The UAE capital is preparing to host the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026,
which kicks off on October 10 under the theme “The Wisdom of Culture,” featuring a select group of the most prominent stars of music, opera, ballet, and the arts from the UAE and around the world.
This new edition coincides with the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Abu Dhabi Culture and Arts Group,
a milestone that underscores its role in fostering cultural dialogue and building bridges of communication between peoples through the arts.
Hans Zimmer, the Headliner of the Abu Dhabi Festival
The festival opens with a concert by the United Arab Emirates National Orchestra at the Etihad Arena,
conducted by Maestro François López Ferrer and featuring pianist David Khrikoli.
One of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 is a concert by world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer on November 13,
as part of his “Next Level” tour, during which he will present a selection of his most famous film scores in a performance combining the orchestra with electronic effects and visual production.
The program also features opera evenings and ballet performances, as well as appearances by Emirati
and international artists in a series of concerts hosted at Abu Dhabi’s most prominent cultural landmarks.
Arab and International Performances
On November 26, the festival will present the Arab premiere of “Al-Gharabiya,” featuring
Cynthia Karam and Rafiq Ali Ahmad, while the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a special concert on November 29.
The main program concludes on December 19 with a concert by Tunisian artist Zafar Youssef at the Louvre Abu Dhabi,
where he will present a musical fusion blending Arab heritage, jazz, and classical music.
Through its artistic and educational programs, the festival continues to cement Abu Dhabi’s status as a global destination for culture and creativity.
