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Post by : Badri Ariffin
The upcoming 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival is scheduled from October 10 to December 19, 2026, promising a vibrant array of cultural presentations set against the theme "The Wisdom of Culture," which emphasizes the UAE’s role as a crossroads of tradition, creativity, and global discourse.
Following a highly successful stint overseas with Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad, which attracted over 142,000 visitors across various countries, including the USA, South Korea, Austria, Spain, and Lebanon in 2026, the upcoming festival in Abu Dhabi aims to build on this momentum.
Festival-goers can look forward to spectacular performances from prominent UAE cultural groups, local Emirati artists, and renowned international figures. Highlights include orchestral concerts, jazz performances, dance productions, and grand stage events at Abu Dhabi's main cultural venues.
Kicking off on October 10 at Etihad Arena, the festival will commence with a remarkable concert by the UAE National Orchestra, conducted by François López-Ferrer.
The opening night will also spotlight acclaimed pianist David Khrikuli, who is celebrated as a rising star in music, marking the inauguration of the 2026 festival season.
A major highlight will be the performance by celebrated composer Hans Zimmer on November 13, who will present a unique production featuring reinterpretations of his iconic film scores, offering an extraordinary live experience to audiences.
In addition to performances, the festival will sustain its commitment to community engagement and education, in line with the UAE's designation of 2026 as the Year of Family, enabling broader access to arts and cultural activities.
Families can look forward to the inaugural Children's Biennale, to be held in November 2026, marking the Arab world's first open-air children's art biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park. This initiative aims to celebrate family unity and creativity through collaborative art projects.
This year's festival under the theme "The Wisdom of Culture" not only continues the mission established since 2004—promoting cultural exchange through the arts—but also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), founded in 1996.
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