Global Celebrations for International Jazz Day 2025 to Converge in Abu Dhabi

On April 30, 2025, the world will unite in celebrating International Jazz Day, with Abu Dhabi selected as the global host city. This vibrant event, organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, promises to be a remarkable showcase of jazz music that transcends cultural boundaries. The festivities will encompass concerts, educational initiatives, and community events, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and creativity of Abu Dhabi.

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, expressed enthusiasm for this prestigious event, stating, "We are thrilled to celebrate this international day at a high level in the UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi. This year's edition will highlight the diverse palette of creativity and cultural heritage within the city while showcasing jazz's ability to bring different communities together and promote dialogue and peace across continents."

Abu Dhabi will serve as a dynamic hub for the global celebrations, featuring a five-week series of jazz performances, educational programs, and community events throughout the city. A highlight of the International Jazz Day 2025 will be the globally broadcasted All-Star Global Concert, set to take place at the Etihad Arena—the region's largest indoor entertainment venue. The concert will be led by the renowned pianist Herbie Hancock, introduced by the Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, and will showcase an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the globe.

Among the performers will be artists such as Arqam Al Abri from the UAE, John Beasley from the USA, Dee Dee Bridgewater from the USA, A Bu from China, Terri Lyne Carrington from the USA, Kurt Elling from the USA, José James from the USA, and many more. Further artist announcements will be made in the weeks leading up to the event.

Hancock remarked, "Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and awaken joy and hope."

Tickets for this monumental concert are available, with live streaming options being provided to millions through platforms like UNTV, UNESCO, jazzday.com, Facebook, YouTube, and numerous media partners.

In addition to the concert, International Jazz Day will see thousands of related events occurring worldwide. Musicians, educators, and institutions are set to host master classes, jam sessions, panel discussions, and educational workshops reflecting jazz's profound impact as a unifying force.

Throughout Abu Dhabi, events will be held at major cultural and educational institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and NYU Abu Dhabi, as well as in hospitals, senior centers, children's libraries, and schools. Special performances will illustrate jazz's connection to traditional instruments such as the oud, kanunaki, and nay.

The International Jazz Day 2025 coincides with a cultural summit in Abu Dhabi, which gathers leaders from the cultural and creative sectors. This annual event includes panel discussions and interviews with Herbie Hancock and other renowned artists.

International support for International Jazz Day comes from entities such as the Doris Duke Foundation and United Airlines, which serves as the global airline partner for the event.

About International Jazz Day

Established by UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day connects countries and communities around the world every April 30. The annual celebration emphasizes jazz's power to support peace, foster cultural dialogue, and promote diversity and respect for human dignity. Today, International Jazz Day has evolved into a global movement, reaching more than two billion people annually. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the key non-profit organization responsible for coordinating International Jazz Day. For further details and event registration, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day.