Now you can tour the Portrait of a Nation II: Beyond Narratives exhibition anytime, anywhere. In a first-of-its-kind event, the digital launch of the landmark exhibition allows you to visit—and revisit—more than 100 artworks by 62 pioneering and emerging artists that shaped the nation’s visual arts landscape.

This panel discussion served as a platform for insightful conversations and valuable perspectives, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy and cross-cultural dialogue. Attendees had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s vibrant art scene and its profound impact on the international art community.

The show takes its title from the error message that flashes up when Al Qasimi attempts to boot up her old family computer: Abort, Retry, Fail? This machine connected the artist and her family to the world in the late 90’s and early 2000s, and until recently, served as a portal through which the artist could attempt an escape from reality, revisiting the games that kept her occupied as a child: as a pirate, a gunslinging biker, or a tiny ball bouncing off the edges of the screen.

The panel discussion, held on 6 October at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London, UK, was attended by various dignitaries, including Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, and Sheikh Khalid Saud AlQasimi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in the UK, diplomats and decision-makers in the fields of culture and the arts as well as media representatives.

The panel discussion, held on 6 October at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London, UK, was attended by various dignitaries, including Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, and Sheikh Khalid Saud AlQasimi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in the UK, diplomats and decision-makers in the fields of culture and the arts as well as media representatives.

Beginning with a visual art exhibition, literature festival and musical performance, Abu Dhabi Festival is partnering with the Middle East Institute in an innovative and ongoing collaboration to strengthen US-UAE cultural ties. In 2022…

Stories of Inclusion hosted by the UAE’s first Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Sharifa Yateem, features 7 interviews with Emirati people of determination across different career paths who reflect on their remarkable journeys and the challenges they faced while pursuing their dreams.

Joyce DiDonato: EDEN Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad Programme Exploring the majesty, might, and mystery of nature through both arresting and evocative music and theatrical effects, accomplished mezzo-soprano [...]

Aida is one of Teatro Real’s most monumental and emblematic productions. Nearly a quarter of a century after its premiere in 1998, a restored and updated version revives the brilliant composer Giuseppe Verdi’s powerful tale of love and betrayal in four acts.

In a unique combination of styles from a variety of cultures and time periods, Rahbany blends music from his own Lebanese Arab origins with European Baroque music such as Bach and Vivaldi, intricate Indian rhythms and the irresistible swing of Brazilian beats.

Mixed media artist Maitha Abdalla is the first Emirati to be welcomed to the residency programme at An Effort Art in London’s Soho district.

In partnership with the Embassy of Japan to the UAE, Abu Dhabi Festival will showcase 42 prints produced by 10 prominent Japanese contemporary painters, including Yayoi Kusama, Masanari Murai and Yasukazu Tabuchi, who explored a wide range of possibilities through prints and expanded the range of expression in contemporary art using the print medium in the 1970s.

Famed director Romeo Castellucci returns to Festival d’Aix-en-Provence after the 2019 success of Requiem, a unique operatic production of Mozart’s iconic requiem mass.

Discussion and book launch Portrait of a Nation II and Art of the Emirates II Both publications signal a transition from a field of creative activities to [...]

Symphony # 5, composed by internationally celebrated Emirati artist, Mohammed Fairouz, and performed by the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra explores the story of the UAE and its values of peace and tolerance.

Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab aims to strengthen and support the Emirati publishing industry by presenting the achievements of Emirati and Arab writers. The initiative seeks to foster creativity among local writers and to preserve and celebrate the beauty of the Arabic language in literature and its role as a key element of national identity.

Abu Dhabi Festival’s annual Ramadan Spiritual Music Series features performances and events in the spirit of the holy month, inviting artists from around the world to celebrate the spiritual values that transcend difference. A place for both established and emerging artists

Portrait of a Nation II: Beyond Narratives, the jewel of Abu Dhabi Festival 2022, has come to a close but the story of the nation’s artistic development as it transpired over 50 years lives on through the innovative launch of the virtual exhibition, its book companion, Portrait of a Nation II and an upcoming world tour.

Abu Dhabi Festival will collaborate with Al Ain Film Festival, in its fourth edition, as its strategic cultural partner to support the development of young filmmakers and spread the culture of cinema in the UAE.

Portrait of a Nation II, the book companion to Abu Dhabi Festival 2022’s flagship Portrait of a Nation II: Beyond Narratives exhibition, guides readers through the remarkable transformation of the UAE’s art history, tracing the path chartered by 62 pioneering artists who have shaped the UAE’s visual arts scene as it unfolded over the past 50 years.

A journey from loss to hope and reconciliation by innovative composers Qoutayba Neaimi and Judith Adler de Oliveira begins with mourning for the victims of war, followed by an atonement filled with peace and cultural tolerance.

Since the beginning of the economic crisis in Lebanon followed by the huge blast of Beirut Port and the deterioration of the current situation, the Lebanese people have been suffering economically, socially, and psychologically.

A unique two-day virtual festival featuring panel discussions, seminars and workshops pairing Arab writers, editors and publishers will highlight the work and voices of Arab and Arab diaspora writers and poets.

Vanguard flamenco dancer and choreographer María Pagés premieres her feminine vision of Carmen. Hailed all over the world as one of the finest contemporary flamenco shows, it is a new take on the gypsy cigarette girl from Mérimée’s novella who was made famous by Bizet and the storyteller of the Arabian Nights.

Since the beginning of the economic crisis in Lebanon followed by the huge blast of Beirut Port and the deterioration of the current situation, the Lebanese people have been suffering economically, socially, and psychologically.

Abu Dhabi Festival will collaborate with Al Ain Film Festival, in its fourth edition, as its strategic cultural partner to support the development of young filmmakers and spread the culture of cinema in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Festival’s annual Festival in the Park returns with two days of exciting shows, workshops and musical performances at Umm Al Emarate Park.

The UAE’s brightest young musicians will perform a repertoire of Paganini and Dvorak, conducted by Maestro Riad Kudsi and featuring young virtuoso violinists Himari Yoshimura and Natsuho Muratad.

Abu Dhabi Festival will collaborate with Al Ain Film Festival, in its fourth edition, as its strategic cultural partner to support the development of young filmmakers and spread the culture of cinema in the UAE.

In an evening of Spanish music for violin and piano, this world-class duet takes inspiration from early twentieth-century music and beyond.

A refined three-part dialogue between musical masters, the Paolo Fresu Trio performs with great emotional impact and intimate cerebral connection.

Acclaimed Algerian filmmaker Salem Brahimi documents the inspiring story of Algerian Olympic champion Hassiba Boulmerka’s rise in the 1990s as a symbol of courage and resistance against death threats from religious extremists and oppression. Echoing the struggle of young Muslim women in some places to be allowed to jog and engage in sports, the film ultimately raises questions about the place of women in our societies.

With classical music pieces from Spain in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a selection of Baroque compositions, critically acclaimed Spanish pianist Daniel Ligorio is accompanied by the castanets of Belén Cabanes and the dance of Loli Molina.

Abu Dhabi Festival will collaborate with Al Ain Film Festival, in its fourth edition, as its strategic cultural partner to support the development of young filmmakers and spread the culture of cinema in the UAE.

Emirati composer Ihab Darwish will tour China following the hugely successful musical projects Waves of My Life and Hekayat: Symphonic Tales in the UAE and virtually, both commissioned and produced by Abu Dhabi Festival.

A week-long celebration of diverse Arab music in Berlin’s iconic, Frank Gehry-designed music hall, the Pierre Boulez Saal features a line-up of influential Arab music artists.

In a concert highlighting the unique quarter tonal Arabic musical system and the beauty of Arabic poetry in song, rising Syrian-American musician and composer Faraj Abyad will take audiences on a journey through Arab musical history and will explore vocal and instrumental improvisation and their relation to contemporary jazz.

This world-premiere presentation by one of the greatest dance companies in the world will be choreographed to the music of legendary singer Tony Bennett.

In partnership with Ewa’a Shelter for Women and Children, a series of talks were hosted at the Expo 2020 Women’s Pavilion with international experts on humanitarian issues involving violence towards women. Aimed at strengthening awareness of violence and abuse, the talks explored what we can do as individuals, as a nation and as a community to make changes for a more violence-free world.

With a voice that transcends borders and musical eras, internationally renowned Palestinian jazz singer and musician Omar Kamal continues the global tour of his latest album “Show Me the Light”.

RACHMANINOFF’S VOCALISE BY EMIRATI SOPRANO SARA AL QAIWANI   The gifted Emirati opera star will perform her interpretation of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s famous song, composed in 1915, accompanied [...]

Beginning with a visual art exhibition, literature festival and musical performance, Abu Dhabi Festival is partnering with the Middle East Institute in an innovative ongoing collaboration to strengthen US-UAE cultural ties. In 2022, this diverse range of activities includes an exhibition of contemporary art by leading Middle Eastern artists whose work explores the impact of climate change on their communities and natural environment, and the need for greater sustainability.

A unique exhibition of visual art will show how artists from different cultural backgrounds with strong religious traditions, such as the UAE, Israel, Germany, India, Italy and other Arab countries, illuminate the idea of a new wave of spirituality.

The up-and-coming Saudi pop singer’s new 5-song EP Ismak will debut as part of Abu Dhabi Festival. Immersed in the world of western pop music, Tamtam brings elements from her Saudi roots into her music at just the right times, singing in Arabic or English whenever they feel natural.

In an album based on Arab poetry, this rising Syrian-American musician and composer shows the love and wisdom present in that poetry. The poets come from all walks of life and many eras, theologies and philosophies, but they are all unified by art.

Retracing the history of the oud over more than a century and presenting eminent oud players and musicians, this box set of 2 CDs and 1 DVD, with an accompanying booklet, is a comprehensive archive of the most iconic instrument from the Arab region.

Abu Dhabi Festival is launching Belgian-Iraqi composer and researcher Qoutayba Neaimi’s revolutionary new innovation, a musical system that will change the way musicians throughout the world understand Arab music.

Traversing the globe in 13 compositions played by 128 musicians in 20 countries, Hekayat captures the
musical traditions and cultures of every continent. Fusing genres such as hip-hop, western classical
music and Khaleeji rhythms.

Through the arts, we reach the youth in workshops and performances that inspire and support them to innovate in science, technology, engineering, art and math.

In a ground-breaking partnership with the University of Cambridge’s new Centre for Strategic Philanthropy, Abu Dhabi Festival brings the Centre’s pioneering executive education programme to emerging philanthropists from the GCC and MENA region.

STEAM (The intersection of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, And Maths) Through the arts, we reach the youth in workshops and performances that inspire and support them to [...]

Millstone Documentary Award-winning Emirati writer and filmmaker Nasser Aldhaheri documents the inspiring story of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in [...]

Festival in focus Master classes and rehearsals with the world's leading artists to inspire the youth through hands-on learning opportunities. Education and Community Stay connected and subscribe [...]

Young Media Leaders Established in 2007, Young Media Leaders is a career development initiative by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) that provides ambitious Emirati [...]

Riwaq Al Fikr- ADMAF Talks Conversations with legendary artists and performers  A series of online and in-person talks and lectures where world-renowned musicians, composers, conductors, choreographers and [...]

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Zig Zag By American Ballet Theater The American Ballet Theatre, one of the world's greatest dance companies, continue their tour throughout the United States in 2023, concluding [...]

Arabic Music Days Curated by Naseer Shamma A multi-evening celebration of diverse Arab music in Berlin's iconic, Frank Gehry-designed music hall, the Pierre Boulez Saal, featuring a [...]

Middle East Meditations Wynton Marsalis and Nasser Shamma American jazz meets Arabic maqam as nine-time Grammy Award winner, internationally acclaimed musician, composer and bandleader Wynton Marsalis joins [...]

UN Chamber Music Society Concert in Celebration of World Arabic Language Day The accomplished musicians of the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation [...]

Symphony of Three: Peace, Love, Tolerance Following the success of the digital world premiere that brought together gifted Emirati composer Ihab Darwish with Emmy-winning composer John Debney [...]

Spiritual music series By Sheikh Mahmoud El Tohamy Sheikh Mahmoud El Tohamy, the great Egyptian spiritual chanter, will present a performance by his former students at the [...]

PEARL DIVER'S DAUGHTER By Company E Featuring Maitha Al Khayat and Eman Al Hashimi  Emirati Writer Maitha Al Khayat and Emirati Composer Eman Al Hashimi join forces [...]

GREGORY PORTER Two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Gregory Porter makes his UAE debut performing a set of his smooth original tracks from his albums Liquid Spirit (2014) [...]

Recital Series Bruce Liu, Piano Winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, the international star pianist presents a thrilling program of classical and romantic highlights in [...]

Leia Zhu, Violin & Benjamin Engeli, Piano Sixteen-year-old violin prodigy Leia Zhu has performed with prestigious ensembles and orchestras across the globe, including Festival Strings Lucerne, Marinsky [...]

Recital Series Haochen Zhang Upon winning the gold medal at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, Haochen Zhang has become an international star captivating [...]

DE SCHEHEREZADE A YO, CARMEN Hailed all over the world as one of the finest contemporary flamenco creators, dancer and choreographer María Pagés presents this vibrant ode [...]

BUDDHA PASSION BY TAN DUN Stirred by the city of Dunhuang and its ancient caves, Tan Dun created a powerful score that weaves chants, stories and sounds [...]

From West to East: A Classical ODYSSEY Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun conducts the Orchestra of Teatro Comunale di Modena Pavarotti-Freni joined by world-famous Chinese cellist Jian [...]

JUAN DIEGO FLOREZ AND FRIENDS Acclaimed for his command of the high tenor range, celebrated Peruvian operatic tenor, Juan Diego Flórez gives a spectacular performance in a [...]

Kisses of Poetry by Faraj Abyad   Co-produced by Abu Dhabi Festival, New York-based American-Syrian composer, Faraj Abyad, has launched his first album, ‘Kisses of Poetry’. From [...]

The Flying Dutchman By Richard Wagner Following his acclaimed 2019 performances as Alberich in the Ring cycle, bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny stars as the accursed Dutchman in Wagner's [...]

Eden By Joyce DiDonato Following the successful presentations throughout Europe and North America in 2022, Joyce Didonato's world tour of Eden with acclaimed chamber orchestra il Pomo [...]

MÉDÉE Comic opera in three acts Music by Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842) The spectacular new production brings Luigi Cherubini’s iconic masterpiece to life as the season opener for the [...]

Grammy-award-winning Catalan-Spanish conductor and musician Jordi Savall vividly performs the finest music of the Spanish Golden Age alongside his vocal ensembles La Capella Reial De Catalunya and Hespèrion XXI in this exquisitely crafted program spanning 500 years of Arabic cultural and historic roots in Andalusia.

The Abu Dhabi Festival and the Middle East Institute’s Arts and Culture Center and are proud to present the Washington, D.C. premier of the New York Arabic Orchestra at The Barns at Wolf Trap under the artistic direction of award-winning and Grammy-nominated violinist, composer, and educator Layth Sidiq.

Abu Dhabi Festival with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra brings Vivaldi’s masterpiece to life in a wonderful concert featuring gems of baroque music on the occasion of COP 28. This concert features Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; a jewel of the composer’s extraordinary ability to illustrate moods as diverse and contrary as violent winds or birdsong, fox hunts, Harvest celebration and joy!