Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 opens with UAE National Orchestra concert

The 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival kicked off at the Etihad Arena with a concert by the UAE National Orchestra, showcasing international musical talent. The festival, themed 'The Wisdom of Culture', was inaugurated by UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

Other notable attendees included Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, and Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi Festival. The UAE National Orchestra's managing director, Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, was also present.

The opening performance was led by the UAE National Orchestra, conducted by Francois Lopez-Ferrer, a recipient of the 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. Georgian pianist David Khrikuli joined as the evening's soloist. The concert featured three classical works: Franz von Suppe's Overture to Light Cavalry, Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Antonín Dvorak's Symphony No. 8.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo highlighted how the festival embodied the UAE's resilience, coexistence, and peace commitment, reflecting the nation's identity and the cherished values of its people. The Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 is set to continue until December 19, featuring performances by international artists, ensembles, and Emirati talent at Abu Dhabi's top cultural venues.