Abu Dhabi Prepares To Celebrate International Jazz Day 2025 With Global Events And Concerts

Abu Dhabi is set to host the 2025 International Jazz Day, celebrated globally on 30th April in over 190 countries. The city has been chosen as the Global Host City for this event, organised by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi. This occasion will feature concerts and educational initiatives to showcase jazz's role in artistic expression.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, expressed excitement about celebrating International Jazz Day in Abu Dhabi. She noted that the city, recognised as a 'City of Music' by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, will highlight its creativity and heritage. The event aims to demonstrate jazz's power to unite communities and foster dialogue and peace worldwide.

DCT Abu Dhabi plans a five-week series of jazz concerts and educational programmes. These include the International Jazz Day 2025 "All-Star" Global Concert, which will be broadcast from Etihad Arena. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated that hosting this event marks a milestone for the city as a UNESCO 'City of Music'.

The concert will be led by renowned pianist Herbie Hancock and actor Jeremy Irons. It will feature artists from various genres such as jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop. Performers from countries like the UAE, USA, China, Morocco, and India will participate. More artists will be announced soon.

The concert will reach millions worldwide through platforms like UNTV, UNESCO, Facebook, YouTube, jazzday.com, and other media partners. Herbie Hancock remarked on jazz's ability to unite people and inspire creativity across cultures. He emphasised music’s role in transcending borders and promoting dialogue.

Building on International Jazz Day's momentum, "Jazz Month in Abu Dhabi" will extend the celebration's impact. The programme includes live performances, workshops, artist residencies, and educational events at major cultural institutions throughout the city.

Cultural Collaborations

The event involves collaboration with Abu Dhabi Classics, Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial, Abu Dhabi Festival, Berklee Abu Dhabi, among others. Special performances will blend jazz with traditional Arabic instruments like the oud, qanun, and ney. This fusion reflects ongoing cultural dialogue between jazz and local musical traditions.

International Jazz Day 2025 coincides with Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. This summit gathers cultural leaders and artists from various creative industries for panel discussions featuring Herbie Hancock and other notable musicians.

This global celebration underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cultural exchange and diversity while preserving jazz music in the region.

With inputs from WAM