coordination, and cultural programming, ensuring all performances are delivered to the highest standards while preserving authenticity and enhancing the visitor experience.

• Develop and curate cultural entertainment programs that reflect local traditions, heritage, and destination objectives.
• Source, recommend, and manage traditional performance groups, cultural practitioners, musicians, storytellers, and heritage entertainers.
• Coordinate cultural activations including Al Ayala, Al Razfa, Jalsat, traditional music ensembles, poetry performances, and other heritage experiences.
• Ensure all cultural programming is delivered authentically and in accordance with local customs and cultural protocols.

• Manage the booking, contracting, and coordination of local performers.
• Oversee concert programming, live music performances and stage entertainment.
• Coordinate artist requirements, hospitality, transportation, accommodation, and operational needs.
• Act as the primary liaison between artists, talent agencies, promoters, and event stakeholders.

• Develop and manage show running orders, stage schedules, cue sheets, and performance timelines.
• Coordinate rehearsals, sound checks, stage movements, and performance logistics.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure all technical requirements are planned and delivered.
• Review and manage artist technical riders, stage plots, input lists, and performance specifications.
• Coordinate all backline requirements including instruments, audio equipment, monitors, , and specialty performance equipment.
• Ensure all production and technical requirements are integrated into event operations and delivery plans.

• Oversee all backstage and talent operations during event delivery.
• Coordinate artist accreditation, dressing rooms, green rooms, hospitality lounges, and artist compounds.
• Manage talent transportation schedules, arrivals, departures, and movement plans.
• Ensure all backstage facilities, catering requirements, and welfare provisions are delivered in accordance with artist agreements and operational standards.
• Coordinate talent escorts, stage access, security requirements, and VIP movements where applicable.

• Serve as the primary point of contact between clients, agencies, artists, cultural groups, and production teams.
• Coordinate requirements across programming, operations, production, security, and guest experience departments.
• Manage communications with cultural institutions, heritage organizations, and entertainment partners.
• Resolve artist, operational, and programming issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Negotiate and administer talent agreements, performance contracts, and engagement terms.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, technical riders, schedules, and operational requirements.
• Prepare entertainment schedules, performance reports, and post-event evaluations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and entertainment cost management.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in entertainment management, cultural programming, concerts, festivals, or live events.
• Demonstrated experience managing traditional cultural performances, heritage programming, and live entertainment.
• Strong understanding of UAE and GCC cultural entertainment practices and protocols.
• Experience managing artists,…