Between belonging and becoming, stories of the city's talents

Abu Dhabi's Emirati composer Ihab Darwish walked miles to bring his symphonic compositions to life. The Emirati composer envisioned his music as a cultural bridge between nations, reflecting the UAE's openness and tolerance. The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) supported his debut symphonic album, Waves of My Life, leading to international performances. Darwish considers Abu Dhabi the soil where his dreams found voice, building a cultural identity that transcends borders.

Young Emirati pianist Dana Alkatheeri, encouraged by her father, discovered music's power to tell stories and share culture. She faced challenges in defining her musical identity and courageously moved from playing to composing. In 2024, she won the Gulf Capital ADMAF creativity Award, and her work 'The Founder's Legacy' merged music and history. The award opened doors for Alkatheeri, including performances at Abu Dhabi Festival and Expo 2025 Osaka.

Emirati women like Alkatheeri preserve the UAE's cultural identity through various artistic mediums. Jewellery artist Noura Alserkal's career began at nine with a drawing competition. She now creates artworks inspired by her family history and materials, bridging the past and present. ADMAF supports artists by providing a 'little push' and fostering dialogue, helping them build a community around creativity.

Abu Dhabi has become a global stage for international performances and artistic premieres, maintaining a deep-rooted connection to its cultural heritage.