From breathtaking classical performances to blockbuster film scores
If your playlist ranges from classical masterpieces to blockbuster movie soundtracks, Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 has you covered over the coming months.
Returning for its 23rd edition, the festival is bringing an incredible line-up of world-famous performers to the capital this autumn.
You can expect everything from an opera superstar to the country’s first professional female Emirati cellist.
The season will then reach a breathtaking finale with Hans Zimmer performing his iconic film scores live at Etihad Arena.
Whether you’re a seasoned classical music fan or simply looking for a memorable night out, these are the concerts you’ll want to have firmly in your diary.
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026: what’s coming up?
UAE National Orchestra opens the festival
Friday, 9 October 2026, 7.30pm, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Celebrating the UAE National Orchestra’s debut, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s vibrant music scene.
The festival gets underway in grand style as the UAE National Orchestra takes centre stage for an evening celebrating some of classical music’s greatest works.
Conducted by François López-Ferrer, winner of the prestigious 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, the concert begins with Franz von Suppé’s lively Light Cavalry Overture before welcoming award-winning Georgian pianist David Khrikuli for Rachmaninoff’s much-loved Piano Concerto No. 2.
The evening concludes with Dvořák’s joyful Symphony No. 8, bringing together soaring melodies, folk influences and orchestral brilliance.
Founded in 2025, the UAE National Orchestra represents a landmark moment for the country’s cultural scene.
Bringing together musicians from across the UAE while celebrating Emirati musical heritage alongside Western traditions, the orchestra is quickly establishing itself as one of the region’s most exciting new ensembles
Opera legend Sondra Radvanovsky makes her Abu Dhabi debut
Friday, 23 October 2026, 7.30pm, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Opera fans are in for a rare treat as American-Canadian soprano Sondra Radvanovsky performs an exclusive recital accompanied by renowned pianist Vincenzo Scalera.
Widely regarded as one of the finest dramatic sopranos of her generation, Radvanovsky will perform a programme featuring music by Bellini, Verdi and Puccini before moving through works by Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Richard Strauss.
Brace yourself for breathtaking vocals, powerful storytelling and plenty of goosebump moments from an artist who regularly graces the stages of New York’s Metropolitan Opera and London’s Royal Opera House.
Emirati cellist Elham Al Marzooqi takes the spotlight
Saturday, 7 November 2026, 7.30pm, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
One of the festival’s most inspiring performances comes from Elham Al Marzooqi, the UAE’s first professional female Emirati cello soloist.
Joined by pianist Sooyeon Jun, the recital journeys through centuries of music, featuring works by Bach, Brahms, Saint-Saëns and Schubert before ending with beloved pieces including Morricone’s Cinema Paradiso Love Theme and Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me.
Having performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall and with leading orchestras across the UAE, Al Marzooqi continues to inspire the next generation of musicians while helping shape the country’s growing classical music scene.
Hans Zimmer brings it to the next level
Friday, 13 November 2026, 8.30pm, Etihad Arena, Yas Island
The festival reaches an epic finale with one of the biggest live music events of the year as legendary composer Hans Zimmer arrives in Abu Dhabi.
Part of his spectacular THE NEXT LEVEL world tour, the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner will perform alongside his 19-piece band, combining orchestra, electronic music, mesmerising visuals and stunning lighting to transform some of cinema’s greatest soundtracks into a wonderful live experience.
Fans can expect music from The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Interstellar, Inception, Dune: Part One and, most recently, F1: The Movie, all performed on one stage.
It promises to be a breathtaking finale to a festival that once again showcases Abu Dhabi as one of the region’s leading destinations for arts and culture.
From internationally renowned conductors and opera superstars to homegrown talent and one of Hollywood’s most celebrated composers, Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the capital’s most exciting cultural seasons yet.
For further information about any of the above events, visit abudhabifestival.ae
