The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has announced the programme for the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, set to begin on 12 April 2026. Under the theme "The Wisdom of Culture," the festival will feature over 1,000 artists from 19 countries, celebrating the UAE's Year of the Family and marking the United States as the Country of Honour.
The festival will open with a performance by Grammy Award-winning Jon Batiste at Emirates Palace, followed by a show by cellist Hauser at Etihad Arena. The event will also include the launch of the Arab world's first outdoor children's biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park in October. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, highlighted the festival's role in uniting people through culture and creativity.
The festival will showcase a diverse array of performances, including 10 world-renowned orchestras, ballet, opera, and recitals. Notable acts include the American Ballet Theatre, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra's 'Verdi’s Opera Gala', and a multidisciplinary production, Algarabía, combining flamenco and Arab poetic traditions. The festival will also feature performances by Korean-American pianist Minsoo Sohn and violinist Lisa Batiashvili.
Eric Gaudiosi, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, expressed honour at the US being the Guest Country of Honour, emphasising the festival's embodiment of dialogue, creativity, and peace. The festival aims to strengthen cultural ties and celebrate shared history between the UAE and the US.
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