Zanzibar’s Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) has been awarded the 21st UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture at a ceremony in Paris. The academy was recognized for its dedication to the preservation, education, and promotion of taarab music, a traditional Swahili musical genre. This marks a historic achievement for the DCMA and Zanzibar’s cultural landscape. The UNESCO prize acknowledges the academy’s efforts in safeguarding an important aspect of Arab cultural heritage. The award highlights the significance of taarab music within the broader context of Arab artistic expression. The DCMA’s work ensures the continuation of this musical tradition for future generations. The prize was presented at UNESCO Headquarters in France.