The 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival opened on October 10, 2026, with a concert by the UAE National Orchestra at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Held under the theme “The Wisdom of Culture”, the festival brings together Emirati and international artists through a programme of music, dance, opera and other cultural performances. The festival will continue until December 19, 2026.
The opening concert was conducted by François López-Ferrer, recipient of the 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. Georgian pianist David Khrikuli joined the orchestra as the featured soloist, performing a programme of classical compositions by European composers. The event marked the beginning of the festival’s 2026 season and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote artistic exchange and cultural engagement.
The opening concert featured three major orchestral works. The programme began with Franz von Suppé’s Overture to Light Cavalry, a composition known for its energetic rhythms and orchestral fanfares.
The second work was Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, performed by Khrikuli. The concerto is one of the Russian composer’s best-known works and is frequently performed by pianists and orchestras internationally.
The concert concluded with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88. The symphony, composed by the Czech composer in 1889, is recognised for its melodic themes and folk-inspired musical character.
López-Ferrer led the orchestra throughout the programme, bringing together the musicians for the opening performance of the festival. His international conducting experience includes collaborations with orchestras and musical institutions across Europe, the United States and Asia.
The 2026 edition coincides with the UAE’s designation of the year as the Year of the Family and marks the 30th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), which was established in 1996.
ADMAF founded Abu Dhabi Festival in 2004. The festival has since developed into an annual cultural event featuring local and international performers across multiple artistic disciplines.
The 2026 programme is organised around the theme “The Wisdom of Culture”, reflecting the festival’s focus on cultural dialogue, artistic collaboration and the UAE’s cultural identity.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Among those attending the opening night were Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and patron of ADMAF; Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF and founder and artistic director of Abu Dhabi Festival.
Following the opening concert, Abu Dhabi Festival will host a series of performances featuring international artists and ensembles alongside Emirati musicians.
One of the announced highlights is a performance by composer and music producer Hans Zimmer at Etihad Arena on November 13. Zimmer is known for his scores for films including The Lion King, Gladiator and Dune.
The programme will also feature French tenor Benjamin Bernheim, American Ballet Theatre, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and performances by oud player and composer Dhafer Youssef. Emirati musicians, including Elham Al Marzooqi and Fatima Al Hashimi, are also scheduled to participate.
The festival’s programme includes orchestral concerts, recitals, ballet, opera and other live performances at cultural venues across Abu Dhabi.
The festival will also introduce the Children’s Biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park from November 6 to December 6, 2026. Organisers describe it as the first outdoor children’s art biennale in the Middle East.
The initiative will bring together nine Emirati and international artists working across disciplines including sculpture, textiles, sound and light. The programme will include interactive artworks, family sessions, workshops and activities designed to encourage children to engage with art.
Educational initiatives will also connect students across the UAE with visiting artists through training sessions, masterclasses, open rehearsals and mentorship opportunities. These programmes form part of ADMAF’s wider efforts to support emerging talent and expand access to arts education.
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 will conclude on December 19. Its programme combines performances by established international artists with opportunities for Emirati musicians, young performers and families to participate in cultural activities across the emirate.
