Abu Dhabi has been selected by UNESCO as the global host city of the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, with Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and UNESCO partnering to present the 2025 event, which is held on 30 April every year to celebrate jazz and honour the sound of artistic freedom.
With the endorsement of Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, DCT Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage defined as a tapestry of an Arab and Emirati culture. Classical instruments, such as the Oud, Qanoon and Ney, will introduce global audiences to Arabic Jazz. As the 2025 global host city, Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and Jazz dating back decades.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "We are honored that Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. This recognition underscores our city’s thriving music scene and unwavering commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence. As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi has long been a beacon of musical innovation, where traditional Arabian melodies blend seamlessly with global genres, creating a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry. Hosting International Jazz Day reaffirms our dedication to the arts and provides a global stage to showcase our dynamic music scene. Our city consistently celebrates and nurtures musical talent from around the world."
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, said: "International Jazz Day heads to Abu Dhabi in 2025, infusing new energy and basking in the mélange of cultures. The celebration in this cosmopolitan city will embody the power of jazz to unite and delight in our shared humanity."
Abu Dhabi’s investment in the culture sector has transformed the city into a global destination for arts and creativity, attracting world-class cultural institutions while also supporting home-grown institutions and its Arabic roots.
Along with the concert, educational programmes and community outreach are key features of the Day. On 30 April 2025, Abu Dhabi will bring musical education to local schools across the city. Higher-education institutions, such as Berklee Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi, among other UAE-based universities, will also open their doors, offering workshops and masterclasses in their lecture halls, exhibition spaces and auditoriums. Special attention will be paid to the participation of young musicians, encouraging them to cultivate their interest in music and pursue a career in jazz.
Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The day pays tribute to the art form of jazz, its capacity to bring people together, and its power to promote dialogue, freedom of expression, as well as respect for human rights and diversity.
The global movement has reached more than 2 billion people on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach and online platforms. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead non-profit organisation charged with planning, promoting, and producing International Jazz Day each year.
For more information about International Jazz Day and to register for events on the official website, visit: jazzday.com or unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day.
