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Arts & culture · Music festival
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
10 October – 19 December 2026 · Etihad Arena and venues across the city. Everything you need to know about Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 — and how to turn your presence there into weeks of content.
In short
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, the 23rd edition, runs from 10 October to 19 December 2026 at Etihad Arena and other venues in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, it presents orchestral music, ballet, jazz and opera under the theme 'The Wisdom of Culture'. A2Z Digital offers photo, video and social media coverage for sponsors and cultural partners at festival performances.
Details checked against official sources · Updated- Dates
- 10 October – 19 December 2026
- Venue
- Etihad Arena and venues across the city, Yas Island and central Abu Dhabi
- Organiser
- Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)
- Category
- Arts & culture · Music festival
- Official website
- www.abudhabifestival.ae
23rdEdition (2026)
10 weeksFestival season
6+Performance venues
142,000+Visitors to Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad events (2026)
About the event
What is Abu Dhabi Festival?
Abu Dhabi Festival is an annual classical music and arts festival founded by Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo and run by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. The 2026 edition, its 23rd, is themed 'The Wisdom of Culture'. Headline events include the UAE National Orchestra on 10 October, Hans Zimmer on 13 November, American Ballet Theatre on 21 November and jazz musician Dhafer Youssef on 19 December.
Performances take place at Etihad Arena, the Cultural Foundation, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and The Red Theater. A new Children's Biennale opens at Umm Al Emarat Park in November. Sponsors and partners need polished, respectful content that matches the festival's premium tone, from red-carpet arrivals to short performance highlights.
Who takes part
Who you'll meet there
Exhibiting, sponsoring or hosting?01 02 03 04 05 06
We can cover Abu Dhabi Festival for you
A2Z Digital's event photography & videography team covers stands, activations, speakers and side events at Abu Dhabi Festival in Abu Dhabi — with same-day content for your social channels and PR.
VIP & preview coverage
Discreet coverage of previews, openings and VIP moments.
Artist & designer interviews
Short interviews for Instagram, YouTube and press.
Brand activation content
Photo and video for sponsor lounges, pop-ups and hospitality.
Talks & side events
Coverage of panels, dinners and evening events.
Recap film
An elegant highlight film for your website and press.
Your content plan
Before, during & after
Before
Shot list, VIP and speaker schedule, crew passes and a teaser post announcing your presence at Abu Dhabi Festival.
During
Photos and short clips delivered the same day, posted in English and Arabic while the event is trending.
After
Full edited gallery within 48 hours, a highlight film and cut-downs for ads, newsletters and your website.
All year
Reuse the footage in social media and lead generation campaigns until next year's edition.
Practical tips
Get more from Abu Dhabi Festival
Advice from our event crews for making your presence count online.
- Respect rights. We publish only works and people you have permission to show.
- Shoot before the crowds. Booths and installations look best during setup or early hours.
- Mind the light. We bring colour-accurate lighting so work looks true to life.
- Plan evening moments. Many key moments happen at side events — plan beyond opening hours.
FAQ
Abu Dhabi Festival questions
When is Abu Dhabi Festival 2026?
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 takes place on 10 October – 19 December 2026.
Where is Abu Dhabi Festival held?
Abu Dhabi Festival is held at Etihad Arena and venues across the city, Yas Island and central Abu Dhabi.
Who organises Abu Dhabi Festival?
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 is organised by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Check the official website for tickets, registration and exhibitor information.
Who are the headline performers at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026?
Announced headliners include the UAE National Orchestra, Hans Zimmer, American Ballet Theatre and Dhafer Youssef.
Is Abu Dhabi Festival one event or a season?
It is a season of separate ticketed performances, talks and programmes held at different venues between October and December.
Can A2Z Digital cover our brand at Abu Dhabi Festival?
Yes. A2Z Digital provides booth & installation photography, vip & preview coverage, artist & designer interviews and same-day social content for brands, exhibitors and sponsors at Abu Dhabi Festival.
More Abu Dhabi events
Also see: Dubai events · Saudi Arabia events · Egypt events.
A2Z Digital is an independent agency and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the organisers of Abu Dhabi Festival 2026. Event names belong to their owners. Details are taken from official and published sources and may change — always confirm on the official website.
Taking part in Abu Dhabi Festival?
Tell us your dates and stand or venue. We reply within one working day with a coverage plan.