Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 showcases global collaborations, culture and youth empowerment

Since its establishment in 2004, the Abu Dhabi Festival has evolved into one of the Arab world’s leading cultural institutions.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the festival is more than an annual event – it is a year-round movement advancing creativity, education, and cultural exchange.

At the heart of the festival is a belief in the transformative power of the arts – to transcend borders, spark dialogue, and inspire future generations. “What drives the Abu Dhabi Festival is the belief that art speaks a universal language. It’s about building bridges and sparking dialogue,” said a representative from ADMAF.

Championing creativity and cultural diplomacy

Over the years, the festival has hosted the world’s most celebrated orchestras, performers, and creators. However, its impact lies not only in memorable world premieres, but also in the way it balances global ambition with local authenticity.

Each edition is curated to blend tradition with innovation, with partnerships that generate cultural, educational, and social impact.

The 2025 edition reinforced the festival’s mission by delivering a rich programme of performances, partnerships, and initiatives that continue to position Abu Dhabi as a global arts capital. While the headline shows ended last week, the festival will continue engaging with the community.

A memorable edition

This year, the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival featured exceptional, blending world-class performances with a strong educational and community impact under the inspiring theme ‘Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony’.

Celebrating over 50 years of friendship and diplomatic relations between the UAE and country of honour Japan, the festival featured a breathtaking performance by Japanese taiko drumming troupe Kodo and the UAE debut of pianist Yunchan Lim, whose rendition of the Goldberg Variations left audiences in awe.

Other highlights included performances by Katia and Marielle Labèque, percussionist Kuniko Kato, and an All-Star Ballet Gala with dancers from the Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet.

Beyond the stage, the festival’s Outreach Programme engaged more than 1,700 students through open rehearsals and school visits by the artists, offering rare, up-close moments where global artistry connected with local youth. It will continue its activities though the year.

These encounters reflected the festival’s enduring commitment to empowering the next generation through direct cultural engagement.

Abroad Programme extends global reach

Among the festival’s flagship initiatives is the Abroad Programme, which builds partnerships with international cultural institutions while promoting Arab creativity on global stages.

Another highlight was the co-production of Pelléas et Mélisande with the Opéra National de Paris – a milestone in cultural diplomacy and the first of its kind between a Middle Eastern entity and the Paris Opera.

Directed by acclaimed playwright Wajdi Mouawad, the production ran from February 28 to March 27 and attracted more than 22,000 attendees. It reflected  the festival’s growing influence as a cultural ambassador and bridge-builder between East and West.

Education and empowerment at the core

The Abu Dhabi Festival has also embedded education into its cultural mission, forging long-term partnerships to empower emerging talent.

The Dolce & Gabbana x ADMAF Award offered talented young Emiratis six-month internships at the Italian fashion house’s headquarters, providing hands-on experience in haute couture. “This is about more than exposure. It’s about building skills, confidence, and cultural fluency,” the ADMAF team said.

A separate partnership with TotalEnergies supported sustainability-themed competitions and education initiatives, challenging students to merge environmental awareness with artistic expression – aligning with ADMAF’s commitment to nurturing culturally and socially conscious leaders.

Abu Dhabi Festival: Local talent, global platforms

At home, the festival continues to foster young creatives through initiatives like the Young Media Leaders programme, launched in 2007.

Emirati students and graduates are introduced to journalism, broadcasting, and digital content through immersive workshops and mentorships. “It’s not just a training ground, it’s a launchpad for future storytellers,” ADMAF said.

The programme is closely tied to the Artist’s Studio series, which gives participants the opportunity to interview global artists and share their insights with wider audiences – extending the festival’s reach beyond its performances.

New initiatives aimed at younger audiences have also emerged. My First Concert introduces classical music to children under four, while Symphony Storytelling brings books and narratives to life through orchestral music.

These programmes, ADMAF said, help build empathy, imagination, and language skills, nurturing emotionally intelligent future leaders regardless of whether they pursue careers in the arts.

A hallmark of the Abu Dhabi Festival is its dual focus on showcasing global excellence while championing regional talent.

Programmes like the Composers’ Platform and long-term commissions have provided UAE-based and Arab artists with opportunities to present original work alongside international counterparts. “We’re not just showcasing culture; we’re shaping it,” ADMAF affirmed.

Year-round impact

While the annual festival remains the centrepiece, its influence continues year-round through educational initiatives, international collaborations, and mentorships that advance the UAE’s position as a cultural and creative capital.

As the festival grows, it remains committed to a singular vision: to inspire, connect, and empower through the universal language of the arts.