#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Herbie Hancock #Jazz Day

International Jazz Day 2025: A Global Celebration Culminating in Abu Dhabi

On April 30, 2025, jazz enthusiasts across the globe will gather to celebrate International Jazz Day, a remarkable event organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. This year’s celebration will be particularly special, as Abu Dhabi, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, has been chosen as the global host city.

Abu Dhabi will transform into a vibrant hub of culture and music, showcasing a plethora of concerts, educational programs, and community events aimed at uniting people through the universal language of jazz. The celebrations will span five weeks, culminating in a spectacular concert known as the Global Jazz Day Concert, which will take place at the Etihad Arena, the largest indoor entertainment venue in the region. This significant event will be led by the iconic pianist, Herbie Hancock, and hosted by award-winning actor Jeremy Irons.

The concert promises a star-studded lineup featuring a diverse array of artists from around the world, including:

• - Arqam Al Abri (UAE)
• - John Beasley (USA)
• - Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA)
• - A Bu (China)
• - Terri Lyne Carrington (USA)
• - Kurt Elling (USA)
• - José James (USA)
• - Rhani Krija (Morocco)
• - John McLaughlin (UK)
• - Hélène Mercier (France/Canada)
• - Marcus Miller (USA)
• - Linda May Han Oh (Australia)
• - John Pizzarelli (USA)
• - Dianne Reeves (USA)
• - Arturo Sandoval (USA)
• - Naseer Shamma (Iraq)
• - Danilo Pérez (Panama)
• - Varijashree Venugopal (India)

With many more artists to be announced, the intention behind the concert is clear: to emphasize jazz's ability to bridge divides, inspire creativity, and cultivate peace across diverse cultures. As Herbie Hancock eloquently states, “Jazz has always united people by breaking down barriers and inspiring creativity among cultures.”

Tickets for the concert are available online, and for those unable to attend in person, the concert will be streamed live to millions through various platforms such as UNTV, UNESCO’s websites, and social media channels, ensuring the celebration of jazz reaches a global audience.

Beyond the main concert, the International Jazz Day will see thousands of events being organized worldwide, with educational institutions, artists, and educators hosting workshops, masterclasses, jam sessions, and panel discussions that highlight the profound impact of jazz as a unifying force.

In Abu Dhabi, activities will unfold in key cultural and educational institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Louvre, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and NYU Abu Dhabi. The events will not only take place in concert halls but will also extend to hospitals, nursing homes, public libraries, and schools, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the arts. Notably, special presentations will highlight the fusion of jazz with traditional instruments like the lute, qanun, and ney.

Moreover, the International Jazz Day 2025 coincides with the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit, where industry leaders will convene for discussions featuring notable artists, including Herbie Hancock himself.

The Doris Duke Foundation and United Airlines, as a global partner of the International Jazz Day, provide essential support for this worldwide celebration.

About International Jazz Day: Established by UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day takes place every year on April 30. This annual celebration underscores jazz's power to promote peace, intercultural dialogue, diversity, and respect for human dignity. With a reach exceeding two billion people, it has grown into a global movement that brings countries and communities together.

For more information and to register for participation, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day.