The 22nd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival, held under the honorary patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, has once again positioned the UAE capital as a global hub for cultural exchange. Centered on the theme “Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony,” this year’s Festival attracted over 8,500 attendees with Arab World premieres by internationally celebrated artists, reinforcing the UAE’s Year of Community values of unity and diversity.
A Celebration of Cultural Diplomacy
H.E. Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), emphasized the Festival’s role in fostering global dialogue: *”Through Arab World premieres and our tribute to Japan as Guest of Honor, we celebrate 50 years of friendship while investing in Emirati youth and innovative co-productions that shape civilization’s future.”*
Unforgettable Performances & Premieres
The 2025 concert series delivered extraordinary experiences:
-
New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Yutaka Sado, with tenor Jonathan Tetelman and pianist Kyohei Sorita, opened the Festival.
-
Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy’s Ramadan Inshad performance captivated 93,000+ digital viewers.
-
All-Star Ballet Gala, KODO Taiko drumming, and UNESCO Jazz Day with The Westerlies highlighted the eclectic lineup.
-
Rising talents like pianist Yunchan Lim and violinist Augustin Hadelich dazzled audiences.
Community & Education Initiatives
-
Festival in the Park drew 2,500+ visitors with Japanese-UAE cultural fusion.
-
1,500+ students engaged in masterclasses, including the debut of Symphony Storytime for toddlers.
Global Expansion & Future Highlights
-
May–June 2025: “Layered Medium” exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat, showcasing Korean avant-garde art (in partnership with Seoul Museum of Art).
-
International Tours: Emirati artists headline performances at NYC’s Metropolitan Museum (Oum Koulthoum tribute) and London’s Kensington Palace.
-
Historic Opera Co-Production: Wajdi Mouawad’s Pelléas et Mélisande at Opéra Bastille (Paris) marked the first Middle East-Europe collaboration of its kind.
A Legacy of Harmony
Abu Dhabi Festival continues to amplify the UAE’s cultural leadership through cross-border collaborations, youth empowerment, and avant-garde programming—proving art’s power to unite the world.
For media inquiries, contact:
Kareem Zaki
Senior Associate – Integrated Media
Weber Shandwick MENA
Email: [Your Email] | Mobile: +971 50 195 0646
About Abu Dhabi Festival
Founded by ADMAF, the Festival is the UAE’s leading cultural celebration, promoting innovation, education, and global dialogue through the arts.
