INITIATIVES

There are many ways to participate in the region's largest annual celebration of arts and culture. From volunteering to internships to performing, exhibiting or even embarking on an exciting fellowship, the Festival welcomes individuals and fellow non-profit-making and community-based organisations to get actively involved. Find out how below.

National Participation

As part of ADMAF's mission to support national talent academically, artistically and professionally, Abu Dhabi Festival celebrates Emirati culture and identity throughout its programme. From visual artists to filmmakers, writers to musicians, emerging and established Emirati talents lead the way across multiple initiatives, both at home and abroad – participating in professional development programmes, delivering educational projects as well as presenting and performing their own work.

Third-Party Events

With more than 100 events across the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi Festival is a packed celebration of the nation’s talent and diversity. Each year, the Festival welcomes individuals and fellow non-profit-making and community-based organisations to be part of the month-long nationwide Festival programme. If you are planning an arts event in the UAE during March 2017 and would like more info about how you might be considered for the Festival programme, contact education@admaf.org.

Awards

ADMAF’s awards portfolio celebrates artistic innovation through prestigious platforms where the country’s emerging creative minds compete for first place. In 2019, Abu Dhabi Festival and ADMAF will present.

Abu Dhabi Festival Awards

Presented in association with Chopard, the Abu Dhabi Festival Award is annually bestowed upon individuals for outstanding lifetime contributions to arts and culture.

More info

ADMAF Awards

ADMAF’s awards portfolio celebrates artistic innovation through prestigious platforms where the country’s emerging creative minds compete for first place.

More info

EDUCATION & community ACTIVITIES

Abu Dhabi Festival presents opportunities for the nation's youth to participate in workshops and training programmes to develop their skills and jumpstart their careers in the creative and cultural industries.

UAE Theatre Circle

Brought to you by

REEM AL MENHALI'S NEW PLAY

"HAMMOUR DOESN'T LEAVE THE CUBICLE"

The satirical play "Hammour Doesn't Leave the Cubicle" uses humor to critique bureaucratic inefficiencies experienced by employees. Rooted in Emirati culture through its workplace references and humor, the play's narrative resonates universally with audiences worldwide.

SUPPORTING CHARTER SCHOOLS

PETER PAN MUSICAL SHOW

Peter Pan, a musical show for 4–11 year-olds, adapted from the world-renowned JM Barrie story and made famous by the classic Disney movie is magically brought to life in UAE Schools. This production of Peter Pan will highlight the importance of sustainability, ecology and environment.

In collaboration with S4K-INTERNATIONAL

FESTIVAL IN FOCUS

OPEN REHEARSALS, EXCLUSIVELY FOR STUDENTS

This is a unique opportunity for students to experience an open rehearsal with world-renowned artists. Students will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at all the work that goes into preparing for a performance, and an opportunity to ask questions and learn from musicians, conductors, dancers, and choreographers. This is a full hour of inspiration and motivation for the UAE’s creative youth.

By invitation only.

Brought to you by

back to school

SCHOOL VISITS BY FESTIVAL ARTISTS, STUDENT-EXCLUSIVE

As part of its commitment to nurturing the next generation of young creatives, artists and performers, Abu Dhabi Festival stars will inspire and inform in a series of once-in-a-lifetime performances for students in Abu Dhabi schools. Short interactive performances will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions in an intimate classroom setting.

By invitation only.

FESTIVAL MASTERCLASSES

WITH LAUDED ABU DHABI FESTIVAL ARTISTS

A number of masterclasses seek to empower young people to explore and pursue careers in music. It equips them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed by giving them an extraordinary opportunity to meet and learn first-hand from the internationally acclaimed artists performing at Abu Dhabi Festival.

By invitation only

Supported by

RIWAQ AL FIKR ADMAF TALKS

IN CONVERSATION WITH JORDI SAVALL

09 Dec 2023 -NUYAD Black Box

This intimate conversation with one of the world’sleading pioneers in historical music, Jordi Savall, explores the life of amusician. Sharing his experience as a composer, conductor, and performer, aswell as that of a researcher and teacher, this is a rare opportunity to learnfrom one of the architects of the current resurgence of early repertoires.Savall’s career makes him uniquely placed to enlighten and inspire as hecontemplates the meaning of music.

In collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi

Brought to you by

MUSICOLOGY SERIES: HARMONIZING HOPE: THE RESILIENT JOURNEY OF THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MUSIC

07 Feb. 2024 - NYUAD Institute

Join us for a fascinating and insightful one-hour talk with Dr Ahmad Sarmast, the Founder and Director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM). Covering the history of ANIM, its mission and its tremendous impact on the lives of Afghans, Dr Sarmast has an important story to share. His personal story of resilience and hope in the face of adversity is guaranteed to inspire.

In collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi

Artists' studio

Jan-Feb. 2024

Interviews with the artists, conducted by members of the Young Media Leaders programme, are recorded and made available as part of our Artist’s Studio initiative, which shares the experiences of world-renowned artists so that young people can learn from the legends.

Young Media Leaders

Jan-Jun. 2024

Established in 2007, Young Media Leaders is a career development initiative by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) that provides ambitious Emirati university students and graduates with hands-on experience, knowledge, insight and understanding of the local, regional and global media industry.

Jobs

Are you experienced in the fields of arts/event management, marketing and communications? Are you committed to nurturing the creative potential and celebrating the cultural diversity of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and beyond? If so, please contact hr@admaf.org

We would like to hear from Emirati and UAE-based students and recent graduates interested in arts, event management and communications. If you wish to develop a career in the UAE creative and cultural industries and would like to be part of the team responsible for organising the region’s largest annual cultural celebration, please reach out to education@admaf.org.

Volunteers play a key role in the success of Abu Dhabi Festival. Find out how you can become a 2023 Festival Ambassador and get an inside look into the makings of an annual international festival. Get in touch: education@admaf.org