Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 to Showcase Global Arts and Music

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has announced the main programme for the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival, starting on 12th April 2026. The event will bring together more than 1,000 artists from 19 countries, performing across Abu Dhabi and international stages. The Festival is 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 theme for 2026 is ‘The Wisdom of Culture’, celebrating culture as a uniting force and reflecting human creativity. This year, the United States is the Country of Honour, marking 250 years of independence and over 50 years of friendship with the UAE. The Festival also marks ADMAF’s 30th anniversary.

Festival highlights include 10 world-famous orchestras, ballet, opera, recitals, and concerts with award-winning performers. Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad will showcase UAE arts and global talent through co-productions, exhibitions, and collaborations. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan emphasized that the Festival promotes cultural heritage, dialogue, and coexistence among nations.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, ADMAF Founder, said the Festival celebrates three decades of promoting arts and global creativity. Eric Gaudiosi, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, highlighted that creativity and innovation strengthen communities and foster growth.

The Festival will open with Grammy-winning pianist Jon Batiste at Emirates Palace Auditorium. Cellist HAUSER will perform at Etihad Arena on 2 May, blending classical and modern music. Other performances include the American Ballet Theatre, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s Verdi Opera Gala, and Algarabía, a flamenco-Arab fusion production.

Renowned pianists, violinists, and opera singers will perform, including Minsoo Sohn, Lisa Batiashvili, Giorgi Gigashvili, and Sondra Radvanovsky. Dhafer Youssef will perform for UNESCO’s World Jazz Day, combining North African Arab music with jazz and classical influences.

The Festival will conclude with Emirati Recital Series from 12–16 May, featuring Fatima Al Hashimi, Saif Al Naqbi, Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Noura Al Mazrouei, and Elham Al Marzouqi, celebrating both classical and Arabic musical heritage.

Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad will feature Emirati art exhibitions, including Proximities in Seoul, Korea, showcasing over 100 works by 47 artists. Co-productions include the Mansour Rahbani Centennial Concert and Algarabía, bringing international talent to Abu Dhabi.

The Festival Academy offers workshops, masterclasses, and open rehearsals, while Youth Matinees and Back to School programs engage students. A residency with the Klimt Quartet will create the Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra, led by an Emirati conductor.

In autumn 2026, the first Children’s Biennale will be held at Umm Al Emarat Park in collaboration with Singapore National Gallery. This outdoor event encourages children and families to create art with eco-friendly materials, celebrating family, unity, and creativity.

Sponsors like Mubadala and GS Energy support the Festival, which continues to promote music, art, and cultural exchange globally, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for international arts and creativity.