Post by : Maya Rahman

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is thrilled to announce its key programme for the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival, beginning on April 12, 2026. This cultural extravaganza will gather over 1,000 artists from 19 nations, showcasing performances across Abu Dhabi and various global platforms. The festival is proudly held under the honorary patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.

With the theme of ‘The Wisdom of Culture’, the event aims to celebrate culture as a bridge uniting diverse communities while showcasing human creativity. The United States will be recognized as the Country of Honour, commemorating its 250 years of independence and more than five decades of friendship with the UAE, coinciding with ADMAF’s milestone 30th anniversary.

Key highlights include performances by ten prominent orchestras, ballet, opera, recitals, and concerts featuring award-winning artists. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad will spotlight Emirati arts alongside a variety of global talents through co-productions, exhibitions, and collaborative efforts. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan remarked that the festival stands as a beacon for cultural heritage, fostering dialogue and coexistence among nations.

ADMAF Founder Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo emphasized the festival’s dedication to three decades of nurturing arts and global creativity. Eric Gaudiosi, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, noted that creativity and innovation are essential for community solidarity and growth.

The festival will kick off with Grammy-winning pianist Jon Batiste at the Emirates Palace Auditorium. Cellist HAUSER is set to perform at Etihad Arena on May 2, offering a fusion of classical and contemporary music. Additional events include the American Ballet Theatre, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s Verdi Opera Gala, and the flamenco-Arab fusion performance Algarabía.

Attending artists will feature acclaimed pianists, violinists, and opera singers, such as Minsoo Sohn, Lisa Batiashvili, Giorgi Gigashvili, and Sondra Radvanovsky. Dhafer Youssef will present a unique blend of North African Arab music, jazz, and classical influences for UNESCO’s World Jazz Day.

The festival will wrap up with the Emirati Recital Series taking place from May 12 to 16, highlighting talents like Fatima Al Hashimi, Saif Al Naqbi, Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Noura Al Mazrouei, and Elham Al Marzouqi, celebrating both classical and Arabic music heritage.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad will encompass Emirati art exhibitions, such as Proximities in Seoul, Korea, showcasing over 100 works from 47 artists. Co-productions like the Mansour Rahbani Centennial Concert and Algarabía will bring international talent to Abu Dhabi.

The Festival Academy will host workshops, masterclasses, and open rehearsals, complemented by Youth Matinees and Back to School initiatives to engage students. A residency with the Klimt Quartet will culminate in the formation of the Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra, directed by an Emirati conductor.

In autumn 2026, the inaugural Children’s Biennale is expected to take place at Umm Al Emarat Park in partnership with Singapore National Gallery, inviting families and children to create art using eco-friendly resources, celebrating themes of family, unity, and creativity.

With sponsors such as Mubadala and GS Energy backing the festival, the event aspires to enhance the promotion of music, art, and cultural exchange globally, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a central hub for international arts and creativity.

#Global News