Why is the annual Abu Dhabi Festival a major cultural event?
Abu Dhabi Festival is a yearly cultural festival held at the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it remains a popular event. Having commenced in 2004 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, it is one of the biggest cultural and classical arts festivals in the UAE. The mega event features global performers, magicians, and artists as well as international institutions such as the Royal Opera House, UK and others making it a rich and value-adding event for all.
Introduction
The Abu Dhabi Festival is organized and presented every year by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) operating as an independent cultural foundation. Participating in events, and witnessing different events of this festival that take place during the year (January to December) are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi as discovered by many visitors.
This festival showcases Abu Dhabi to the world whilst bringing the world to Abu Dhabi. It is an event and occasion when the work of the year is shared and celebrated, meetings and encounters are arranged, and new ideas and collaborations are formulated between different communities and cultures in the seven Emirates of the UAE, the Arab Region and the entire world.
Read on to find different elements of the festival that took place in the current year and the upcoming events. The yearly events culminate into trusted partnerships and collaborations, learning and appreciation of performers and artists by organizers and the discerning and worthy audience who make it an annual event they look forward to. Visitors attending this festival tend to choose properties like Anantara Santorini for their stay.
Marcky30, Emirati Cultural Dance, CC BY-SA 4.0
Participation
Gain experience and insights by participating in this annual mega-celebration of culture and arts. From internships to volunteering, performing to exhibiting etc. opportunities are endless with the festival organizers welcoming individuals and non-profit making organizations to work along with them. Throughout the festival, Emirati culture and identity are embraced and celebrated. Many Emiratis get involved and lead the way in initiatives such as musicians, visual artists, filmmakers etc.
Performance by Sistine Chapel Choir
A historic event in the heart of the desert. The oldest and world-famous, 1500-year-old Sistine Chapel Choir performed for the first time in this region at St. Francis Church, Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. This performance held in May this year was not only received well by the appreciating audience but also showcased the UAE’s value of diversity and dialogue. The event was co-presented by AD Festival and the Apostolic nunciature to UAE.
A night with Yamen Saadi
This was a magnificent Orchestra Performance by young (25 years) Yamen Saadi the concertmaster of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic. He was accompanied by pianist Julien Quentin. The audience at the Red Theatre of New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) was mesmerized by the works of Strauss, Brahms and Poulenc in July this year.
ADMAF Talks
This enlightening panel discussion explored the evolving identity of contemporary media and its crucial role in shaping national identity. An important focus point in this discussion was the contributions of women in journalism, and the influence of editorial control on the intellectual landscape. Yusra Adel from Al Ittihad Newspaper, and Amer bin Jassas, TV presenter of Abu Dhabi Media Network in conversation with the moderator Noura Al Obeidli, Humanities Research Fellow from NYUAD
Celebrating Excellence
Each year ADMAF presents the Abu Dhabi Festival Awards in association with Chopard. These awards have become the benchmarks of excellence and are awarded for outstanding lifetime contributions to fostering art, culture, dialogue and diplomacy. The 2024 recipients were,
Maestro Leonard Slatkin – Contribution to music and culture with his achievements as a composer, author, conductor and educator.
Maestro Daniel Barenboim – Contributions to culture, music and his tireless efforts in fostering equality and dialogue. This award of excellence highlights his cultural diplomacy for co-founding the Western-Eastern Divan Orchestra.
China National Symphony Orchestra
This year’s Abu Dhabi Festival will conclude with a performance by the China National Symphony Orchestra at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi on 14th December this year. Tickets will be available for sale from Fall this year. Formed in 1996, this reputed orchestra has been enthralling audiences in China, DPR Korea, Japan, Spain and Malaysia.
