Season 12 is also set to launch soon
The arts season is back in full swing at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi this June, marking a welcome return after some recent cancellations due to regional tensions.
With programming now back on track, the season returns for a final strong push, bringing audiences a refreshed and carefully curated lineup.
From award-nominated cinema to orchestral performances and family-friendly animation, the programme once again feels both global in scope and intimate in experience.
It brings together international voices across film, music, and storytelling, reaffirming the venue’s role as a key cultural space in the region.
This renewed June season carries a sense of momentum, offering audiences the opportunity to reconnect with live performance after a brief pause.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
View this post on Instagram
Kicking things off is CinemaNA on Tuesday, 2 June, with a screening of the 2026 Academy Award-nominated film The Voice of Hind Rajab by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania.
The film continues the series’ focus on powerful contemporary storytelling, with tickets currently available to VIP Members. Supporting Members gain access from Friday, 8 May, followed by general public sales on Monday, 11 May.
An Evening with Conductor Xu Zhong
Music takes centre stage on Monday, 8 June, as the UAE National Orchestra returns to The Arts Center with An Evening with Conductor Xu Zhong.
The programme brings together East and West in a thoughtfully curated performance, featuring works such as the Dance of the Yao People alongside classics by Brahms and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.
It’s a concert built around cultural exchange, delivered by one of China’s most respected conductors and pianists.
You might also like: 12 new artists announced to join Numoo initiative at The Arts Center at NYUAD
Kid Koala’s Space Cadet
Later in the month, on Sunday, 14 June, audiences can experience Kid Koala’s Space Cadet; a heartfelt animated film blending music, memory, and storytelling.
Based on the graphic novel by Kid Koala, the production offers a gentle, imaginative experience designed for all ages, making it an ideal family outing.
Across all three events, The Arts Center at NYUAD continues its mission of bringing international voices and ideas to Abu Dhabi, offering audiences more than just performances, but shared cultural moments.
Membership Club
Membership benefits include early ticket access, priority seating, and exclusive perks, making it an attractive option for regular attendees.
And this is just the beginning, Season 12 is set to launch soon, bringing a fresh mix of performances across disciplines, with an exciting and diverse programme of events expected to unfold throughout the upcoming season.
For those looking to reconnect with live performance, cinema, and music, June at NYUAD is setting the tone for a vibrant cultural summer ahead.
Show dates:
Tuesday, 2 June – CinemaNA screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab (2026 Academy Award Nominee)
Monday, 8 June – An Evening with Conductor Xu Zhong by the UAE National Orchestra at The Arts Center
Sunday, 14 June – Kid Koala’s Space Cadet
For further information, visit publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
