In the heart of the Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Music Arts Foundation (ADMAF) unveils the resplendent tapestry of the 21st Abu Dhabi Festival 2024, poised to be a celebration of artistic brilliance and cultural diversity. Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent for Women Affairs, and Chairperson of the Higher Committee of the Ataya Initiative, the festival bears the powerful slogan of "The Will of Hope."
An exemplary endeavor, this edition of the festival transcends the realms of art and philanthropy. ADMAF, in a noble gesture, has pledged a portion of the ticketing revenue to support the "Tarahum for Gaza" campaign, in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC). It's a harmonious convergence of cultural celebration and social responsibility, echoing the belief that the transformative power of the arts can contribute to meaningful change.
The 21st Abu Dhabi Festival unfolds as a spectacular showcase, embracing a plethora of artistic expressions. From ballet and classical music to jazz, opera, and traditional Arabic events, the festival curates a rich and diverse tapestry of performances. These include co-productions and exclusive commissioned works that promise to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
China, the People's Republic, stands as the guest of honor in this edition, commemorating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In the words of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Founding Honorary Patron of the Abu Dhabi Festival, the event marks the initiation of the third decade of the festival's sustainable journey. This journey, he notes, is a translation of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision and an earnest commitment to fortify the UAE's presence on the global stage.
Sheikh Abdullah underlines the pivotal role of culture and arts in nurturing hope, promoting coexistence, peace, and human fraternity. In a world where the power of artistic expression can transcend borders and foster understanding, the Abu Dhabi Festival emerges as a cultural ambassador, delivering a message of tolerance and unity.
As the festival coincides with the 52nd National Day of the UAE and the hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), it takes on additional significance. It becomes a testament to the nation's commitment to environmental awareness and the fight against climate change, aligning culture with the urgent global need for sustainability.
Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, emphasizes the strategic importance of such cultural events in consolidating the UAE's cultural efforts. By hosting the Abu Dhabi Festival, the UAE seeks to foster creativity and empower artistic talents, contributing to the global dialogue of cultures and fortifying the nation's cultural legacy.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the festival's role in nurturing creativity and building bridges of dialogue and communication between diverse cultures. The Abu Dhabi Festival stands not merely as an event but as a beacon, radiating the UAE's commitment to the transformative power of the arts and its dedication to fostering a world where creativity knows no bounds and cultural diplomacy thrives. In the harmony of artistic expression and philanthropic endeavors, the festival exemplifies the UAE's unwavering belief in the unifying language of art.
