#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Abu Dhabi Festival #ADMAF #Sheikh Abdullah

Abu Dhabi Festival 2025: A Cultural Extravaganza

The Abu Dhabi Festival, an iconic event organized by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), is gearing up for its twenty-second edition in 2025. Set to commence on February 7 and themed "Abu Dhabi - A World of Harmony," this year's festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity and artistic excellence, paying special homage to the honored country of Japan, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan.

Under the honorary founding patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, and Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the festival promises a spectacular lineup featuring internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles. The festival will host a variety of events, including orchestral performances, taiko ensemble displays, operas, solo concerts, traveling exhibitions, and enriching educational programs aimed at both local and international audiences.

A Highlighted Program

This year, the festival will introduce more than a dozen Arab premieres, exclusive global co-productions, and a rich assortment of activities. Highlights to look forward to include performances by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra featuring esteemed conductor Yutaka Sado, opera stars like tenor Jonathan Tetelman and soprano Jessica Pratt, the renowned KODO Japanese Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble, and the talented pianist Yunchan Lim.

Moreover, the festival will present an all-star ballet gala and a jazz concert featuring celebrated trumpeter Riley Mulherkar, promising a tapestry of engaging performances that celebrates various art forms.

Her Excellency Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Festival, shared that the festival's motto, "A World of Harmony," encapsulates Abu Dhabi's essence as a city that bridges innumerable cultures. This event fosters communication, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and opportunities in a spirit of unity.

Expanding Global Connections

Not only is the festival a platform for local talents to shine, but it also builds strong cultural partnerships with respected international institutions, paving the way for exchanges that enrich the global arts landscape. Among the significant initiatives this year will be the world premiere of Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande in collaboration with the prestigious Opéra National de Paris. Additionally, the Seoul Museum of Art in Korea will partner with the festival to present historical exhibitions while the festival will also embark on a global tour featuring performances in China, Japan, and Singapore.

This year's Abu Dhabi Festival is more than just an arts event; it represents a deep cultural exchange and a celebration of the shared human experience through the lens of music and art. As the festival unfolds, it will undoubtedly inspire attendees from around the world and cement Abu Dhabi's role as a cultural beacon in the region and beyond.

Join us in celebrating cultural unity and artistic brilliance at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 — a gathering not to be missed! Stay tuned for more updates on the event, including ticket sales and detailed programming information as we approach the start date.