Past Events
March 2023
Accompanied by Benjamin Engeli on Piano
Leia Zhu - Abu Dhabi Festival
Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival
Sixteen-year-old violin prodigy Leia Zhu performs a beautiful repertoire of Mozart, Strauss, Debussy, Wieniawski and Sarasate.
Recital Series
Haochen Zhang - Abu Dhabi Festival
Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival
A unique piano recital showcasing fearless imagination and spectacular musical mastery.
Arab World Premiere
Bruce Liu - Abu Dhabi Festival
Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival
A thrilling program of classical and romantic highlights in a spectacular recital by the winner of the 2021 Chopin Piano Competition.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Black Box Cinema
Presented by the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Enjoy a series of Arab short films curated by Black Box Cinema
UAE Premiere
Balimaya Project
With an opening set by Shilpa Ananth
Driving collective polyrhythms, blazing frontline horns, and virtuosic kora stylings collide, bridging Mandé music and culture with the sounds of Black London, while the dreamy landscapes of South India fuse with Soul, Jazz, and Electronic influences.
February 2023
Piano Recital - Rachmaninoff 150th Anniversary Celebration
Rachmaninoff et.al
Presented in partnership with the NYUAD Music Program
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of composer Sergei Rachmaninoff
Manifold - A Festival of Musical Diversity - 2023
World Premiere
Michael Skillern: Two Hands, a Shell, and a Keyboard
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
Solo percussion blurs the line between electronic and acoustic sounds.
Middle East Premiere
Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre: Last Ward
Contemporary Dance - With the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels
Dance blends with theater in this highly-visual performance that reflects on the universal experience of facing death.
Barzakh Festival 2023
1 UAE Debut and 1 Abu Dhabi Debut
ADG7 - Ak Dan Gwang Chil | Sahra Halgan
Boundary shattering global sounds
Korean shamanic folk-pop meets guitar-fueled Somaliland songs in an exciting showcase of cultural traditions.
Barzakh Festival 2023
2 UAE Debuts
CGS - Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino | Lemma
Boundary shattering global sounds
Ecstatic Italian pizzica tarantata meets propulsive Algerian Saharan rhythms in an exciting cross-boundary musical conversation.
December 2022
Screen Adaptation of NYUAD Theater Program’s Annual Student Production
Ōta Shōgo's The Water Station
Written Adapted by and directed by Abhishek Majumdar. Performed and Created by the Ensemble.
Movement, sound, and silence paint a vivid journey of migration and the act of leaving home, not as a choice, but in desperation.
November 2022
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
NYUAD Theater Program Fall Mainstage Production
Temporary People
A Multidisciplinary Docu-fictive performance grounded in Deepak Unnikrishnan's novel Temporary People
Explore the silence, rage, joy, and musicality of language in a collaboration that celebrates the vulnerability of Abu Dhabi's temporary people on stage.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Huda’s Salon by Hany Abu-Assad
Presented by the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A live conversation with Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, accompanied by his film, Huda’s Salon.
UAE Debut - Part of Abu Dhabi City of Music
Raul Midón and Alex Cuba
Opening set by Fafa
An evening of soul, jazz, and Latin pop sounds with two dazzling singer-songwriters and instrumentalists, featuring solo and duet sets.
October 2022
UAE Premiere - Contemporary and Urban Dance
What The Day Owes To The Night (Ce Que Le Jour Doit A La Nuit) - Cie Hervé Koubi
With the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels
An extraordinary whirlwind of movement blending contemporary and urban dance with martial arts
UAE Debut
Cosmic Music: A Contemporary Exploration of the Music of John and Alice Coltrane - Ravi Coltrane
GRAMMY award nominee
Acclaimed saxophonist Ravi Coltrane reimagines the spiritual and ecstatic music of two jazz pioneers.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Daughters of Abdul-Rahman by Zaid Abu Hamdan
Presented by the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A live conversation with Jordanian filmmaker Zaid Abu Hamdan, accompanied by his film, Daughters of Abdul-Rahman
September 2022
Theater from the UAE
Al Raheel | Departure From Reem Almenhali & Joanna Settle
Commissioned by The Arts Center and Cultural Foundation and presented with official support of the US Mission to the UAE
A contemporary performance examining identity, womanhood, and potential futures.
UAE Debut
Set and Reset/Reset and Last Shelter - Candoco Dance Company
Presented with the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels
Intimacy, virtuosity, and precision embodied in movement by the world’s foremost inclusive dance company.
UAE Debut - Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
MOVEMENT Live | Meklit
with guests Cromwell Ojeda, Freek, and Ghaliaa
International and local stories of migration collide in a multimedia live music concert.
June 2022
UAE Debut
Kinan Azmeh CityBand
Music Concert
An enthralling fusion of Syrian sounds and rhythms with Western classical and jazz
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
Piano Recital
From Romantic to Disney - Ioannis Potamousis with Elizabeth Yoonjung Han
Presented in partnership with the NYUAD Music Program
A musical journey from Romantic to Disney for piano solo and two pianos
Abu Dhabi Choral Group’s summer revue
Little Shop of Horrors
Theater for all
Experience the cult classic favorite musical, Little Shop of Horrors, as it was meant to be seen
World Premiere
The Main Circle: 7.83 - Philip Rachid
Commissioned by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
A live cinematic B-Boy performance celebrating art, self-empowerment, resilience, family and collaboration.
May 2022
Middle East Premiere - Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
The Storyville Mosquito - Kid Koala
A family friendly show.
Live animated graphic novel performed, filmed, and scored in real time
April 2022
Ramadaniyyat 2023
Suhoor Music Event
Simon Shaheen
Virtuoso Arabic Classical oudist and violinist
Internationally acclaimed oud and violin virtuoso Simon Shaheen dazzles listeners with classical Arabic sounds.
Ramadaniyyat 2023
Suhoor Music Event
Boom.Diwan x Nduduzo Makhathini x Jean-Michel Pilc
Global Collaboration - Supported by the US Mission to the UAE
Khaleeji rhythms and sounds in musical conversation with global jazz featuring Boom.Diwan (Kuwait/UAE) in a two-part collaboration with guests Nduduzo Makhathini (South Africa) and Jean-Michel Pilc (France/US/Canada).
CinemaNa , Ramadaniyyat 2023
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Before We Forget by Nawaf Al Janahi
Presented with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A live conversation with Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi, accompanied by his film, Before We Forget.
March 2022
Third Edition
ElectroFest 2022
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program and curated by Clare Lesser
Cutting-edge electronic music, video and sound art, and improvisation.
Returning to The UAE
Mary McBride Band
Presented in partnership with the US Mission to the UAE
A fiery inspirational rollercoaster ride from country and gospel to blues and old school rock ‘n roll.
World Premiere
Rhyme - Sima Dance Company
Commissioned by The Arts Center expanding on a piece originally created for Expo 2020 Dubai
Contemporary dance embodies Arabic poetry through body, language, and music.
UAE Premiere - Co-Commissioned by The Arts Center
32 Sounds - A film by Sam Green with live music by JD Samson
Performance
Experience a live performance that focuses on the power of sound to bend time, cross borders, and profoundly shape our perception of the world around us.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
The Stranger (Al Garib) by Ameer Fakher Eldin
Presented with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A screening of Syrian filmmaker Ameer Fakher Eldin'sThe Stranger (Al Garib), followed by a live conversation with the filmmaker.
February 2022
Spoken word, poetry, live music
Rooftop Rhythms - The Throwback Edition
Presented by The Arts Center at NYUAD and Rooftop Rhythms with official support from the US Mission to the UAE and in partnership with Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Speak your truth from the roof!
Three Solo Contemporary Dance UAE Premieres
Echoes, CUT, & Constellations | Aakash Odedra Company
Presented in collaboration with Louvre Abu Dhabi and in partnership with UK-UAE Cultural Professionals Connect.
Experience a mesmerizing evening of contemporary dance featuring three distinct solos performed by Aakash Odedra, created for him by world-renowned choreographers Aditi Mangaldas, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and Russell Maliphant.
December 2021
Spoken word, poetry, live music
Rooftop Rhythms Season 10
86th Edition
Speak your truth from the roof!
November 2021
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 in a special 50th Anniversary Jubilee online edition.
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
Chamber Music Evening
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
An evening of chamber music with leading UAE-based musicians presenting work by Beethoven, Shostakovich, Borodin, and many more.
Spoken word, poetry, live music
Rooftop Rhythms - The Wellness Edition
Presented in partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi
Gather under Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome for Rooftop Rhythms first in-person event since February 2020 as part of Lates.
Middle East Online Debut
sEODo BAND / 서도 밴드
Korean “Chosun Pop” presented in partnership with The Korean Cultural Center
Korea’s rising stars lead an unexpected yet captivating musical conversation between contemporary and traditional elements: Chosun pop
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
CinemaNA: Three Films by Jocelyne Saab
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A live talk with Dr. Mathilde Rouxel on Jocelyne Saab’s films. Before the talk, we invite you to watch three of Saab's films.
October 2021
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
World Premiere
Matthew Quayle: Complete Piano Sonatas
Presented in Partnership with the NYUAD Music Program
Composer-pianist Matthew Quayle presents his complete series of original piano sonatas, including a world premiere.
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
CinemaNA: Films by Mohamad Malas and Nezar Andary
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A conversation with influential Syrian filmmaker Mohamad Malas and Abu Dhabi filmmaker Nezar Andary, accompanied by three films by and about him that provoke audiences to contemplate loss, memory, and home.
Artistic Director and Creator: Christine Jones. Made by Many.
Theatre For One: We Are Here (Nairobi Edition)
World Premiere - Commissioned by The Arts Center
A personal theatrical experience - One on one, a short play unfolds for you.
September 2021
Presented with the Arab American National Museum
Oddisee + Medusa TN
Part of JAM3A Virtual Music Festival
Two leading rappers from the Arab world, as part of a virtual music festival celebrating Arab talent, community, and identity.
Middle East Premiere
It Ain’t Where You From – A film by Philip Rachid
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center and Shubbak Festival
Intimate stories of the Gulf’s emerging Hip-Hop scene
June 2021
Virtual salons
Fire this Time - Music and the Baldwin Protocol
Presented by National Sawdust (USA)
Poet and musician Lynne Procope launches a new series in partnership with National Sawdust that explores the intellectual and artistic legacy of James Baldwin.
Online Festival
It Ain’t Where You From at Shubbak Festival 2021
A window on contemporary Arab art and culture
Experience an ambitious programme of contemporary Arab arts and culture that reflects on people, connections, and ideas in a fundamentally unsettled world.
UAE Debut
ADCG - Scene It? Sing It!
Presented in partnership with Abu Dhabi Choral Group
An evening of songs from your favorite musicals
Artist Talk
They Still Want to Kill Us: Exploring Systemic Racism within Institutions
Online Panel
May 2021
Spoken word, poetry, music
Rooftop Rhythms
9th Season
Spoken word done right
April 2021
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema - Screening & Q&A
Three Palestinian Short films
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Three Short Films by Palestinian Filmmakers
Artistic Director and Creator: Christine Jones. Made by Many.
Theatre For One: Here We Are
Middle East Premiere
A personal theatrical experience - One on one, a short play unfolds for you.
Manifold - A Festival of Musical Diversity - 2023
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
New Sounds for 2021
Filmed specifically for the event and broadcast online
Experience a dynamic approach towards contemporary repertoire.
March 2021
World Premiere and Live Online Q&A
The Gauntlet: Faraway Together - Sxip Shirey and Coco Karol
A Surprising and Immersive Audio Portrait of Abu Dhabi.
A Surprising and Immersive Audio Portrait of Abu Dhabi
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Three short films by Emirati filmmaker Abdulrahman Al Madani - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
Screening of Three Short Films: Nagafa, Beshkara, & Laymoon
February 2021
Online Performance - One night only
Āhuti by Nrityagram Dance Ensemble in collaboration with Chitrasena Dance Company
India's Odissi Dance Meets Sri Lankan Kandyan Dance
Āhuti presents a fascinating fusion of movement and music.
Manifold - A Festival of Musical Diversity - 2023
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
American Music - Minimal and Beyond: Emanuele Arciuli
Piano Recital - Part of the Manifold Series
An evening of American Contemporary Music by Italian pianist Emanuele Arciuli
CinemaNa
Contemporary Arab Cinema
Between Two Seas - Screening
Presented by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Film and New Media Program
A dramatic story of a forgotten society driven by a search for redemption, revenge, and hope.
The Khaleej meets South Africa
Boom.Diwan x Nduduzo Makhathini
Musical showcase and conversation
An immersive ritual of music rooted in Kuwaiti pearl diving traditions meeting South African jazz
From the USA - UAE Online Debut
Martha Redbone Roots Project
Folk, Blues, and Soul Performance and Talk. Presented in collaboration with National Sawdust
A unique gumbo of blues, jazz, and soul music
From Venezuela - UAE Online Debut
Las Cantoras - Betsayda Machado meets Oswaldo Lares
Musical showcase and conversation | Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
Venezuelan Afro-Soul ‘Tambor’- a spirit-shaking percussion and voice celebration.
January 2021
NYUAD Music Recitals Series
Presented by the NYUAD Music Program
Moods and Memories - Kate Forman Quayle
Clarinet Recital: NYUAD Music Recitals Series
A rich collection of clarinet and bass clarinet pieces from the 20th and 21st Centuries.
Under The Radar Festival
The Public Theater (New York City)
600 Highwaymen’s A Thousand Ways (Part One): A Phone Call
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
From Abu Dhabi to New York: 600 HIGHWAYMEN at Under The Radar 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