Celebrated Artists Come Together for the Festival’s 23rd Edition, Themed ‘The Wisdom of Culture’.
Abu Dhabi: The 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival commenced at Etihad Arena with a performance by the UAE National Orchestra, featuring internationally acclaimed musicians in a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and its artistic connections with the wider world.
Organised under the theme ‘The Wisdom of Culture’, the 2026 festival was officially inaugurated 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.
The opening ceremony welcomed several prominent dignitaries, including Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), and Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also attending were Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF and founder and artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, and Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, managing director of the UAE National Orchestra.
The inaugural concert brought together musical excellence and cultural expression, reflecting the festival’s commitment to celebrating Emirati identity while strengthening artistic dialogue and cultural exchange on an international stage.
The 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival holds special significance as it takes place during the UAE’s Year of the Family and commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF).
This year’s programme highlights the UAE’s cultural heritage and national identity while encouraging international artistic collaboration, cultural understanding and meaningful dialogue between countries.
UAE National Orchestra Takes Centre Stage at Opening Performance
The festival’s inaugural concert was headlined by the UAE National Orchestra, conducted by internationally recognised maestro Francois Lopez-Ferrer, recipient of the 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.
Acclaimed Georgian pianist David Khrikuli joined the orchestra as the featured soloist, adding to an evening dedicated to classical musical excellence.
The concert presented three distinguished compositions, offering audiences a journey through contrasting musical styles and emotions.
The performance opened with Franz von Suppe’s Overture to Light Cavalry, a composition celebrated for its spirited rhythms, dramatic orchestration and vibrant musical energy.
Khrikuli then took centre stage to perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, demonstrating his technical precision and expressive interpretation of the renowned classical masterpiece.
The evening concluded with Antonín Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, a composition admired for its memorable melodies, uplifting character and influences drawn from traditional folk music.
Together, the performances showcased the orchestra’s musical versatility and the festival’s commitment to presenting outstanding international artistic talent.
Abu Dhabi Festival Highlights UAE’s Cultural Heritage and National Values
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF and founder and artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, emphasised that the event embodies the UAE’s resilience, values of tolerance and coexistence, and dedication to promoting peace.
She described the festival as a reflection of the nation’s cultural identity and the strong sense of unity and belonging among its people.
Alkhamis-Kanoo also paid tribute to the UAE’s longstanding traditions of generosity and humanitarian values, acknowledging the enduring legacy and leadership vision of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Meanwhile, Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, managing director of the UAE National Orchestra, expressed pride in the ensemble’s role in inaugurating the festival’s 23rd edition.
She highlighted how the performance brought together the orchestra’s talented musicians and distinguished international artists, demonstrating the UAE’s growing cultural aspirations and commitment to engaging with the global arts community.
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 to Continue Until December 19
The Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 will run until December 19, presenting a diverse programme of performances and cultural experiences across prominent venues in the capital.
The festival will feature internationally celebrated performers, renowned musical ensembles and emerging and established Emirati artists.
Through its extensive programme, the event aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for arts and culture while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
