The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has announced the program for the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, scheduled to commence on April 12, 2026.

Under the theme “The Wisdom of Culture,”, this year’s festival will feature over 1,000 artists from 19 different countries, celebrating the UAE’s Year of the Family and showcasing the United States as the Country of Honour.

The festival will kick off with a performance from Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste at Emirates Palace, followed by a show from cellist Hauser at Etihad Arena. Additionally, the Arab world’s first outdoor children’s biennale is set to launch at Umm Al Emarat Park in October. Founder of ADMAF, Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, emphasized the festival’s mission to unite people through culture and creativity.

Attendees can expect a wide variety of performances, including works from 10 world-famous orchestras, ballet, opera, and recitals. Notable performances will include the American Ballet Theatre, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Verdi’s Opera Gala”, as well as a multidisciplinary production, Algarabía, which blends flamenco and Arab poetic traditions. The festival will also highlight performances by Korean-American pianist Minsoo Sohn and violinist Lisa Batiashvili.

Eric Gaudiosi, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, expressed his pride in the US being the Guest Country of Honour. He highlighted the festival’s essence as a celebration of dialogue, creativity, and peace, aiming to bolster cultural ties and honor the shared history between the UAE and the US.