Abu Dhabi is offering a packed weekend of art, music, ballet, and family entertainment with a wide range of cultural experiences taking place from Thursday through Sunday. While many sports fans will be following the World Cup, residents and visitors can also enjoy live performances, museum tours, creative workshops, and interactive activities across the emirate.
One of the first highlights is Mande Maqamat at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. The performance is led by percussionist and artist-in-residence Yahael Camara Onono, who combines West African folklore, traditional Mande rhythms, Arabic maqamat, and live improvisation into a unique musical experience. The concert explores the shared cultural connections between West Africa and the Arab world and offers audiences an evening of original sounds and artistic collaboration.
Visitors looking for a different museum experience can explore Olfactory Experience – Art in Scents at Louvre Abu Dhabi. This 90-minute guided tour uses carefully selected fragrances to complement artworks and create a deeper connection with the museum’s collection. Instead of relying only on visual appreciation, guests are invited to discover paintings and objects through the sense of smell, creating a memorable and immersive cultural journey.
Classical ballet fans can celebrate the legacy of legendary ballerina Maya Plisetskaya at Cultural Foundation. A special gala concert marks the 100th anniversary of her birth and honors her remarkable six-decade career. The performance features famous pieces from her repertoire, including Carmen Suite, The Dying Swan, and Don Quixote, along with selections from classic ballet productions that helped shape modern dance history.
Architecture lovers can also experience Louvre Abu Dhabi from a new perspective. The museum’s Architectural Experience focuses on the building itself rather than the artwork inside. During the guided tour, visitors learn about the creative vision behind architect Jean Nouvel’s design, including the iconic dome, the interaction between light and water, and the unique structure that has become one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognizable landmarks.
Families have another opportunity to enjoy ballet with The Magic of Ballet Fairy Tales at Cultural Foundation. Designed especially for younger audiences, the production brings together scenes from The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. Set to the timeless music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the performance introduces children to classical ballet through storytelling, colorful costumes, and beloved fairy-tale characters.
Independent music also takes center stage with a double performance featuring Fatima, also known as Fafa, and Minova at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. The concert blends R&B, soul, Arabian jazz, and indie-electronic folk, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the UAE’s growing independent music community and giving local artists a platform to reach wider audiences.
Louvre Abu Dhabi continues its popular Free Family Weekends with interactive gallery activities followed by hands-on art workshops. These sessions encourage children to explore creativity through storytelling, games, and artistic projects while making museum visits more engaging and accessible for families.
The weekend concludes with the Abu Dhabi premiere of Kid Koala’s Space Cadet at The Arts Centre. Based on the award-winning graphic novel, the animated film tells a warm family story filled with music, imagination, memory, and connection. The production is designed for audiences of all ages and offers a creative ending to a weekend full of cultural experiences.
With live music, ballet performances, museum tours, family workshops, and artistic storytelling, Abu Dhabi Cultural Events continue to showcase the emirate as a leading destination for creativity and entertainment. The diverse program offers something for every age group and interest, making this weekend an ideal time to explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
