DCT Abu Dhabi announces a robust cultural programme taking place throughout April and May 2025 in celebration of International Jazz Day 2025.
As the designated Global Host City, Abu Dhabi will bring together international and regional musical talent through live performances, community activations, and educational opportunities. The celebration will culminate in the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at Etihad Arena on 30 April 2025.
Launched in 2012 by UNESCO and the United Nations, Jazz Day is the one day each year during which jazz is celebrated worldwide by people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.
The 2025 edition will spotlight Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, blending Arab and Emirati traditions. Audiences will experience a fusion of local classical instruments, such as the Oud, Qanoon, and Ney, with Arabic Jazz, emphasizing the interplay of local musical traditions and jazz’s global resonance.
As a UNESCO City of Music, Abu Dhabi is proud to present a dynamic series of events that blend global jazz traditions with the rich musical heritage of the region.
The Story
This is a success story for Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a vibrant cultural centre that celebrates diverse art forms, showcasing the emirate’s commitment to fostering global artistic dialogues. The city is set to host world-class cultural events, attracting international audiences and elevating its standing on the global cultural map. International Jazz Day will be a platform for local artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners to collaborate and perform alongside international talent, showcasing homegrown talent. The month-long celebration reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position a UNESCO Creative City of Music, and its long-term efforts in preserving, promoting and celebrating culture.
Programme Highlights
- 1–30 April – MiZa Listening Spaces, curated by Amin Fari (MiZa Radio)
- 4 April – Enzo Favata’s Starship Ethnic Jazz Concert, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Abu Dhabi
- 5 April – Masterclass for Saxophone & Clarinet Students, Istituto Italiano di Cultura
- 15 April – Fola Dada Live, Manarat Al Saadiyat
- 18 April – The Portrait of Italian Jazz, Motel Kaiju Quintet at Manarat Al Saadiyat
- 25 April – Bait Al Oud Jazz Band, Cultural Foundation
- 26 April – Bait Al Oud Live, Jazz Club
- 28 April – Hayato Sumino (Cateen): Human Universe, Cultural Foundation
- 28 April – Workshop with Trumpeter Riley Mulherkar, The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi
- 27-29 April – Jazz Performance Series, Culture Summit, Manarat Al Saadiyat
- 29 April – Film Screening: Pino Daniele – Nero a Metà, Istituto Italiano di Cultura
- 29 April – Arab World Premiere: Riley Mulherkar, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
- 29 April – Jazz Night at Berklee Abu Dhabi featuring:
- Esperanza Spalding
- Hüsnü Şenlendirici
- Charbel Rouhana
- Mayssa Karaa
- HeJAZZ ensemble
- 30 April – Pop-Up Concert, Apple Store, Galleria Mall
- 30 April – International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert, Etihad Arena
- 2 May – Khaleeji Jazz, Fathy Salama & UAE Drummers, Cultural Foundation
- 3 May – Bait Al Oud Emirati Fusion: A Journey through Jazz Music, Cultural Foundation
- 17 May – The Temple’s Abu Dhabi Debut, The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi
*An additional line-up will be announced at a later stage.
Flagship Event – All Star Global Concert at Etihad Arena
Date: 30 April 2025
Venue: Etihad Arena
Led by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock and hosted by Jeremy Irons, the concert features a remarkable line-up of artists from around the world, including:
- Arqam Al Abri, Elham Al Marzooqi (UAE)
- John Beasley, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lyne Carrington, Marcus Miller, John Pizzarelli, Dianne Reeves, Arturo Sandoval, José James, Kenny Barron, Emmet Cohen, Kurt Elling, Ruthie Foster, Tia Fuller, John Patitucci, Elena Pinderhughes, Kendrick Scott, Janis Siegel and more (USA)
- A Bu (China)
- John McLaughlin (UK)
- Hélène Mercier (France/Canada)
- Linda May Han Oh (Australia)
- Naseer Shamma (Iraq)
- Danilo Pérez (Panama)
- Varijashree Venugopal (India)
- Rhani Krija (Morocco)
- Tomoaki Baba (Japan)
- Etienne Charles (Trinidad)
- Oran Etkin (Israel)
- Nils Landgren(Sweden)
- David Sánchez(Puerto Rico)
Programme Partners
- Cultural Foundation
- Manarat Al Saadiyat
- Abu Dhabi Classics
- Abu Dhabi Festival (ADMAF)
- Public Art Abu Dhabi
- Culture Summit Abu Dhabi
- MiZa
- The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
- Berklee Abu Dhabi
- Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Abu Dhabi
- Jazz Club
- Apple Store, Galleria Mall
ORGANISERS & PARTNERS
Organisers & Partners
- DCT Abu Dhabi
- UNESCO
- Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
- Abu Dhabi Media Network (Broadcast Partner)
WEBSITES:
Websites
Website: abudhabiculture.ae
International Jazz Day: jazzday.com
Additional updates will be shared across Abu Dhabi Culture’s social media channels:
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