If you’re a lover of those smooth tunes, you’re in for a massive treat, with Abu Dhabi being the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2025!
The Abu Dhabi events calendar continues to be a gift that keeps on giving and this is no exception. In just 50 days, the UAE capital will be swinging to the smooth sounds of jazz, blending its rich Arabian heritage with the timeless rhythms of the genre.

This extraordinary event will bring together world-renowned artists, led by Herbie Hancock, a multiple Grammy-winning jazz icon.
The lineup features some of the most celebrated and award-winning figures in jazz, ensuring a prestigious and globally recognized performance. The performance will weave together Maqamat, rhythmic complexity, and Western harmonies, creating a rich, genre-defying soundscape that embodies the global spirit of jazz.
What can we expect at the International Jazz Day lineup this year?
Set against the stunning backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s cultural grandeur, this landmark event will serve as a powerful tribute to jazz’s ability to unite cultures and inspire audiences worldwide.
International Jazz Day isn’t just about the concerts, as always, Abu Dhabi is going the extra mile with community outreach. Schools across the emirate will get an extra dose of rhythm with workshops and masterclasses, inspiring the next generation of musicians to pick up a sax and start swinging.
While the full line-up is still awaited, expect an electrifying mix of global jazz legends and local talent coming together for one unforgettable night.
Since its inception by UNESCO in 2011, International Jazz Day has reached over 2 billion people, celebrating jazz as a force for dialogue, freedom of expression and cultural unity. This year, Abu Dhabi is set to take it to new heights.
Watch this space for more updates!
Details:
Tickets: TBA, but you can register at Etihad Arena
What: International Jazz Day 2025 across the city
When: 30 April