School buses to global stages: 30-year story of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, the founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, reflects on the foundation's 30-year journey that has preserved and shared cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi. Growing up in Beirut, Kanoo was immersed in music, art, and culture, which later became the foundation's mission. The foundation began as a small desk within the Abu Dhabi offices of the Kanoo Group, an established Gulf family business.

Kanoo recognized the importance of cultural access, particularly for young people, and began organizing school visits to the Cultural Foundation for concerts, operas, and ballets. Initially, the foundation relied on Kanoo and her husband's funding, as they lacked the resources to seek public or private funding. As the foundation expanded, it partnered with schools, the Cultural Foundation, Al Ain, Dubai, and Liwa.

Performances were accompanied by workshops and masterclasses, and artists shared their experiences with students. The foundation's flagship event, Abu Dhabi Festival, was launched in 2004, offering major performances alongside school visits, workshops, talks, and masterclasses. The festival attracted international artists and ensembles, fostering collaborations that exposed Emirati talent to co-commissions and potential opportunities abroad.

Kanoo emphasizes the importance of nurturing young people's curiosity and providing them with diverse experiences, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their future.