From jazz and contemporary dance to immersive theatre and family musicals
From music and theatre to dance and family-friendly performances, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi brings a world-class lineup to the capital in 2026.
Featuring UAE debuts, international collaborations, and immersive experiences, the season promises something for every art lover, from jazz improvisation to festive musicals, boundary-pushing operas, and playful performances for all ages.
January 2026
Boom.Diwan with guests Nduduzo Makhathini, Liany Mateo, and Elé Howell
Wednesday, 14 January, 7.30pm
Presented with NYU Abu Dhabi Music Program, this evening blends jazz, contemporary rhythms, and improvisation.
Featuring acclaimed South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini alongside Liany Mateo and Elé Howell, the concert promises dynamic performances and rich musical conversations, offering audiences a chance to experience both virtuosic skill and deeply emotive storytelling through sound.
Songs of the Bulbul – Aakash Odedra Company
Sunday, 18 January, 7.30pm
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In association with Manchester Camerata, this performance combines contemporary dance with live orchestral music, exploring stories inspired by South Asian folklore.
Aakash Odedra Company merges fluid movement with expressive narrative, offering audiences an elegant and evocative journey that highlights culture, music, and the artistry of modern dance in a visually stunning production.
The Tasting Session Live: Reunion – The Tasty Biscuits & Friends
Friday, 23 January, 8.30pm
An Abu Dhabi premiere, this vibrant concert brings together Abri, Gaya, Tac, Ananya Murali, Beatbox Ray, Chinua Hawk, Shilpa Ananth, Fabre, Edenojie, and Dana Naidu.
Combining music, beatboxing, and collaborative performance, the show delivers a lively, genre-blending experience that celebrates creativity, spontaneity, and the joy of live music.
Tamaas Festival: Yasmine Hamdan | Al-Qasar | Maruja Limón
Thursday, 29 January, 7pm
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Featuring two UAE debuts, this festival night showcases boundary-shattering global sounds.
Yasmine Hamdan, Al-Qasar, and Maruja Limón bring diverse musical traditions together with contemporary artistry, offering audiences a rich tapestry of rhythms, textures, and cinematic soundscapes that celebrate cultural fusion and global collaboration.
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February 2026
Ink – Huang Yi Studio +
Thursday, 5 February, 7.30pm
A Middle East premiere presented with Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, this performance blends traditional Chinese ink art with contemporary dance, exploring themes of form, flow, and expression.
The production transforms brush strokes into movement, creating an immersive, visually striking experience that bridges artistic disciplines in an innovative way.
Kavan – An Ambedkarite Opera – Nalanda Arts Studio & Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch
Friday-Saturday, 13-14 February, 7.30pm, Sunday, 15 February at 2pm
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center, this UAE premiere brings opera and social commentary together, telling stories inspired by the life and philosophy of B.R. Ambedkar.
Through music, drama, and visual storytelling, Kavan presents a powerful cultural exploration that engages audiences in historical narratives while pushing operatic boundaries.
March 2026
Ramadaniyyat: Naïssam Jalal and Hazem Shaheen
Tuesday, 3 March, 9.30pm
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An UAE debut featuring Arabic taqsim and jazz improvisation, this performance merges Middle Eastern musical traditions with contemporary jazz.
Naïssam Jalal and Hazem Shaheen create an intimate, evocative dialogue between instruments and melody, offering audiences a unique fusion of cultural sounds and innovative musical storytelling.
The Discreet Charm of the Pillars of Society – Ahmed El Attar
Friday, 27 March, 7.30pm
This UAE premiere presents theater in Arabic, Swedish, and English, adapting classic drama with a contemporary, multi-lingual twist.
Ahmed El Attar’s production blends social critique with dynamic stagecraft, inviting audiences to reflect on society, culture, and human behavior through a compelling theatrical experience.
April–May 2026
Kid Koala’s The Storyville Mosquito
Thursday-Friday, 30 April – 1 May, 7.30pm; Saturday, 2 May, 3pm
Back by popular demand, this family-friendly theatrical experience combines music, puppetry, and storytelling.
Kid Koala’s whimsical production brings fun, adventure, and imagination to life, creating an engaging performance perfect for children and adults alike, celebrating creativity, sound, and visual storytelling.
La Terre en Transe – Taoufiq Izeddiou
Thursday, 14 May, 7.30pm
A UAE premiere presented with Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, this production fuses contemporary dance with evocative music and physical theatre.
Taoufiq Izeddiou explores themes of nature, movement, and human emotion, creating a visceral, immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of live performance.
June 2026
The Spongebob Musical – Abu Dhabi Choral Group
Thursday-Saturday, 4-6 June, 7.30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 6-7, 2pm
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A lively community musical theatre production perfect for families, this adaptation of The Spongebob Musical combines energetic songs, engaging choreography, and beloved characters.
The Abu Dhabi Choral Group brings humour, music, and fun to the stage, creating a joyful, interactive experience for audiences of all ages.
For further information, visit NYUAD Arts Center
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