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.
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.
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.
Presented in association with Chopard, the Abu Dhabi Festival Award is annually bestowed upon individuals for outstanding lifetime contributions to arts and culture.
ADMAF’s awards portfolio celebrates artistic innovation through prestigious platforms where the country’s emerging creative minds compete for first place.
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.
Brought to you by
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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