The 22nd Abu Dhabi Festival returns this April with a show-stopping line-up of Arab world premieres

From Grammy-winning musicians to a tribute to Quincy Jones, here’s what not to miss this April

Abu Dhabi is tuning up for one of its biggest cultural highlights of the year. The 22nd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival is back this April, with an exciting schedule that celebrates artistry, community and international talent.

Running from 9 to 29 April 2025, the festival shines a spotlight on the long-standing diplomatic ties between the UAE and this year’s Country of Honour—Japan, while also aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community. With a line-up of Arab World Premieres, exclusive performances, and cross-cultural showcases, this month-long celebration offers an unmissable mix of things to do in Abu Dhabi for culture lovers.

Here are the highlights from the Festival taking place at NYU Abu Dhabi:

Kodō – Japanese Taiko Drumming Comes Alive

8–9 April at 7:30 PM | The Red Theater, NYUAD

Prepare to feel the beat—literally—as Kodō, Japan’s iconic taiko drumming ensemble, brings their explosive energy to Abu Dhabi in an Arab World Premiere. With over 7,000 performances across 50+ countries, Kodō pushes the rhythmic limits of the traditional taiko drum, creating an immersive sound experience that’s both ancient and innovative.

Yunchan Lim – The Viral Piano Prodigy

11 April at 7:30 PM | The Red Theater, NYUAD

Classical music’s rising star, Yunchan Lim, takes the stage for an Arab World Premiere performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. The youngest-ever winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (at just 18!), Lim made waves with his viral Liszt Etudes—now with over 10 million views online.

Kuniko Kato – Percussion Meets Precision

14 April at 7:30 PM | The Blue Hall, NYUAD

Globally acclaimed percussionist Kuniko Kato brings her unique blend of virtuosity and artistry to the Festival. Known for her work with Steve Reich and for reimagining classical percussion, this performance promises to be one for the books.

Katia & Marielle Labèque – Sisters in Sync

16 April at 7:30 PM | The Red Theater, NYUAD

Piano power duo Katia and Marielle Labèque return with a fresh programme that fuses Philip Glass’s minimalismwith the lush impressionism of Ravel. Expect their signature blend of emotional depth and technical brilliance.

Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra – Two Nights of Musical Mastery

18 & 20 April at 7:30 PM | The Red Theater, NYUAD

Making their Arab World debut, the KNUA Symphony Orchestra will perform under the direction of renowned conductor Professor Chi-Yong Chung, with soloists Jaewon Wee (violin) and Sang Hyeok Park (cello). On 20 April, the orchestra returns with opera stars Jessica Pratt and Javier Camarena, led by Toufic Maatouk.

Augustin Hadelich – A Grammy-Winning Debut

21 April at 7:30 PM | The Blue Hall, NYUAD

Catch the Arab World Premiere of Augustin Hadelich, the Grammy-winning violinist performing a moving programme of Bach, Coleridge-Taylor, Ysaÿe, and David Lang.

All-Star Ballet Gala – An Evening of Elegance

22 April at 7:30 PM | The Red Theater, NYUAD

This glamorous gala brings together stars from the Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, and more. Featuring the likes of Elisa Badenes, Léonore Baulac, and Prix de Lausanne winners, it’s a must-see for ballet fans.

Unique Encounters with Rising Stars

26 April at 7:30 PM | The Red Theater, NYUAD

Experience an ensemble of young musical powerhouses including Vienna Philharmonic’s Yamen Saadi, Sara Ferrández, Kian Soltani, and Pablo Ferrández. Expect string brilliance and next-gen musical storytelling.

Riley Mulherkar – A Tribute to Quincy Jones

29 April at 7:30 PM | The Black Box, NYUAD

Closing the Festival is a special tribute to Quincy Jones, performed by celebrated jazz trumpeter Riley Mulherkar and The Westerlies. It’s the perfect note to end this month-long celebration of global talent—and also part of the UAE's hosting of UNESCO’s International Jazz Day 2025.

Whether you're into contemporary percussion, classical piano, ballet or jazz, Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 offers one of the most exciting things to do in Abu Dhabi this April.

For more details and tickets, visit www.abudhabifestival.ae