Abu Dhabi Festival 2026: Hans Zimmer, UAE National Orchestra and Children’s Biennale among highlights of 23rd edition

Abu Dhabi Festival is set to return for its 23rd edition this autumn, with a programme featuring orchestral performances, ballet, jazz, dance, recitals, community events and large-scale productions.

The festival will run from October 10 to December 19, 2026, under the theme “The Wisdom of Culture”, bringing together Emirati and international artists across venues in Abu Dhabi.

The festival will open on October 10 with a performance by the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena. François López-Ferrer will conduct the concert and will feature pianist David Khrikuli as part of the opening night programme.

Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer will also perform in Abu Dhabi as part of his “The Next Level” tour on November 13 at Etihad Arena. The performance will feature music from some of his best-known film scores, presented with a live orchestra and electronic elements.

A major highlight of this year’s festival will be the debut of the Children’s Biennale in November at Umm Al Emarat Park.

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Organisers describe it as the Arab world’s first dedicated outdoor children’s art biennale. The initiative will see children work with teaching artists to create artworks using sustainable materials, with the completed pieces displayed across the park during November.

The programme is part of the festival’s activities marking the UAE’s Year of the Family and aims to encourage children’s participation, creativity and engagement with art.

Alongside its headline performances, Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 will include jazz, ballet, dance performances, recitals and community events.The festival will also continue its education and community initiatives, offering arts and music experiences for schools, young people and families.

The 2026 edition follows the continued expansion of Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad, which has attracted more than 142,000 visitors through events held in the United States, South Korea, Austria, Spain and Lebanon.

The 2026 edition will also mark the 30th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), which was founded in 1996 and launched Abu Dhabi Festival in 2004.

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