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The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation unveiled the programme for the Abu Dhabi Festival 2024, which is held under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

The festival is also under the honorary patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Founding Honorary Patron of Abu Dhabi Festival.

This marks the twenty-first edition of the festival, themed “The Will for Hope,” celebrating artistic excellence and cultural diversity.

With a spectacular lineup featuring classical ballet, jazz, opera and traditional Arabic showcases, the festival promises to captivate local and global audiences.

China is this year’s Country of Honour at the Abu Dhabi Festival, commemorating 40 years of diplomatic ties between the People’s Republic of China and the UAE.

In 2024, the festival’s theme will focus on fostering hope and optimism during challenging times. It reflects the influence of arts and culture, serving as a beacon that breaks through darkness and negativity.

A portion of the 2024 revenues of Abu Dhabi Festival will be donated to Tarahum for Gaza campaign by Red Crescent. This contribution aligns with the official efforts of the UAE to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and aid those affected in Gaza.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE and Abu Dhabi Festival ​Founding Honorary Patron said: “The Abu Dhabi Festival embarks on its third decade of sustainable cultural progress, embodying Abu Dhabi’s vision and reaffirming its commitment to elevating Emirati culture globally. By showcasing leading creatives and performers on the stages of Abu Dhabi, the Festival underscores the significance of culture and the arts in fostering hope, spreading values of coexistence, peace, and human fraternity, and conveys the message of the tolerant and open-minded UAE to the world.

He continued: “Celebrating the People’s Republic of China as the Guest Country of Honour, this exceptional edition of the Festival will be enriched with cultural brilliance, reflecting diverse traditions from the East and the West. This mirrors its pivotal role in stimulating cultural diplomacy, human interaction, and dialogue.

“The twenty-first edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival follows the celebration of the UAE’s 52nd National Day and the hosting of COP28 and showcases the Festival’s role in spreading environmental awareness in the UAE and worldwide. It symbolises collective effort, with institutions and inspirational creatives serving as ambassadors for environmental preservation and combating climate change, for the sake of our natural resources and the future generations.

He concluded: “Proud of the significant milestones achieved to date, the Festival looks forward to continuing its journey of leadership and excellence, enhancing the country’s global status as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and creativity.”

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture: “Through this productive collaboration with the Festival and its organisers, we aim to achieve the vision and strategy of the Ministry, inspired by a concept that resonates globally. We work towards enriching the local cultural landscape through partnerships with culture, art, and heritage institutions in the UAE, supporting creators and talented individuals across various fields, and striving to enhance dialogue between cultures. This strategy serves to deliver effective projects and experiences that reflect the flourishing, diverse culture scene in the United Arab Emirates on a local, regional, and global level.

He added: “Undoubtedly, the organisation of these events contributes to the cultural efforts undertaken by the UAE, reinforcing the concept of cultural diplomacy, and the language of dialogue with diverse communities worldwide. We firmly believe that creativity is a bridge for human interaction, and that the arts, in all their forms, have the power to bring us closer to other nations. This is especially important as we introduce the uniqueness of Arab and Emirati culture and arts, sharing our cultural achievements with the world.”

Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis, the founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, expressed her gratitude to the nation’s wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. She shared her appreciation for his unwavering support and astute guidance in propagating culture, empowering the country’s creative sector, and reinforcing its standing as a global hub of culture and fertile ground for creativity and innovation.

Her Excellency said, “With the inspirational support of the Festival’s Honorary Founding Patron, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Festival embarks on its third decade. Today we unveil the programme for the 21st edition under the theme ‘The Will for Hope.’ This conveys a message of empowerment for culture and the arts as potent forces in promoting enlightenment, coexistence, and peace; a guiding beacon and a source of light and hope for a better future for our region and all of humanity. With the invincible will for hope, nations thrive as they unite to strengthen our civilisation and shared humanity.”

Highlighting the celebration of the People’s Republic of China as guest of honour for the 2024 Festival, she emphasised the historical ties binding the UAE and China through the ancient Silk Road, and reiterated the Festival’s commitment to presenting global masterpieces, exclusive commissioned works and joint productions. This includes for the first time in the Arab world, the innovative performance ‘Chinese New Year’ by the National Ballet of China, showcasing Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet ‘The Nutcracker.’ The festival will conclude with the dazzling performance of the China National Symphony Orchestra.

She concluded by saying, “We are aligned with the UAE’s initiatives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the UAE Red Crescent Authority through the campaign ‘Tarahum for Gaza.’ We will allocate a portion of the Abu Dhabi Festival ticket proceeds to this campaign, demonstrating our commitment to the UAE’s efforts in supporting the Palestinian people, in the hope of alleviating suffering, and contributing to easing the severity of the humanitarian crisis by providing essential necessities.”

Zhang Yiming , Chinese Ambassador to the UAE said: “China is deeply honoured to be the Guest Country of Honor for the Abu Dhabi Festival 2024. The year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United Arab Emirates, therefore, there will be a series of wonderful performances by Chinese art groups at that time. This collaboration signifies the strong cultural ties between the two nations and showcases the richness of Chinese arts and culture heritage to the global audience. We highly appreciate ADMAF for their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and look forward to a successful partnership that will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between China and the UAE.”

Highlighted Performances:

Chinese New Year: The National Ballet of China

Co-Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in

United Arab Emirates

26 and 27 January 2024, Emirates Palace, Arab World Premiere

The festival kicks off with a captivating performance by the National Ballet of China, presenting a reimagined ‘The Nutcracker’ by Tchaikovsky. Expect a journey from a Beijing temple fair to enchanting fairy realms, concluding with a thrilling explosion of firecrackers.

Puccini Opera Gala

On the 100th anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini

Co-presented by Abu Dhabi Festival 2024, the Embassy of Italy to the UAE and the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi.

31 January 2024, Emirates Palace, Arab World Premiere

On the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s death, the Festival welcomes the Orchestra of the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago, conducted by Jan Latham-Koenig, and with the participation of Soprano Valeria Sepe and tenor Francesco Meli who promises a powerful and moving experience for opera enthusiasts.

Pablo Ferrández

1 February 2024, The Blue Hall, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Arab World Premiere

Renowned cellist Pablo Ferrández, hailed as a “new cello genius,” presents a richly varied programme, promising a profound and emotional journey through classical music.

Kamasi Washington

3 February 2024, Emirates Palace, Arab World Premiere

Saxophonist and bandleader Kamasi Washington redefines jazz boundaries with a progressive approach, fusing jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and classical music for a unique and unforgettable experience along with 12 musicians.

Music Residency and Recital with Leia Zhu

In collaboration with The British School Al Khubairat

9 February 2024, The British School Al Khubairat

Violin prodigy Leia Zhu collaborates with 30 young musicians in the UAE during a one-week residency, culminating in an incredible recital.

Pretty Yende / Francesco Demuro

11 February 2024, The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Arab World Premiere

Soprano Pretty Yende and tenor Francesco Demuro come together for a programme of operatic jewels, singing extracts from Donizetti, Verdi, Bellini, and Gounod accompanied on the piano by Vincenzo Scalera.

Yamen Saadi

13 February 2024, The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Arab World Premiere

Concertmaster of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Yamen Saadi, delivers a supremely virtuosic violin performance. He will be accompanied on the piano by Julien Quentin.

Lucas and Arthur Jussen

19 February 2024, The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Arab World Premiere

Piano duo Lucas and Arthur Jussen showcase their extraordinary talent with a breathtaking performance of classical works s by Mozart, Schumann, Widmann, Debussy and Rachmaninov.

Lawrence Brownlee

25 February 2024, The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Arab World Premiere

International opera star Lawrence Brownlee brings a dazzling array of works, celebrating vocal artistry. He will sing a dazzling array of works, ranging from Rossini to Verdi, to the piano accompaniment of Fabio Centanni.

Kirill Gerstein

27 February 2024, The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Arab World Premiere

Pianist Kirill Gerstein presents an energetic and imaginative programme spanning various musical traditions and taking the audience from Chopin, Fauré, Poulenc and Liszt, to Schumann and Godowsky.

Sheikh Mahmoud El Tohamy

14 March 2024, Louvre Abu Dhabi, World Premiere

Known as the ‘Sheikh of Egyptian chanters’, renowned Inshad master Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy presents the world premiere of ‘The Carpenter’s Daughters, featuring poems from Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, and the Maghreb. The evening will also feature a beautiful performance of Aneen Al Asheq.

China National Symphony Orchestra

Co-Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in

United Arab Emirates, 8 December 2024, Emirates Palace, Arab World Premiere