33rd Arab Music Festival Lights Up Abu Dhabi Heritage Stage

According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, the 33rd Arab Music Festival will take place in the UAE capital from Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October 2025. Over three nights, this landmark event invites audiences to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Arabic classical and operatic music, brought to life on the stage of the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi.

Venue & Logistics

The festival is set at the Cultural Foundation – located on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (2nd St) in Abu Dhabi. The venue offers on-site parking (including two free hours parking for ticket-holders) with designated “Green Parking” on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street and “Blue Parking” on Zayed The First Street. For public transit users, the nearest bus stop is approximately 1.2 km from the Cultural Foundation. The event page notes that doors open 30 minutes before each performance begins, and late arrivals will only be admitted during scheduled breaks to avoid disruption. Platinumlist

Programme Highlights

The three-night celebration honours legendary Arabic singing icons with a carefully structured line-up:

• 24 October (Night 1): “Umm Kulthum Night”
  A tribute to the legendary Egyptian vocalist Umm Kulthum via performances led by Egyptian songstress Reham Abdel Hakim, supported by an orchestra conducted by Mohamed Elmougy.
• 25 October (Night 2): “Warda Night”
  A night dedicated to Algerian icon Warda Al Jazairia, with opera singer Marwa Nagy performing under the baton of conductor Ahmed Amer.
• 26 October (Night 3): “Abdel Halim Hafez Night”
  Closing the festival, Egyptian singer-actor Hany Shaker revives the repertoire of the legendary Abdel Halim Hafez, with musical direction by conductor Alaa Abdelsalam.

This format ensures each evening pays homage to one pillar of Arab musical heritage, delivered with orchestral backing and high production values, making this festival a standout cultural affair in the region.

Technical & Audience Considerations

While the website does not publish detailed stage dimensions or full capacity numbers for the Cultural Foundation’s theatre, it does emphasise that photography, audio or video recording (including via mobile phones) is strictly prohibited unless otherwise specified. Guests are required to print or display their e-tickets; ticketing and seating conditions stipulate that late-arrivals may be seated in alternate locations to minimise disruption. The attire is not formally listed, but given the formal nature of orchestral tribute concerts in a cultural institution, smart-elegant attire is advised.

Timing & Weather Snapshot

Timewise, the three-day festival spans 24–26 October, with each evening’s performance opening 30 minutes prior to show time. Although exact start times are not specified in publicly referenced sources, standard practice for similar events at this venue suggests evening commencements (likely around 19:00–20:00).

From a meteorological standpoint, Abu Dhabi in late October typically sees daily highs around 35 °C and night-time lows around 26–27 °C, with almost no measurable rainfall and predominantly clear skies. Attendees travelling from Dubai or other emirates should plan accordingly: daytime heat remains significant and outdoor wait times may be warm — although the theatre itself is a climate-controlled indoor venue.

Why It Matters

The 33rd iteration of the Arab Music Festival reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a cultural hub for the Arab world, bringing together legacy voices and orchestral interpretation in a commemorative format. The multi-night tribute to Umm Kulthum, Warda Al Jazairia and Abdel Halim Hafez reflects a deep commitment to musical heritage, rather than purely pop or commercial formats. For students of Arabic music or those with an interest in the region’s cultural memory, this festival offers a rare opportunity to experience not just iconic songs but curated performances framed by orchestral backing and professional conductors.

Moreover, the venue’s central location, accessible parking and public transit options underscore its suitability for regional and international audiences alike. For visitors arriving from Dubai, the journey to Abu Dhabi remains straightforward — making the event both a high-calibre cultural outing and a manageable evening trip.