The Cultural Foundation, Part Of The Department Of Culture And Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Kicks Off 2026 With A Packed Program Of Performances, Art Exhibitions And Community Programs.

The Cultural Foundation, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced a diverse range of artistic performances, exhibitions, community programs and family activities during the period from January to May 2026, contributing to enhancing the cultural scene in Abu Dhabi.

The upcoming season promises a rich cultural experience, headlined by a diverse program of performances including world-class ballet, children’s theatre, contemporary music, and Emirati theatre, as well as a new edition of the European Film Festival. A major retrospective exhibition will also be presented, tracing the career of artist Shezad Dawood at the midpoint of his creative journey. Meanwhile, the Cultural Foundation’s public programs, art studios, and the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library continue to offer interactive educational experiences and opportunities for creative exploration for audiences of all ages.

Performances

The Cultural Complex kicks off its season with a distinguished program of performances, beginning in January with two masterpieces of classical ballet presented by the Russian Ballet Mari El, in partnership with Art for All. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience the profound emotional depth of Romeo and Juliet on January 9th. Through opulent costumes, evocative sets, and exceptional artistry, this work celebrates the timeless power of love, art, and tradition. This will be followed on January 10th by the enchanting and timeless Cinderella , performed by the Russian Ballet Mari El, renowned for their precision, elegance, and captivating storytelling. With exquisite choreography, breathtaking costumes, and a rich visual narrative suitable for the whole family, Cinderella transports audiences to a dreamlike world where kindness, love, and perseverance triumph over cruelty and hardship.

For younger audiences, the month features two vibrant theatrical productions based on Charlie Cook’s favorite book by Julia Donaldson, taking place on January 23 and 24. These interactive theatrical experiences blend rhythmic storytelling with engaging performance. Presented in partnership with Art for All, the show celebrates curiosity, laughter, and the magic of storytelling.

As part of the Al Hosn Festival, which runs 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,” a journey through the evolution of the national music scene and the transition from cassette tapes to digital platforms, with live performances and art installations documenting decades of creative development.

February’s activities continue with a highly anticipated concert on February 7th, presented by the internationally acclaimed composer Iyad Rimawi , in partnership with Art for All. The renowned artist will perform his works accompanied by a full orchestra featuring distinguished musicians and talented singers.

The public can also attend a screening of the film performance of Akram Khan’s ballet “Giselle” by the English National Ballet on February 15. Presented in collaboration with the British Embassy, ​​the film offers a powerful reimagining of this iconic romantic ballet, immersing the audience in a compelling tale of love, exile, and redemption, revealing “Giselle” as a timeless story relevant to today’s world.

On March 27, the Cultural Complex will present “Reema: Bride of the Desert ,” an Emirati theatrical work that follows the journey of “Reema,” a gazelle that symbolizes purity and tolerance, while the play deals with themes of courage, belonging, and the deep connection between man and nature.

On April 11, the Cultural Complex presents “Riyahiyat ,” an immersive and interactive musical evening exclusively for women, featuring the distinguished artist Lamia Riahi. The event is presented in collaboration with Highways Arabia. Riahi’s powerful voice blends the spirit of the golden age of Arabic music with a sophisticated contemporary touch, drawing on her unique interpretations of classical Tarab, her rich repertoire of songs that defined the 1990s, and the resounding success of “Riyahiyat Tarab Club,” an artistic movement connecting generations of women through the timeless elegance of Arabic music.

In May, audiences will be treated to a vibrant evening of contemporary Gulf jazz with Boom Diwan on May 1st, where traditional Gulf rhythms meet a contemporary improvisational spirit. The band will perform new compositions for the first time during the concert, blending traditional Gulf melodies with contemporary jazz.

This will be followed by a performance of “The Way Home” by award-winning author Oliver Jeffers, taking place on May 8 and 9. The show is a charming theatrical adaptation of an intergalactic tale about a young boy in search of adventure and friendship, and is presented in partnership with Centre Stage Art.

The season concludes with the “European Film Festival 2026” , which takes place from May 19 to 24 and is 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 .

Exhibitions

The exhibition ” Shezad Dawood: The Sense of Dreams ” opens on March 26, marking the artist’s first comprehensive mid-career retrospective. Curated by Jessica Serrasi, the exhibition features over 40 works created over the past 15 years, ranging from paintings and sculptures to large-scale film installations and interactive virtual reality experiences. It offers a comprehensive overview of the breadth, diversity, and evolution of Dawood’s artistic journey. The exhibition’s title, “The Sense of Dreams”—a term used to describe the cinema screen—is taken from one of the central works on display, evoking the blurred lines between imagination and reality.

Dawood’s research-based artistic practice weaves together threads of history, literature, architecture, music, science, and technology to offer audiences a broad perspective on alternative narratives, imagined futures, and the convergence of global cultural traditions. His art highlights two key research areas—modern architecture and ecology—by integrating non-Western traditions with established artistic references. Many of his works are rooted in South Asian history, employing traditional materials in vibrant, richly detailed compositions.

The exhibition was designed to be in direct dialogue with the unique architecture of the cultural complex, responding to its architectural blend that combines the clarity of the Bauhaus school with Islamic geometric patterns, where the works were carefully distributed to promote continuous interaction between Daoud’s artistic vision and the architecture of the host space.

Meanwhile, the groundbreaking ongoing exhibition “Two Clouds in the Night Sky” celebrates the work of pioneering Emirati artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim . The exhibition explores his contemplative, process-driven approach to art, deeply inspired by the natural landscape of his hometown, Khor Fakkan. It is curated by artist-resident Noor Al Muhairbi and assistant curator Madia Al Tamimi. Separately, the group exhibition “And Beyond” explores the element of air and its various states through the lens of Arabic terms, specifically “stillness,” “air,” “breeze,” and “wind.” Featuring multimedia works by fifteen artists, the exhibition is presented by the Darwaza Experimental Art Platform. Both exhibitions will run until February 22.

Community programs

The Cultural Complex’s program season is completed with a packed schedule of cultural dialogues, tours, workshops and community programs, designed to inspire creativity and attract audiences of all ages.

The application period for the Artist Residency Program remains open until January 31, inviting artists to apply for a six-month artist residency aimed at supporting research, development, and the production of new works within the Cultural Complex’s creative environment.

Abu Dhabi Children’s Library

Located in the heart of the Cultural Foundation, the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library provides a dedicated learning and educational space for children up to 14 years old. It offers a rich collection of stories, novels, educational books, biographies, and reference materials in multiple languages, catering to the needs of young readers. This comprehensive and interactive space skillfully blends the UAE’s rich cultural heritage with future-oriented skills. The library inspires a lifelong love of learning and fosters reading, creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement.

 

Through a mix of daily and special programs, the library offers a variety of activities designed to inspire children. Children can participate in a range of events focused on early childhood development, reading, writing, arts and crafts, and exploration, all within interactive learning and play spaces specifically designed for different age groups and providing immersive social environments. By integrating culture and technology, the library creates a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking, and fosters a sense of community. To mark 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will launch a year-round program of family-focused workshops on parenting.

 

As part of continuing to provide specialized art programs for children, the Children’s Arts Center contributes to enriching the educational experience of young people through pioneering courses and workshops aimed at developing their creative skills and enhancing their artistic learning.

 

Art Studios: The Free Studio and the House of Calligraphy

The Cultural Complex continues to offer a wide range of educational courses, workshops, seasonal camps, and special programs for adults, teenagers, youth, and children in its art studios, the House of Calligraphy, and the Free Studio. These spaces provide community members with the opportunity to develop and enhance their artistic skills in a variety of fields, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, fashion design, sewing, and Arabic calligraphy.

 

The Cultural Foundation offers free entry to visitors, with tickets available for select activities. It is open daily from Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Fridays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. For more information about shows, exhibitions, art activities, and to book tickets, please visit culturalfoundation.ae