The UAE capital’s events calendar is heating up and how with the complete line-up of Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 now revealed.
From February to April, get ready for a showstopping season of music, ballet, and jaw-dropping performances.
This year is honouring Japan under the theme ‘Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony’, marking over 50 years of diplomatic ties with the UAE. So get ready to see some of Japan’s biggest musical talents right here in town!
Take a look and get booking!
Check out the complete line-up at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025
New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
Kicking things off with one of Japan’s top orchestras, the night presents Puccini’s Turandot and Manon Lescaut, with American tenor Jonathan Tetelman as a special guest. Night two sees pianist Kyohei Sorita take on Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1, before the orchestra closes with a stunning performance of Yasushi Akutagawa’s Triptyque for Strings Orchestra.
Details:
- When: 7 and 8 February, 8 pm
- Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
- Tickets: Starting AED 100, visit PlatinumList
Kodo
This legendary Japanese drumming troupe has performed in over 50 countries so you know Abu Dhabi’s in for a great time. Expect a high-energy show blending music and theatre, with the centrepiece being a three-tonne drum carved from a single tree.
Details:
- When: 8 and 9 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Yunchan Lim
At just 18 years old, this South Korean pianist made history as the youngest-ever Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medal winner. Bringing his skills to the UAE, his debut will see a performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Details:
- When: 11 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Kuniko Kato
Kuniko Kato is a dazzling prodigy percussionist whose career has taken her all around the world, from Japan to the Netherlands and beyond. Expect interpretations of pieces by Iannis Xenakis, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, and Unsuk Chin – played on everything from the xylophone to the marimba.
Details:
- When: 14 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Blue Hall, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Katia & Marielle Labèque
The French sibling duo remain favourites of Philip Glass, and they’ve devised a typically original and innovative musical programme for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival. So if you’re looking for a dreamy and magical night out – this one’s just the ticket.
Details:
- When: 16 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra
This South Korean orchestra is serving up an incredible mix of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and South Korean composer Geon-Yong Lee’s Princess Bari. The second show will feature stunning duets by US soprano Jessica Pratt and Mexican tenor Javier Camarena, with opera classics from Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi.
Details:
- When: 18 and 29 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Augustin Hadelich
Grammy-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich is all set to dazzle in a wonderfully contrasting programme of old and new music. The iconic artist promises works by Bach, Coleridge-Taylor, Ysaÿe and David Lang. Expect technical brilliance and soul-stirring melodies from one of the greatest violinists of our time.
Details:
- When: 21 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Blue Hall, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
All-Star Ballet Gala
Dancers from the UK’s Royal Ballet and Germany’s Bayerisches Staatsballett will take the stage for an evening of classic and contemporary pieces. Ballet fans are not going to want to miss this one!
Details:
- When: 22 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Unique Encounters with Rising Stars
Palestinian violinist Yamen Saadi, Spanish violinist Sara Ferrández, Austrian cellist Kian Soltani, and Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández come together for a night of breathtaking music. Four prodigies, one stage – don’t miss it.
Details:
- When: 26 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList
Riley Mulherkar
Jazz lovers, rejoice. This American trumpeter, a Lincoln Centre Emerging Artist Award winner, is known for blending jazz, modern classical, and folk. Expect an exhilarating performance packed with style and swagger.
Details:
- When: 29 April, from 7.30 pm
- Where: The Black Box, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
- Tickets: Starting AED 175, visit PlatinumList