Past Events
January 2021
Under The Radar Festival
The Public Theater (New York City)
Inua Ellams’ Borders & Crossings
Spoken Word Theater
At a Crossroad Between Edges
December 2020
Virtual concert
Nostalgia - ADCG Fall Musical Review
Produced by Abu Dhabi Choral Group
Get nostalgic with 10 years of ADCG’s hits.
Get focused
Music to Draw to - Kid Koala
Live online broadcast of quiet time records
International turntable wizard, Kid Koala spins a set for deep inspiration.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
You Will Die at Twenty - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Prophesied to die at 20, a teen seeks to escape fate.
November 2020
A Celebration of Culture and Heritage
Hekayah | The Story
UAE National Day Celebration
Hekayah | The Story brings together poets, singers, and musicians to celebrate UAE National Day.
Middle East Online Debut
Ak Dan Gwang Chil (ADG7)
Presented in partnership with The Korean Cultural Center as part of The UAE – Korea Cultural Dialogue and supported by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange.
Ritual Folk Pop from Korea combining virtuosity, charisma, and pure energy.
Relive the World Premiere, commissioned by The Arts Center
#JeSuis - Aakash Odedra Company
Contemporary Dance
An ensemble work choreographed by Aakash Odedra exploring the relevance of a life in conflict.
Relive the performance online
Murmur 2.0 - Aakash Odedra Company
Contemporary Dance
The acclaimed UK-based dancer Aakash Odedra explores his own childhood struggles through a nexus of light, sound, design, and movement.
Online concert
Toshi Reagon - Sacred Transmission - Post-Election Show
Filmed live at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, NY
Toshi Reagon presents a powerful post-election evening as she gathers her community for a concert following the US Election. Filmed live at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater (NY) on Nov 4, 2020.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Sofia - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Sofia, 20, lives with her parents in Casablanca. Following a denial of pregnancy, she finds herself illegally giving birth to a baby out of wedlock.
October 2020
Middle East Debut
Short Films by Sam Green
Films by the Academy Award nominated director
A collection of shorts set in a series of unique, unconventional settings.
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
Petite and Grande - Piano Recital with Ioannis Potamousis
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
The New Colossus of the Keys, a piano recital presented by Ioannis Potamousis.
Middle East Premiere
A Thousand Ways: A Phone Call by 600 HIGHWAYMEN
A one-on-one phone experience with someone
An enthralling, imaginative, and profound social experience.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Scales - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A dystopian story of a young strong-willed girl, Hayat, who lives in a poor fishing village governed by tradition in which every family must give one daughter to the sea creatures.
Interactive fun for the whole family
Robot Dance Party - Kid Koala
Commissioned by The Arts Center
An epic robot themed dance party
Middle East Premiere
As Far As Isolation Goes - Tania El Khoury & Basel Zaraa
1-on-1 Multi-sensory online performance
1-on-1 Multi-Sensory performance on mental health and the refugee experience
June 2020
Online Debut
ADCG Quarantania Mania Virtual Concert
Presented in Partnership with Abu Dhabi Choral Group
ADCG brings you the music you love, reworked to our new COVID-19 realities.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
CARTOGRAPHY - Kaneza Schaal & Christopher Myers
Part of World Refugee Day
Revisit CARTOGRAPHY, an exploration of our lives through the lens of four refugees
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
DATA NOT FOUND - Kaki King
Middle East Debut - Co-commissioned by The Arts Center - NYUAD Class of 2020 Choice
Revisit a multimedia concert by visionary guitarist and composer Kaki King in DATA NOT FOUND, a gripping meditation on the data we live with, and the data we leave behind.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Ethiopian Dreams - Circus Abyssinia
Family Matinee - Members Choice
Relive the Circus: Heart-stopping acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and contortion to live music.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
ink - Camille A. Brown & Dancers
UAE Debut
Revisit Camille A. Brown’s ink: a celebration of African American social dance.
May 2020
Spoken word, poetry, music
Rooftop Rhythms - Virtual Poetry Open Mic Night
8th Season
Spoken word done right
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Sufism vs Modernism - Fathy Salama with Sheikh Mahmoud Tohamy
The sounds and rhythms of traditional Sufi chanting and contemporary Arabian jazz
The Arab world’s only Grammy winner collaborates with the inspiring Egyptian Sufi chanter.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Holoscenes
Lars Jan / Early Morning Opera
Revisit Lars Jan’s Holoscenes, a beautifully captivating durational performance-installation that embodies the impact of climate change.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Nik Bärtsch’s Mobile
The Abu Dhabi Resonance Square Ritual. Commissioned by The Arts Center
Revisit more than six hours of highlights of the ground-breaking 27-hour “Ritual Groove Music” performance installation.
April 2020
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Al Burda Festival
Contemporary Visions of Islamic Music
Revisit the Musical Performances from Al Burda Festival
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Reconnect. Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower - The Concert Version
Created by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon
A mesmerizing theatrical work of rare power and beauty that reveals deep insights on gender, race and the future of human civilization.
Re-imagining Community: Cross-Cultural Collaboration in the Age of Physical Distancing
John Beasley and Ihab Darwish
Presented in partnership with the US Embassy Abu Dhabi as part of Off The Stage
Cross cultural and continental exchange.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Cuban-Khaleeji Project
Featuring Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra + Yazz Ahmed (Bahrain / UK) + Boom.Diwan (Kuwait / UAE) + Malika Zarra (Morocco / France) + Ali Obaid (UAE)
Revisit this one of a kind musical journey exploring the traditions and sounds of seafaring cultures from the Gulf and North Africa to Cuba.
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
47SOUL
Electro Arabic Dabke (Shamstep)
Revisit 47SOUL’s Electro Arabic Dabke (Shamstep) sound
Reconnect. An Online Series
Watching Performances from our Archives. Together.
Maysoon Zayid
Stand-up Comedy
Revisit the hilarious Maysoon Zayid’s Abu Dhabi Debut.
March 2020
Cancelled
The Storyville Mosquito - Kid Koala
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
Live animated graphic novel performed, filmed, and scored in real time
Jazz Concert. For Members of The Arts Center or by invitation only.
John Beasley’s MONK’estra Quartet
Presented by The US Embassy Abu Dhabi
The acclaimed pianist expands the classic jazz tradition adding contemporary harmonies, unstoppable grooves, and a contagious sense of fun.
February 2020
2nd Edition
ElectroFest
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
Cutting-edge electronic music, video and sound art, and improvisation.
Middle East Premiere
CARTOGRAPHY - Kaneza Schaal & Christopher Myers
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
Stories of Reinvention
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
NYUAD Music Faculty in Concert
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
A fresh and rich program of contemporary classical music recitals by faculty from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Music Program.
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
UAE Debut Presented by the NYU Abu Dhabi Music Program
Solo Piano for One and Encore for Four
Piano Recital
A piano recital featuring Ioannis Potamousis with guest pianists: Elizabeth Han, Matthew Quayle, and Christos Plachouras, performing works by Beethoven, Koumendakis, Liszt, and Wilberg.
January 2020
6 ground breaking bands across 3 stages
Barzakh Festival - Sofiane Saidi & Mazalda + AMMAR 808 + BCUC + Bokante + La Dame Blanche + NOON Play Umm Kulthum
Discover the music
A musical meeting place of genre-shattering artists in a new single night, multi-stage format.
UAE Premiere
Al Raheel | Departure - Reem Almenhali & Joanna Settle
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi and Cultural Foundation
Contemporary Performance from the UAE
December 2019
UAE Debut - Piano Recital
Awadagin Pratt
Presented in partnership with the NYUAD Music Program and the NYUAD Institute
Internationally acclaimed pianist Awadagin Pratt performs Beethoven, Franck, and Liszt.
November 2019
Celebration of culture and heritage
Hekayah | The Story
UAE National Day Celebration - Presented under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
Hekayah | The Story brings together poets, singers, and musicians.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Of Fathers and Sons - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Talal Derki returns to his homeland, where he gains the trust of a radical Islamist family, sharing their daily life over two years.
Middle East Premiere
DATA NOT FOUND - Kaki King
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
Multimedia concert by visionary guitarist and composer
Concert for Change the World Model UN Emirates 2019
Francesco De Gregori
Returning to the UAE, by popular demand
Francesco De Gregori performs the hits that made him one of Italy's most successful artists of all time.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Mafak (Screwdriver) - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A man experiences a physical and emotional toll when he returns home after spending 15 years in an Israeli jail.
October 2019
Middle East Debut
BIPED / How to Pass, Kick, Fall and Run - CNDC d’Angers with Gavin Bryars
Merce Cunningham Centennial Celebration
Two masterpieces by one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
What Comes Around - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
In one of the poorest neighborhoods of Cairo, the community is the only way for hope.
Annual Mainstage Student Production Presented by the NYUAD Theater Program
The Caucasian Chalk Circle
By Bertolt Brecht. Directed by Orlando Pabotoy
One of Bertolt Brecht's most famous epic plays in a new production by NYU Abu Dhabi’s Theater program.
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
NYUAD Music Recital Series
NYUAD Music Faculty in Concert
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
A fresh and rich program of contemporary classical music recitals by faculty from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Music Program.
September 2019
UAE Premiere - Arab / East African Crossroads
Sufism vs Modernism - Fathy Salama with Sheikh Mahmoud Tohamy / Zanzibari Taarab & Kidumbak - Dhow Countries Music Academy
NYUAD Music Program Collaboration - Proudly supported by Al Burda, a platform for Islamic arts and culture
An extraordinary double bill exploring Arab sounds of the African continent, from Egypt to Zanzibar.
Middle East Debut
Flight - Vox Motus
Based on Hinterland by Caroline Brothers. Adapted by Oliver Emanuel
Immersive Storytelling, Told in Miniature
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
NYUAD Music Recital Series
Song Recital
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
Clare Lesser and David Lesser present late 19th – 21st century song.
Middle East Debut
Ethiopian Dreams - Circus Abyssinia
5th Season curtain raiser
Heart-stopping acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and contortion to live music.
Middle East Debut
Ethiopian Dreams - Circus Abyssinia
5th Season curtain raiser
Heart-stopping acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and contortion to live music.
Middle East Debut
Ethiopian Dreams - Circus Abyssinia
5th Season curtain raiser
Heart-stopping acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and contortion to live music.
August 2019
World Premiere
Ansaf - Sima Dance Company
Commissioned by The Arts Center
Dubai’s leading contemporary dance company premiere Ansaf, a new work by acclaimed choreographer Alaa Krimed.
June 2019
UAE Debut
Footloose! The Musical
Presented in Partnership with Abu Dhabi Choral Group
A high energy show full of dancing and legendary 80’s rock anthems.
April 2019
Hip Hop Dance
Danser Casa
Choreography: Kader Attou and Mourad Merzouki
Two pioneers of French hip hop dance reunite to create a new work for the freshest dancers of Casablanca’s vibrant scene.
CinemaNa
Written & Directed: Abu Bakr Shawky
Yomeddine
Presented by Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A Coptic Christian leper, his 10-year-old Nubian Muslim sidekick, and their loyal donkey, leave the confines of their leper colony for the first time.
Student-Led Dance Project
Vitae
Contemporary Dance
A choreographic debut, an original score, and ten committed dancers in a student-led project.
UAE Debut
ink - Camille A. Brown & Dancers
Dance
African-American social dance: Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Hip-Hop.
Presented by Maestro Rony Rogoff
Chamber Music Concert Series
Hosted by the NYUAD Division of Arts and Humanities
An evening of chamber music with leading UAE based virtuosos.
Season 7
Rooftop Rhythms
Poetry / Spoken Word / Original Music
The Middle East’s longest-running poetry open mic night
Fifth annual student-led event
TEDx NYUAD
Talks
TEDxNYUAD is part of the TEDx series, a program that brings the spirit of TED’s mission of ideas worth spreading to local communities around the globe.
CinemaNa
Five hit Arab short films that made it to the Oscars
Arab Shorts Program
Presented by Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Five hit Arab short films that made it to the Oscars
Manifold - A Festival of Musical Diversity - 2019
Presented by the NYU Abu Dhabi Music Program
An Evening of Flute and Piano
Music Concert
An evening of Middle Eastern and World Premieres!
Manifold - A Festival of Musical Diversity - 2019
Presented by the NYU Abu Dhabi Music Program
Sounds dis/placed
Music Concert
An evening of eclectic journeys
March 2019
Manifold - A Festival of Musical Diversity - 2019
Presented by the NYU Abu Dhabi Music Program
A soprano, a cellist and a pianist...
Music Concert
An evening of incredible trio works.
Broadway Anthems, Movie Classics, & more
An Evening with Alana Barraj
Cabaret Show
Celebrate stage and silver screen classics. Lebanese-American Alana Barraj performs in a one night only cabaret show.
Chamber Music
The Omer Quartet in Concert
Presented in partnership with the NYUAD Music Program, Chamber Music Abu Dhabi, and the United States State Department.
An evening of artistic excellence presented by the award-winning Omer Quartet
Part of Abu Dhabi Festival
Justin Kauflin
Jazz at the Festival
Piano extraordinaire performing his new album, Coming Home.
Barzakh Festival - 2019
A Festival of Music Between Worlds
Lekhfa / Altin Gün - Barzakh Festival Day 2
Egypt’s off-kilter sound of sonic grit and beauty meets funky Turkish psych folk rockers.
Egypt’s off-kilter sound of sonic grit and beauty meets funky Turkish psych folk rockers.
Barzakh Festival - 2019
A Festival of Music Between Worlds
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 / Alsarah & The Nubatones - Barzakh Festival Day 1
Nigeria’s Afrobeat crown prince meets Sudanese retro-pop queen.
Nigeria’s Afrobeat crown prince meets Sudanese retro-pop queen.
CinemaNa
Written by Rami Alayan. Directed by Muayad Alayan
The Reports on Sarah and Saleem
Presented by Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Set in Jerusalem, Sarah and Saleem are having an extramarital affair that ignites a dangerous game of deceit between those who hold power and those who don't.
February 2019
The NYUAD Music Program Presents
ElectroFest 2019
Mini Festival
A vibrant multidisciplinary mini festival of cutting-edge electronic music, video art, sound art and improvisation.
World Premiere commissioned by The Arts Center
Cuban-Khaleeji Project - Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra + guests
With guests Yazz Ahmed (Bahrain - UK) + Boom.Diwan (Kuwait) + Malika Zarra (Morocco - France) + Ali Obaid (UAE)
A musical exploration of the Arab, Moorish, and North African roots of Afro Latin and Afro Cuban music, and its links to the seafaring music of the Arabian Gulf.
UAE Debut
Mambo - Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Valentine’s Day Dance and Mambo Dance Lesson
Relive the Palladium era of classic mambo with a Valentines dance starring four-time Grammy-award winner Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
CinemaNa
Written, Directed, and Produced by Humaid Alsuwaidi
Musk
Presented by Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A cynical divorced man tries to reconcile with his 12-year-old aloof son.
UAE Debut
Autobiography - Company Wayne McGregor
Contemporary Dance
A cycle of choreographic portraits based on McGregor’s genomic sequence, illuminated through dance + live electronic music by JLin
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
An Evening of Piano with Ioannis Potamousis and Guest Pianist Matthew Quayle
Piano Concert
Piano Recital with Ioannis Potamousis and guest Matthew Quayle, featuring works by Mozart, Debussy, Hadjidakis, Ravel, and Liszt.