Abu Dhabi Festival 2026: Jon Batiste, Hauser, Dhafer Youssef and American Ballet Theatre to perform

Soulful, virtuosic performances, ballet works spanning the playful and the grave, and a dedicated programme for Emirati musicians are on the cards at the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival.

The line-up reflects on 50 years of cultural and diplomatic ties with the US, this year’s country of honour.

Taking place under the theme the Wisdom of Culture, the festival will take place across several venues in the capital, including Emirates Palace, NYU Abu Dhabi and Etihad Arena.

“For more than two decades, Abu Dhabi Festival has reflected the UAE’s unwavering dedication to uniting heritage and modernity, tradition and innovation,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and founding honorary patron of Abu Dhabi Festival.

“Through co-productions and premieres in collaboration with leading cultural institutions and festivals, it has elevated the presence of Emirati and Arab creativity on the global stage,” he said. “The 2026 edition continues this formidable legacy, bringing leading international artists to the stages of Abu Dhabi – a global cultural capital and Unesco City of Music – while showcasing Emirati talent alongside their global counterparts.”

Here are the highlights from the 2026 Abu Dhabi Festival.

Jon Batiste, April 12

Award-winning pianist Jon Batiste blends jazz, soul, classical and R&B sounds. AFP

Few musicians can balance virtuosity with storytelling as effectively as Jon Batiste, as evident in the accolades the US pianist has received. Batiste has won several Grammy awards. In 2024, he won two for his biographical music film American Symphony, which unpacks a year of the composer’s life while delving into his wife’s, author Suleika Jaouad, struggle with leukaemia. Batiste also won an Oscar for Best Original Score for his work on Pixar’s Soul, sharing the award with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Batiste is being featured at Abu Dhabi Festival as part of the Maestro series. His solo performance will spotlight his unique approach on the piano, blending jazz, classical, R&B and soul influences.

Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm; Emirates Palace Auditorium

Dhafer Youssef, April 14

Oud maestro Dhafer Youssef will lead a quintet and perform tracks from his album Shiraz. Photo: Abu Dhabi Festival

Dhafer Youssef will bridge sounds from the East and West in a performance with his quintet. Known for his transcendental vocals and mastery of the oud, the Tunisian maestro is celebrated for merging jazz principles with Arab and North African musical traditions, while also drawing from European classical, Turkish and Indian sources.

His concerts are often cutting-edge, textured with electronic elements. He is expected to perform tracks from his latest album Shiraz, which has been described as his most personal, centred on his relationship with his wife, filmmaker Shiraz Fradi.

Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm; The Red Theater in NYU