Abu Dhabi Festival 2026: A Cultural Extravaganza

Sep 11, 2026

68 min

Sep 11, 2026 08:32

Abu Dhabi Festival 2026: Hans Zimmer, ballet and UAE National Orchestra headline new season

## Festival Highlights

The Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 is set to captivate audiences with a diverse lineup of performances starting October 10. The UAE National Orchestra, led by François López-Ferrer and featuring pianist David Khrikuli, will kick off the event at Etihad Arena.

## Hans Zimmer's Return

Renowned composer Hans Zimmer will grace the festival on November 13 with his 'The Next Level' tour, showcasing innovative renditions of his iconic film scores. This performance will blend orchestral and electronic elements, promising a unique musical experience.

## Ballet and Opera

The American Ballet Theatre will perform at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on November 21, presenting a mix of classical and contemporary ballet. Following this, the Arab world premiere of 'Algarabía' will take place on November 26, a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Festival and international partners.

## Grand Finale

The festival will conclude on December 19 at Louvre Abu Dhabi with a performance by Tunisian composer Dhafer Youssef and his Quintet, offering a fusion of traditional and modern sounds.

## Children's Biennale

A new addition this year is the Children's Biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park, running from November 6 to December 6. This event, curated by Dana Al Mazrouei, will feature interactive artworks by nine artists, including several UAE-based talents. The biennale aims to foster creativity and environmental awareness among families through various workshops and activities.

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