What was meant to be an evening celebrating music and cultural exchange turned into an emotional farewell as Dubai’s 22nd Global Fusion concert transformed into a tribute to its founder, Rohit Walia, who passed away just a day before the event.
Held as scheduled, the concert took on new meaning as organisers, performers and audiences came together to honour Walia’s legacy – one built on decades of championing cross-cultural dialogue through music. The evening was reimagined under the theme “Timeless Rhythms,” reflecting both the enduring power of music and the lasting impact of Walia’s vision.
Grammy-winning artists and internationally acclaimed performers took to the stage not only to perform, but to pay homage. Many spoke of Walia’s role in bringing global sounds to Dubai long before the city became a major cultural hub. His belief that music could transcend borders, languages and backgrounds was evident in the diversity of the performances, which blended classical traditions, contemporary styles and world music influences.
Audience members described the atmosphere as deeply moving, with moments of silence, spoken tributes and emotionally charged performances replacing what would typically be a celebratory tone. Rather than cancelling the concert, organisers said proceeding with the event felt like the most fitting way to honour its founder – by doing exactly what he loved most.
Rohit Walia founded Global Fusion more than two decades ago, turning it into one of the region’s longest-running and most respected cultural platforms. Over the years, the concert series introduced Dubai audiences to legendary musicians from across the world, helping shape the emirate’s reputation as a meeting point for global arts and culture.
Artists on stage described Walia as a connector – someone who believed deeply in collaboration and cultural exchange. “Timeless Rhythms” was chosen to symbolise how his work would continue to resonate long after his passing.
For many attendees, the night served as both a celebration of music and a reminder of the individuals behind cultural institutions who quietly shape a city’s creative identity. As the final notes faded, the overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude – for the music, the memories, and the man who made Global Fusion possible.
The concert may have begun as a scheduled performance, but it ended as a collective tribute, underscoring how art can unite people even in the most profound moments of loss.
