The Cultural Foundation begins 2026 with a program full of performances
ABU DHABI, 5 JANUARY / WAM / The Cultural Foundation, affiliated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, announced a variety of artistic performances, exhibitions, community programs and family activities, from this January to next May.
The upcoming season promises rich cultural experiences, topped by a diverse program of performances in addition to a new edition of the European Film Festival.
It also presents a landmark retrospective that traces the career of artist Shezad Daoud in the middle of his creative journey. Meanwhile, the Cultural Foundation’s public programs, art studios and Abu Dhabi Children’s Library continue to provide interactive educational experiences and opportunities for creative exploration for audiences of all ages.
The Cultural Foundation begins its season by presenting a distinguished program of performances starting in January with two classical ballet masterpieces presented by the Russian Ballet Marie Elle, in partnership with Art for All.
The audience will have the opportunity to experience the strong emotional depth of the Romeo and Juliet show on January 9, through luxurious costumes, touching decorations, and exceptional artistic performance.
It will be followed on January 10 by the timeless, enchanting show Cinderella, presented by the dancers of the Russian Ballet Marie Elle, who are known for their precision, elegance, and ability to narrate moving dramatic narratives.
For younger audiences, the month will witness two lively theatrical performances based on Charlie Cook’s favorite book by author Julia Donaldson on January 23 and 24, offering an interactive theatrical experience that combines rhythmic narration and engaging theatrical performance.
As part of the Al Hosn Festival, from January 17 to February 1, the Cultural Foundation presents “The Journey of Emirati Music: From Cassette Tape to the Digital Age – The Evolution of the Emirati Sound.”
February activities continue with an upcoming concert on February 7, presented by international composer Iyad Al-Rimawi, in partnership with Art4All. The international artist will present his works at the concert, accompanied by a full orchestra that includes distinguished musicians and talented singers.
Audiences can also attend a screening of Akram Khan’s performance film of Akram Khan’s ballet “Giselle” presented by the English National Ballet on February 15.
On March 27, the Cultural Foundation will present “Rima: Bride of the Desert,” an Emirati theatrical work that follows the journey of “Rima,” the doe that symbolizes purity and tolerance, while the play addresses themes of courage, belonging, and the deep connection between man and nature.
On April 11, the Cultural Foundation presents “Riyahiyat,” an immersive, interactive musical evening for women only, with distinguished artist Lamia Riahi, and in May, audiences will enjoy “Gulf Jazz with Boom Diwan,” a lively evening of contemporary Gulf jazz presented by the Boom Diwan Band on May 1, followed by “The Way Back Home” by award-winning writer Oliver Jeffers, which takes place on May 8 and 9.
The season concludes with the European Film Festival 2026, from May 19 to 24, presented in partnership with the European Union Delegation to the UAE, showcasing a diverse selection of films, discussions and interactions with filmmakers in celebration of the richness of European cinema.
“Shezad Daoud: The Sense of Dreams” opens on March 26, marking the first comprehensive retrospective of the artist’s mid-career work.
The exhibition, curated by curator Jessica Serasi, includes more than 40 artworks created over the past fifteen years, ranging from paintings, sculptures, large-scale film installations, and interactive virtual reality experiences.
The ongoing groundbreaking exhibition Two Clouds in the Night Sky celebrates the work of pioneering Emirati artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim.
The Cultural Foundation’s programming season is completed with a packed program of cultural dialogues, tours, workshops and community programmes, designed to inspire creativity and attract audiences of all ages.
Applications for the Artistic Residency Program remain open until January 31, when artists are invited to apply for a six-month artistic residency aimed at supporting research, development and production of new works within the Cultural Foundation’s creative ecosystem.
The Cultural Foundation continues to offer a wide range of educational courses, workshops, seasonal camps, and special programs for adults, adolescents, youth, and children in its art studios, Calligraphy House, and Al-Marsam Al-Hurra. These spaces provide community members with the opportunity to develop and enhance their artistic skills in a variety of fields, such as drawing, fine photography, sculpture, pottery, fashion design, sewing, and Arabic calligraphy.
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