Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 Announces Headline Programme Featuring Over 1,000 Artists And Celebrating USA As Country Of Honour

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has unveiled the programme for the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival, starting on 12th April 2026. This event will feature over 1,000 artists from 19 countries performing in Abu Dhabi and globally. The festival is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

In 2026, the festival will honour the United States, celebrating its 250 years of independence and over 50 years of diplomatic ties with the UAE. This edition also marks ADMAF's 30th anniversary. The theme, ‘The Wisdom of Culture,’ highlights culture as a unifying force that connects Abu Dhabi with the world.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan emphasised the festival's theme, stating it reflects Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage. He noted that advancing cultural development is a national priority, requiring commitment at all societal levels. "I am pleased to welcome the United States of America as the Country of Honour for Abu Dhabi Festival 2026," he said.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, remarked on this significant milestone: "This year marks a significant milestone, the 30th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation." She highlighted three decades of enriching Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision and promoting culture as a dynamic force.

The festival will feature performances by renowned orchestras, ballet companies, opera singers, and award-winning musicians. Jon Batiste will open the festival on 12th April with his unique blend of soul and jazz at Emirates Palace Auditorium. World-class cellist HAUSER will perform at Etihad Arena on 2nd May.

The American Ballet Theatre will showcase its technical mastery in dance at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will present ‘Verdi’s Opera Gala’ to honour Giuseppe Verdi’s legacy. The concert will feature soprano Maria Agresta and tenor Giorgio Berrugi under conductor Giacomo Sagripanti.

International Collaborations

The festival extends beyond UAE borders through its Abroad programme. A landmark exhibition titled Proximities will be displayed at Seoul Museum of Art from December 2025 to March 2026. It features over 100 works by Emirati artists across three generations, showcasing contemporary UAE art in Korea.

The Abroad programme includes co-productions like Algarabía, combining flamenco and Arab poetic traditions. This multidisciplinary production stars Jesús Carmona and premieres in Spain before arriving in Abu Dhabi in April for its Arab World debut.

Engaging Young Audiences

The inaugural Children’s Biennale will launch in autumn under H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan's patronage. Held at Umm Al Emarat Park in partnership with Singapore National Gallery, it invites children to create artworks using sustainable materials.

This initiative aligns with UAE’s Year of the Family theme and includes interactive workshops encouraging family bonding through art exploration. Local students' creations and international collaborations will be showcased throughout October 2026.

Concluding Performances

The festival concludes with an Emirati Recital Series from 12th to 16th May featuring local talents like mezzo-soprano Fatima Al Hashimi and cellist Elham Al Marzouqi. These performances highlight traditional Arabic music alongside classical compositions.

Mubadala Investment Company continues its partnership with ADMAF to position Abu Dhabi as a global arts hub. GS Energy supports this cultural transformation by celebrating art's universal language that unites diverse communities worldwide.

With inputs from WAM