Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation marks 30 years of arts education and talent support
Established in 1996 under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, ADMAF is marking three decades of cultural outreach, Emirati talent development and educational programmes across the UAE.
Three decades of cultural investment
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is marking its 30th anniversary since its foundation in 1996 under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Over the past three decades the foundation has concentrated on arts education, cultural exchange and nurturing Emirati creative talent.
ADMAF’s founder, Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, who is also Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said the foundation was created from a sense of responsibility to the nation’s young people and artistic community. The foundation’s work aligns with the cultural vision articulated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects priorities of tolerance and social development highlighted by its patron.
Scope and impact
ADMAF reports that its initiatives have reached more than 150,000 students through nearly 2,500 educational activities delivered across the seven emirates. Since 2004, 2,608 Emirati creatives have taken part in 296 professional development opportunities provided by the foundation, offering training, mentorship and exposure to international practice.
Through its long association with Abu Dhabi Festival, ADMAF has helped present a significant slate of premieres: since 2004 the festival has staged 42 world premieres, 97 Middle East premieres and 43 UAE premieres. These statistics underline ADMAF’s role in broadening the cultural offer available in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
New digital series and future plans
To mark the anniversary, ADMAF is launching a special series across its digital and social channels. The series will blend archival and contemporary material and include testimonials from cultural and diplomatic figures alongside stories from Emirati and Arab artists supported by the foundation. Thirty artists and alumni are taking part, sharing work and reflections on the UAE’s cultural development and the foundation’s influence over thirty years.
Looking ahead, ADMAF intends to expand access to cultural and artistic programmes in Abu Dhabi, present new music and visual arts experiences, and collaborate with national and international partners on projects exploring emerging ideas and technologies. The foundation’s stated aim is to continue empowering young people while remaining rooted in the UAE’s values and cultural narrative.