The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has unveiled the main programme for the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival, kicking off on 12th April 2026. This extraordinary event will gather over 1,000 artists from 19 nations, showcasing performances across Abu Dhabi and on global platforms. Held under the honorary founding patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the festival promises an exceptional cultural experience.
With the theme of ‘The Wisdom of Culture’, the 2026 festival aims to highlight culture as a powerful unifying force and celebrate human creativity. Notably, the United States is the Country of Honour this year, commemorating its 250 years of independence and over five decades of partnership with the UAE. Additionally, ADMAF will be marking its 30th anniversary.
Highlights for the festival include performances by 10 prestigious orchestras, ballet, opera, and concerts featuring award-winning artists. The Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad segment will connect UAE arts with global talents through collaborative projects, exhibitions, and co-productions. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan has emphasized the festival's role in promoting cultural heritage, dialogue, and collaboration among nations.
ADMAF Founder Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo remarked that the festival represents three decades of advancing arts and creativity globally. Eric Gaudiosi, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy, stated that creativity and innovation are vital in uplifting communities and fostering growth.
The festival will grandly open at Emirates Palace Auditorium with Grammy-winning pianist Jon Batiste. On 2 May, cellist HAUSER will take the stage at Etihad Arena, merging classical and contemporary styles. Audiences can also look forward to performances from the American Ballet Theatre, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s Verdi Opera Gala, and Algarabía, a fusion of flamenco and Arab music.
Additional performances will include many celebrated pianists, violinists, and opera singers, such as Minsoo Sohn, Lisa Batiashvili, Giorgi Gigashvili, and Sondra Radvanovsky. Dhafer Youssef will perform for UNESCO’s World Jazz Day, creatively blending North African music with jazz and classical genres.
The Festival will wrap up with the Emirati Recital Series from 12–16 May, featuring performers including Fatima Al Hashimi, Saif Al Naqbi, Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Noura Al Mazrouei, and Elham Al Marzouqi, celebrating rich classical and Arabic musical traditions.
Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad will present Emirati art exhibitions, such as Proximities in Seoul, South Korea, displaying over 100 pieces by 47 artists. Co-productions like the Mansour Rahbani Centennial Concert and Algarabía aim to bring international talents to Abu Dhabi.
The Festival Academy will offer workshops, masterclasses, and open rehearsals, while Youth Matinees and Back to School programs will invite student participation. A unique residency with the Klimt Quartet will also establish the Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra, directed by an Emirati conductor.
In fall 2026, the inaugural Children’s Biennale will take place at Umm Al Emarat Park in collaboration with the Singapore National Gallery, promoting creative expression among children and families using eco-friendly materials, celebrating family unity and art.
With the support of sponsors like Mubadala and GS Energy, the festival aims to further advance global cultural exchange through music and art, solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as an international arts hub.
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