The 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival Opens Under the Theme ‘The Wisdom of Culture’
A resplendent celebration of the arts unfolds as the nation's premier cultural institution inaugurates its latest edition, bringing together internationally renowned artists and eminent Emirati talent in a season of extraordinary artistic ambition.
The 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival has commenced with an opening night of considerable cultural significance, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. The inaugural concert unfolded at Etihad Arena, graced by the presence of Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside other distinguished patrons and dignitaries of the cultural establishment.
Aligned with the UAE’s cherished ‘Year of the Family’ and commemorating three decades since the founding of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, this edition celebrates the profound cultural heritage and artistic ambition of the nation through an exceptionally curated programme spanning music, theatre and visual arts. The theme ‘The Wisdom of Culture’ reflects the nation’s unwavering commitment to international cultural dialogue and the transformative power of artistic expression.
The opening evening featured the UAE National Orchestra under the baton of conductor François López-Ferrer, recipient of the 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, accompanied by celebrated pianist David Khrikuli. The programme unfolded across three masterworks of considerable emotional and musical depth. Franz von Suppé’s Overture to Light Cavalry commenced the evening with spirited vitality, succeeded by Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, which showcased Khrikuli’s formidable technical mastery and lyrical sensitivity. Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 concluded the performance, its melodic richness and folk-inspired warmth bringing the concert to a triumphant culmination.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, reflected upon the occasion, noting that the Festival represents an affirmation of the nation’s resilience, spirit of coexistence and commitment to peace. She emphasised that culture serves as a unifying force, transcending differences and binding the nation through shared humanity and mutual understanding.
The 2026 season extends until 19th December, presenting an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles. The programme encompasses performances by Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, French tenor Benjamin Bernheim, American Ballet Theatre, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in its inaugural UAE concert, and distinguished Emirati musicians including Elham Al Marzooqi and Fatima Al Hashimi.
The Festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent manifests through the newly established Festival Academy, offering intensive training, masterclasses and mentorship opportunities for students throughout the Emirates. The Children’s Biennale, presented at Umm Al Emarat Park from 6th November to 6th December, represents the first outdoor children’s biennale in the Middle East, transforming the park into an interactive artistic space through installations by nine Emirati and international artists. The Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra will present a special concert on 18th November, celebrating the artistic development of young string musicians.
Source: WAM