Packed with culture, creativity and family-friendly experiences
Abu Dhabi Festival is back for its 23rd edition in April 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of its biggest and boldest yet.
Running from 12 April to 16 May, the festival will welcome more than 1,000 artists from 19 countries for a season packed with music, dance, art and world premieres, all under this year’s theme, ‘The Wisdom of Culture.’
Two major international names headline
Grammy Award-winner Jon Batiste opens the Festival at Emirates Palace with a soulful, story-filled evening on 12 April, while superstar cellist HAUSER brings his larger-than-life performance style to Etihad Arena on 2 May.
This year also marks a special milestone: 30 years of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the organisation behind the Festival, alongside the United States being named Country of Honour in celebration of its 250th anniversary.
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
A world-class line-up
Throughout April and May, Abu Dhabi will host a stellar programme of orchestras, opera, ballet and concerts at Emirates Palace and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Highlights include:
The American Ballet Theatre, one of the world’s most respected dance companies
The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performing a Verdi Opera Gala
Star soprano Sondra Radvanovsky
Violinist Lisa Batiashvili with rising piano star Giorgi Gigashvili
Jazz favourite Dhafer Youssef marking UNESCO World Jazz Day
Pianist Minsoo Sohn, known for his refined and expressive style
Fans of regional music will love the closing Emirati Recital Series, celebrating homegrown talent through classical and traditional Arabic music performed by leading Emirati artists later in May.
Art beyond borders
The Festival isn’t confined to Abu Dhabi. Through its Festival Abroad programme, Emirati art will take centre stage globally, including a major exhibition in Seoul featuring 47 Emirati artists across three generations, the largest UAE art showcase ever held in Korea.
Meanwhile, international co-productions and world premieres will travel between Spain, the Middle East and beyond, blending flamenco, Arabic poetry and contemporary performance in imaginative new ways.
You might also like: Festive magic returns to Abu Dhabi Mall
Designed for families and future artists
One of the most exciting announcements is the launch of the Children’s Biennale in October 2026 at Umm Al Emarat Park, the first outdoor children’s biennale in the Arab world.
Expect hands-on art, sustainable materials, creative play and international collaborations designed especially for families and young minds.
The festival will also continue nurturing young talent through student matinees, masterclasses, and the formation of the Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra.
Tickets
Early-bird tickets are available now at abudhabifestival.ae, and if this year’s programme is anything to go by, booking early is highly recommended.
From international icons to local legends, global art to family creativity, Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a cultural season worth clearing your calendar for.
12 April to 16 May, various locations in Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit abudhabifestival.ae
Follow Yalla for all the latest news