Festivals
Al Hosn Festival
Al Hosn Festival is a living expression of Abu Dhabi's Culture, and an annual celebration of the Emirate's heritage held at Al Hosn Site, home to the city's most treasured historic site, Qasr Al Hosn.
Date: 25 January - 9 February 2025 @ 4pm – 11pm
Tickets: Ticketed
Event Location: Al Hosn Site
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Traditional Handicraft Festival
The Traditional Handicrafts Festival is an annual festival held in the Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain. It attracts practitioners and enthusiasts of handicrafts and traditional industries from all over the UAE with the aim of promoting and preserving traditional Emirati handicrafts and developing them as a source of income.
Date: 29 October – 17 November 2024
Time: 9am – 1pm and 4pm – 11pm
Tickets: Free
Event Location: Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain
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Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Sheikh Zayed Festival will take visitors on a wondrous journey through thrilling events and enjoyable activities, entertaining one-of-a-kind shows and challenging competitions, celebrating a number of cornerstone occasions where a fantastic time is guaranteed for all and visitors can take away some unforgettable memories.
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Lucerne Lucerne Festival Quintet with Alex Maloofev
Alexander Malofeev is a highly acclaimed Russian pianist and composer, known for his exceptional talent and virtuosity. He rose to international prominence after winning several prestigious piano competitions including the Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. His performances are characterized by his technical brilliance, expressive interpretations, and deep emotional connection to the music. For these two outstanding events – his Debut in the region – he will be joined by four musicians of the prestigious Lucerne Festival Orchestra in Switzerland.
Date: 18 - 19 September 2024, 8 PM
Event Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat
Renaissance Ballet
Step into a world where the elegance of classical ballet intertwines with design, creativity and artistry. In the first part, "Renaissance" sweeps audiences into a captivating narrative, merging the timeless allure of classical dance with the cutting-edge designs of Balmain. The second part of the evening continues with a curated selection of beloved masterpieces and all-time classics. This evening promises an unforgettable exploration of ballet's rich tapestry, blending tradition with a hint of modern flair.
Date: 17 October 2024
Event Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra 1
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Asia’s top international orchestras and a regular guest in the most important concert halls worldwide. For its first concert ever in the UAE, the prestigious orchestra will be joined by one of the great violin stars of our time: Korean-American violinist Sarah Chang. Since her debut at the age of eight, as a child prodigy under the direction of Zubin Mehta, violinist Sarah Chang has not ceased to impress the audience with her virtuosity, emotional Depth and refinement.
Date: 7 November 2024
Event Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra 2
For its second concert in the capital, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Asia’s top international orchestras and a regular guest in the most important concert halls worldwide, will be joined by Korea’s rising violin star: In Mo Yang. Under the baton of one of today’s leading conductors, Jaap van Zweden, the Orchestra will play one of the most virtuosi pieces of the Classical repertoire: Bruch’s violin concerto from 1868, that remains today the probably most known and celebrated violin concerto worldwide.
Date: 8 November 2024, 8 PM
Event Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Revelations China
House of Artisans participation at the “Revelations China” exhibition in Beijing, an International Biennial of Crafts and Creation showcasing hundreds of creators around the world and their exceptionally unique pieces.
Date: 19- 21 September 2024
Heart of the Community
An invite to small business owners to showcase their businesses; by giving them a platform to support their businesses through the "Heart of the Community" pop-up. Alongside an array of children's activities inspired by traditional elements, and a variety of food and beverage options for the families to enjoy.
Date: November - December 2024
Event Location: Al Hosn Site
Crafting Cinema
Special experience of screenings showcasing culture and creativity, hosted at House of Artisans in partnership with Cinema Akil.
Date: November 2024
Event Location: Al Hosn Site
Living History Days
An Experience of reliving cherished practices and traditions of our ancestors. From the art of date harvesting to the melodies of traditional music and the rich aroma of Arabic coffee every moment promises an immersive journey through time.
Date: November - December 2024
Event Location: Al Hosn Site
Faisal Al Saari National Day Concert
A distinguished concert in collaboration with acclaimed musician Faisal Al Saari in celebration of the UAE's National Day.
Date: December 2024
Event Location: Al Hosn Site
Al Dhafra Festival
Date: October 2024 - January 2025
Hekayah The Art Centre | NYUAD
Hekayah | The Story, UAE National Day Celebration.
Date: Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:30pm, 2024
Event Location: The Art Centre | NYUAD
Al Sila’ Marine Festival
Date: Novemeber 2024
Al Zain
Qasr Al Muwaiji.
Date: 15 November 2024 @ 4-10 PM
Tamaas Festival
Tamaas Festival Boundary shattering global sounds in 4 UAE debuts Tamaas Festival | Featuring Cimafunk + KOKOKO! | Abosahar + Aïta Mon Amour The Art Centre | NYUAD.
Date: December Thu, Feb 13 2025 @ 7pm and 10pm
Maysoon Zayid
English and Arabic Stand-up Comedy.
Date: Wed Jan 15 2025, @ 7:30pm
Event Location: The Art Centre | NYUAD
Culture Summit 2025
Culture Summit is a three-day gathering organised in Abu Dhabi, bringing together an exceptional collective of creative thinkers, artists, change makers and leaders from the culture and creative industries.
Date: April 2025
International Jazz Day
Abu Dhabi has been selected as the global host city for International Jazz Day 2025, in partnership with UNESCO and Herbie Hancock Institution of Jazz. The worldwide celebrations will take place on 30 April, to honour the artistic expression under the theme “Embodying the power of jazz to unite in our shared humanity.
Date: 30 April 2025
Exhibitions
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
Look forward to Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, which will feature new commissions across the city.
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Abu Dhabi Art
Abu Dhabi Art expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair in placing emphasis on a diverse public engagement programme, including art installations and exhibitions, talks and events, that take place in different locations throughout the year. The culmination of this year-long programme is the Abu Dhabi Art event in November, which provides an important sales platform for participating galleries whilst also offering these galleries an opportunity to showcase ambitious installations and site-specific works by their artists to a wide audience.
Date: November 2024
Event Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat
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Zineb Sedira: "A way of surviving, a way of life…"
Cultural Foundation presents an exhibition by artist Zineb Sedira titled "A way of surviving, a way of life…", from 3 October 2024 to 8 March 2025. The exhibition encompasses Sedira's pioneering cinematic practice spanning from 2002 to 2022. Sedira's films represent a profound archival exploration of identity, and cultural activism. Her work is deeply rooted in her self-narration and sheds light on broader, interconnected global anxieties surrounding cultural emancipation and diaspora. Through her films, she unravels the complexities of migration, memory, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
Date: 3 October 2024 to 8 March 2025
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
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Emirati Crafts
"Emirati Crafts", an interactive exhibition highlighting the distinctive traditional crafts of the United Arab Emirates, dedicated to young children aged 5 to 12. The first edition of the Emirati Crafts exhibition, The Art of Weaving, will explore the craft of weaving, whether fibers or threads, including: Sadu, Talli, Khoos, and Gargour. The exhibition will highlight the unique uses of each weaving method, its characteristics and functions, through a series of digital games, guided tutorials, visual guides, and films.
Date: 3 October 2024 to 8 March 2025
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
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Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances
Curious about the evolution of art after Impressionism? Discover how the Post-Impressionist decades were marked by unparalleled artistic energy at Louvre Abu Dhabi’s forthcoming exhibition.
Following the success of its 2021 Impressionism exhibition, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Musée d’Orsay present ‘Post Impressionism: Beyond Appearances’. Focusing on the pivotal years between 1886 and 1905, the exhibition showcases over 100 iconic artworks by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin and Seurat, including Van Gogh’s renowned ‘Bedroom in Arles’. These masterpieces highlight the artists' break from traditional techniques and the new artistic approaches and philosophies that redefined the art world.
Date: 16 October 2024 - 09 February 2025
Event Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
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Way of the Forest
Way of the Forest is a traveling edition of the arts festival Colomboscope that converges artistic pathways to rekindle knowledge of interdependence, custodianship, and restorative practices across rainforests, wilderness, mountain cultivations, and riverine wetlands.
Date: 22 September - 29 December, 2024
Event Location: 421
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Performing Arts
Abu Dhabi Classics 2024: Renaissance Ballet
Step into a world where the elegance of classical ballet intertwines with design, creativity and artistry. In the first part, "Renaissance" sweeps audiences into a captivating narrative, merging the timeless allure of classical dance with the cutting-edge designs of Balmain. The second part of the evening continues with a curated selection of beloved masterpieces and all-time classics. This evening promises an unforgettable exploration of ballet's rich tapestry, blending tradition with a hint of modern flair.
Date: 17 October 2024
Event Location: Emirates Palace
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In The Fall | Working Title | Trisha Brown Dance Company
Two pieces of postmodern dance by the groundbreaking Trisha Brown Dance Company, choreographed by Trisha Brown and Noé Soulier.
A pioneer of postmodern dance, Trisha Brown’s work forever changed the landscape of contemporary performance. Trisha Brown Dance Company continues to expand its creative vision with its second ever commission, a new work by French choreographer Noé Soulier, titled In the Fall (2023). The program is followed by one of Brown’s iconic works, Working Title (1985), characterized by her ability to push the limits of her dancers’ athleticism and stamina. Elevating abstract dance to theatrical proportions, Brown’s timeless works solidify her place as one of the most influential choreographers of her time.
Date: 12 November 2024
Event Location: The Arts Center, NYUAD
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Authentic Flamenco: Daniel Casares
From 1 to 3 November, Authentic Flamenco: Paula Rodríguez will return with a seven-artist ensemble, fresh off a global tour spanning New York to Rio de Janeiro, bringing the unique performance back to the region. The show is held in partnership with Teatro Real de Madrid, the leading performing arts institution in Spain, and in partnership with Fever.
Date: 1-3 November 2024
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
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ODE - Odeya Nini
An interdisciplinary solo vocal performance by Odeya Nini. Using the body as a conduit for a flow of sound that calls out and calls upon with desire, Odeya amplifies resonance, pure expression, and the dynamic dance of vocal energy. Both improvised and composed, Odeya will perform ODE and project her voice in an invitation to join her in this sonic journey.
Date: 9 October 2024
Event Location: The Arts Center, NYUAD
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There's a monster in your show
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?' series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together. New music composed by Tom Fletcher, Barry Bignold and Miranda Larson.In partnership with Art For All.
Date: 4 - 5 October 2024
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
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SB Circle and Coreyah
Marking the start of Korea Season 2024 in Abu Dhabi,SB Circle and Coreyah blend traditional Korean music with contemporary, jazz, electronic, and folk influences.SB Circle is a quartet comprising of bassist Seo Young-do, drummer Christian Moran, saxophonist Shin Hyun-pil, and gayageum player Park Kyung-so; a band of veteran musicians who engage in a myriad of musical activities including Gugak, free improvisation, jazz performance, and music for film.Coreyah has pioneered a new style of Korean music that blends genres of contemporary ethnic and popular sounds while still maintaining the distinctive characteristics of traditional Korean instruments. The group’s unique freewheeling, polystylistic vision combines a variety of influences, including Anglo-American rock, Balkan gypsy, and genres from South America and Africa.
Date: 06-Dec-24
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
Music Performances
Lang Lang Plays Disney
In collaboration with Mac Global and Miral, Abu Dhabi Culture is set to host an exclusive performance by internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang as part of Abu Dhabi Classics 2024. On 22 November, Lang Lang will perform movie soundtracks from the enchanting world of Walt Disney in a one-of-a-kind experience at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena.
The pianist will be accompanied by a full orchestra and special guests for an unforgettable, immersive, and visually stunning musical night.
Date: 22 November 2024
Event Location: Etihad Arena
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China National Symphony Orchestra
The Abu Dhabi Festival concludes in rousing style with a performance by the China National Symphony Orchestra, which was formed in 1996 and has played for enthralled audiences throughout China, as well as in Japan, DPR Korea, Malaysia, and Spain. They have recorded Western classics and Chinese national music.
Date: 14 December 2024
Event Location: Emirates Palace
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Sounds of the UAE
Sounds of the UAE is a local, high profile musical performance series focused on the tradition, theory, practice and performance of Emirati poems and music. Its goal is to promote Emirati music, heritage, creativity, and innovation as well as increasing exposure for Emirati artists.
Sounds of the UAE was conceived to develop and implement a performing arts programme to safeguard the musical traditions of the UAE and disseminate the intangible heritage of Emirati culture.
Gaye Su Akyol | TootArd
Gaye Su Akyol takes a futuristic approach with an innovative mix of Turkish psychedelia and folk song, surf music and ʼ90s Western rock. The widely acclaimed Istanbul-based singer, songwriter, and producer has recently broadened her palette: starting with Anatolian folk and pop, adding African and Middle Eastern sounds, the soul revolution, disco, and rock from other cultures.
Date: 19 – 20 September 2024
Event Location: The Arts Center, NYUAD
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Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra
For its second concert in the capital, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Asia’s top international orchestras and a regular guest in the most important concert halls worldwide, will be joined by Korea’s rising violin star: In Mo Yang. Under the baton of one of today’s leading conductors, Jaap van Zweden, the Orchestra will play one of the most virtuosi pieces of the Classical repertoire: Bruch’s violin concerto from 1868, that remains today the probably most known and celebrated violin concerto worldwide.
Date: 8 November 2024
Event Location: Emirates Palace
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Bait Al Oud
Bait Al Oud is one of the most famous and innovative music academies in the region.
It was established in 2008 under the supervision of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi with the aim of preserving traditional Arabic music and teaching the Arabic oud and other Arabic instruments like the qanun, cello, violin and rebab.
Bait Al Oud is committed to the highest standards of music education. As a centre for teaching and research, it is also charged with safeguarding Arabic music heritage and nurturing new generations of professional Arab musicians. It also encourages handicrafts by teaching students how to make musical instruments like the oud and introducing new technologies to what is considered to be one of the oldest string instruments in the world.
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Movies in Concert
Don’t miss out on a series of unforgettable evenings presenting live music concerts of Frozen, Jurassic Park, The Lion King and Top Gun: Maverick.
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Theatre
Swan Lake on Ice
This adrenaline-infused Swan Lake on Ice will bring you to the very edge of your seat. The world’s premier theatrical ice-skating company, the Imperial Ice Stars, comes back to the Cultural Foundation with their award-winning masterpiece Swan Lake on Ice.
Date: 11-12 October 2024
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
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GCC Oral History Conference 2024
Under the theme of ‘Shared Gulf Maritime Heritage’, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will host the 12th edition of the GCC Heritage and Oral History Conference .
Date: 16 – 17 September 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Event Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Emirati Theatre - Ihtiraq Shamaa
Written & Directed by Ahmed Abdulla Rashed, the work addresses a writer laments the past as he lived and feels pain over leaving behind his most cherished creations, which were lost to him in the folds of life after he voluntarily abandoned them due to a weakness that pained him. He had also lost his first love, who suddenly appeared one night when he was struggling to write.
Date: 20 September 2024
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
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La Lezione di Teatro | The Acting Class – Francesca Bizzari and Goffredo Puccetti
La Lezione di Teatro | The Acting Class is a 45-minute play on what it means to be an actor. Set partly in English and partly in Italian without subtitles, this show ironically demolishes preconceived notions of the difficulty of theater language and highlights how communication problems can be solved with theatrical body work; entertaining an audience that speaks or studies Italian, English, or both…or none!
Date: 11 October 2024
Event Location: The Arts Center, NYUAD
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Mezzotono
Mezzotono, the acapella group known for their innovative approach to acapella music, takes on the outdoor ampitheatre at Cultural Foundation .
Date: Sunday 8 December 2024
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
Community Events
Al Waha Cinema
Join us for an exciting evening at Alwaha Cinema, an open-air cinema where family and friends can enjoy popular and classic films from around the world.
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Mawhibaty Student Showcase
Get ready for the annual Mawhibaty Student Showcase. This year’s showcase promises to be unforgettable where talented students will showcase their skills in music, dance, theatre, and traditional UAE performing arts.
Date: 13-15 September 2024
Event Location: Cultural Foundation
Educational Workshops
Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and creativity with our educational workshops, taking place at the Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and MAKTABA branches, as well as our sites in Al Ain and Al Dhafra region! Whether you're a curious child, a passionate teen, or an enthusiastic adult, our workshops are designed to ignite your imagination and expand your horizons.
Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle
World Premiere, Commissioned by ADMAF
Written by Ahmed Amadloum and Directed by Reem Almenhali
Date: Fri-Sat, Oct 18-19 @ 7:30pm, 2024
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