The new series features parks, waterfronts, malls, hotels and cultural venues
PARTNER CONTENT: Imagine strolling along a waterfront promenade, relaxing in a park or browsing your favourite mall, and suddenly stumbling across a live performance in Abu Dhabi.
That’s exactly the idea behind ‘Music in the City’, a new year-round initiative launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which aims to bring live music into the everyday rhythm of life across the emirate.
Rather than keeping performances confined to concert halls and ticketed venues, the programme will transform public spaces into stages, with musicians, ensembles and performers appearing across parks, waterfronts, malls, hotels and cultural destinations throughout the year.
The initiative builds on Abu Dhabi’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music and reflects a simple idea: music shouldn’t just be something you plan for, it can be something you discover.
Live music arrives at Yas Bay Waterfront
One of the first activations will see Yas Bay Waterfront host ‘UAE in Harmony’, a series of intimate performances celebrating Arabic classical and contemporary music.
Created in partnership with Yas Waterfront, the performances will feature two musicians at a time, creating a relaxed atmosphere where traditional melodies meet modern sounds.
You can expect everything from timeless Arabic compositions to contemporary interpretations, all set against one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular waterfront destinations.
Jazz, soul and Arabic sounds in hotels, malls and parks
The programme extends well beyond the waterfront.
Guests visiting selected hotels and restaurants will be able to experience ‘Fafa & Friends: ME Jazz and R&B’, blending Middle Eastern influences with jazz, soul and R&B.
Designed to complement social evenings and relaxed gatherings, the performances offer a laid-back live music experience with a distinctive regional twist.
Elsewhere, Abu Dhabi’s parks will host ‘Arab Music Crossroads: Music in Parks’, a series of open-air performances celebrating Arabic music while weaving in international influences.
The concerts are designed to reflect the city’s multicultural character and bring communities together through shared musical experiences.
Young talent will also take centre stage through the ‘Youth Orchestra Chamber Music Series’.
Performed in hotels and malls, these smaller-scale concerts will showcase emerging musicians performing everything from classical pieces to contemporary favourites, giving audiences the chance to enjoy live music in everyday settings.
Supporting young musicians and musicians of determination
Community and inclusion are key themes throughout the programme.
The ‘Dr. Eman Al Hashmi & Young Musicians Series’, delivered in partnership with the UAE Autoimmune Association, will bring together established and emerging performers, including musicians of determination.
The initiative is designed to create performance opportunities while celebrating creativity, awareness and community connection through music.
Families with younger children haven’t been forgotten either.
At Kidz Factory in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, ‘Kinder Musik’ will offer interactive sessions for children aged four to eight.
Developed in collaboration with Cultural Foundation, the programme combines singing, rhythm exercises, movement, storytelling and musical games, giving children an engaging introduction to music and the arts. Parents are encouraged to join in too.
Cultural Foundation joins the line-up
The Cultural Foundation will host several dedicated activations as part of the programme.
‘Melodica in Motion – Celebration of Young Talents – Musical Journey Beyond the Stage’ will bring live instrumental performances into one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable cultural spaces, creating an immersive musical experience for visitors.
Meanwhile, ‘Voices of Harmony – Choir Group’ will showcase a diverse choir celebrating creativity, cultural exchange and community through music.
Performers will explore a wide-ranging repertoire spanning classical works, contemporary pieces and culturally inspired songs.
Music lovers can also look forward to ‘International Music Day: Saadiyat Big Band Live’, a special performance celebrating International Music Day with a mix of jazz standards and contemporary arrangements.
Making music part of everyday life
One of the most appealing aspects of Music in the City is its accessibility.
Rather than requiring tickets or planning ahead, many performances will simply become part of everyday life in Abu Dhabi.
You might discover a choir while visiting a cultural venue, stumble across a jazz performance while dining out, or hear live Arabic music during an evening stroll along the waterfront.
The programme also highlights Abu Dhabi’s multicultural identity, bringing together artists from different backgrounds, genres and traditions while supporting local talent and emerging performers.
Music in the City is being delivered in partnership with Yas Asset Management, Rosewood Hotel, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Group, the UAE Autoimmune Association and Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi.
Additional performances and activations are expected to be announced throughout the year, making this one of Abu Dhabi’s most ambitious cultural programmes yet.
For full schedules, locations and timings, residents and visitors can visit abudhabiculture.ae
