Global Fusion concert in Dubai turns into an emotional tribute to Rohit Walia

On the evening of January 18, as the lights dimmed at Dubai’s 22nd Global Fusion concert, the music carried a meaning far deeper than sound. Just a day earlier, Rohit Walia, the 65-year-old founder of Alpen Capital, its executive chairman and CEO, and the visionary force behind Global Fusion, had passed away suddenly at his Dubai residence.

What unfolded on stage was no longer just a concert. It became a tribute, a farewell, and a celebration of a life lived in relentless pursuit of excellence, connection, and harmony.

For more than two decades, Global Fusion was Walia’s most personal creation, his cultural legacy. “Here, everything is possible,” he often said of Dubai, a city whose rise mirrored his own belief in bold ideas and limitless ambition.

That belief resonated throughout the evening as Grammy-winning artists came together under the theme Timeless Rhythms, reminding audiences that while the world constantly evolves, music remains eternal, bridging borders, cultures, and generations.

Led by three-time Grammy Award winner Wouter Kellerman on the flute, the ensemble brought together virtuosos from South Africa, Bulgaria, Iran, Cuba, the Netherlands, and the United States. In keeping with Walia’s insistence on honoring local talent, the concert also featured renowned Emirati oud artist Abdel Rahman Al Blooshi.

“Global Fusion was his heart and soul,” Kellerman said. “Standing on stage with musicians from across the world felt like honoring his spirit through the very language he loved most music.”

Beyond balance sheets

In the world of finance, Walia was a formidable presence. He founded Alpen Capital in 2005 in the Dubai International Financial Centre and later established Alpen Asset Advisors, an independent financial advisory and asset management firm. Over a career spanning decades, he mobilized multi-billion-dollar capital and successfully executed more than 100 transactions across healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and financial services.

Yet those closest to him believe his true legacy transcends numbers and deals.

“When I think of Rohit, I think of the banyan tree, a symbol of growth, strength, and enduring life through its ever-expanding branches,” said Krishna Dhanak, chief investment officer at Gutmann Capital. “He was firm yet affectionate, demanding yet deeply caring, leaving behind a sense of safety wherever he went.”

That sentiment echoed across boardrooms and concert halls alike.

“Rohit was an extraordinary banker, businessman, and above all, an exceptional human being,” Alpen Capital said in a statement. To colleagues, he was a mentor; to peers, a force of nature; and to friends, a man who never accepted limitations.

“In a world where it’s easy to find excuses, Rohit only found ways,” said Sanjay Vig, deputy CEO of Al Mal Capital. “He didn’t just solve problems; he gave people hope.”

Healing through music

The most poignant moment of the evening came when Chandrika Tandon performed ancient Sanskrit chants traditionally used for healing and spiritual transition.

“It almost felt like I came there to pay tribute to him on his journey of departure,” she said. “His presence was felt all around us.”

In a powerful coincidence, Tandon’s collaboration with Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto recently won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards for their album Triveni.

As longtime associate and advisory board member Eric Sarasin reflected, quoting American composer Irving Berlin:

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”