Date: 28/09/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- A screening of Cotton Queen, by Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani. In a cotton-farming village in Sudan, teenage Nafisa is raised on heroic tales of battling British colonisers told by her grandmother, the village matriarch Al-Sit. But when a young businessman arrives from abroad with a new development plan and genetically engineered cotton, Nafisa becomes the center of a power play to determine the future of the village. Awakening to her own strength, Nafisa sets out to save the cotton fi...

Date: 01/10/2026

Venue: The Black Box Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

- Untitled 14km investigates how the contemporary art world engages with questions of identity, with a particular focus on what is framed as “Arab identity.” In the imaginary museum of North Africa, Middle East Contemporary Art, an Arab-Andalusian poet, a museum director, a curator, and a contemporary artist attempt to conceive an exhibition that re-examines modernism through two parallel lenses: the poetic legacy of the Arab-Andalusian era and the practices of established contemporary Arab art...

Date: 09/10/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- Flutist and vocalist Naïssam Jalal and oudist Hazem Shaheen compose and perform an intimate, meditative repertoire, bringing together the classical Arabic tradition of improvised taqsim and modern jazz. Initial Listing and Description provided by Platinumlist.

Date: 17/10/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- Sondra Radvanovsky is a star soprano, renowned for her exceptional dramatic presence and a voice of rich, luscious colour and depth. In this programme, accompanied by Vincenzo Scalera, she alternates arias and songs by Bellini, Verdi and Puccini, showcasing her affinity for the Italian bel canto and verismo repertoire. Demonstrating her remarkable versatility, these are set alongside songs by Rachmaninov, the famous Letter Scene from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, and three great songs by tona...

Date: 30/10/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- What happens when the raw energy of 1970s Moroccan music meets the visceral pulse of contemporary hip hop? In Näss (People), choreographer Fouad Boussouf orchestrates a high-octane encounter between seven men, blending traditional North African rhythms with fierce, urban movement. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Moroccan Gnawa musical pioneers Nass el Ghiwane, Boussouf finds a powerful analogy in hip hop’s own quest for identity and roots. The performance is a profound, hypnotic rite; ...

Date: 30/10/2026

Venue: Zayed National Museum

- Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 presents Elham Al Marzooqi, the UAE’s first professional female cello soloist, in an evocative recital celebrating the expressive depth and lyrical voice of the cello. Joined by pianist Sooyeon Jun, this elegant programme spans Baroque masterworks, Romantic lyricism and beloved cinematic melodies, highlighting the intimate dialogue between cello and piano. The evening opens with the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, whose works showcase th...

Date: 07/12/2026

Venue: Zayed National Museum

- Emirati soprano Fatima Al Hashimi, accompanied by pianist Ina Chareli, present a programme blending classical and traditional Arabic repertoire, highlighting both the lyrical qualities of the voice and the nuanced support of the piano. Showcasing their musical sensitivity and interpretive skill, the selection alternates between tender, reflective songs and more vibrant, expressive moments, creating a performance that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Initial Listing and Description p...

Date: 10/12/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- Two astonishing players, the award-winning violinist Lisa Batiashvili and the rising piano star Giorgi Gigashvili, join for a thrilling programme that encompasses Beethoven, Bartók, Franck and a new work by Joseph Bardanashvili. The bold grandeur of Beethoven contrasts with the wild brilliance of Bartók, while Franck’s violin sonata is filled with shimmering colour and graceful lyricism.

Date: 12/12/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- Known for his musical intelligence and elegant virtuosity, Minsoo Sohn plays Book One of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. These 24 preludes and fugues explore the intricacies of all major and minor keys, originally conceived as a teaching exercise but now celebrated as a beloved performance masterpiece. The ear and mind are guided through a progression that fascinates, diverts, and exerts a powerful emotional and intellectual effect.

Date: 19/12/2026

Venue: The Red Theater, The Arts Center

- Oud player, singer, and composer Dhafer Youssef leads his Quintet on a mesmerising journey through soundscapes that bridge East and West. Born in Tunisia, Youssef divides his time between Vienna, Paris, and New York, and his music reflects this global spirit. Rooted in the Arab musical and vocal traditions of North Africa, he masterfully fuses jazz, European classical forms, Turkish influence, and traditional Indian music into sensuous melodies and intricate rhythmic structures. With driving...