Under the honorary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the founding honorary sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Festival, the Abu Dhabi Group for Culture and Arts announced the launch date for the activities of the historic 20th session of the Abu Dhabi Festival for the year 2023, at the Emirates Palace on March 1. , with an operatic evening performed by the international tenor Juan Diego Florez, which is followed by an exceptional group of exclusive commission and co-production works that are presented for the first time globally, from events and artistic and musical works within the main program of the festival, which continues during the first 3 weeks of March.

Committed to empowering Emirati youth and investing in their creative abilities, developing and sustaining talent and celebrating them, the Abu Dhabi Festival opens its activities with the appearance of the young Emirati artist Rashid Al Nuaimi on the stage of the Emirates Palace Theater, along with the star Juan Diego Florez, who is famous for his unique voice, which is considered one of the strongest tenor voices. He presents, accompanied by the orchestra, a musical program that includes the most beautiful opera works, and a group of Latin songs.

The festival is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Assistant to the President of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority for Women’s Affairs and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Ataya Initiative, and enjoys the support of its main partner, Mubadala Company.

The festival bears the slogan “The will to develop, the yearning for leadership”, and it also celebrates its historic session that coincides with the 20th anniversary of its founding, in the presence of a distinguished group of the brightest international musicians and artists, as it presents many works of exclusive commissioning, production and premieres of local, Arab and international works. In addition to distinguished educational and community events, including musical tours, panel discussions and workshops.