The Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, a cultural arts centre run by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi), has launched a new season of world music, theatrical and children’s events between 8 September and 10 December 2023, supporting efforts to enrich Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene and the emirate’s continued growth as a global hub for arts, tourism and leisure.

The programme includes Mayadir, a play by Umm Al Quwain National Theatre, which will take place on 8 September. Written by Ismail Abdullah and directed by Hassan Rajab, Mayadir highlights a local tale about a group of childhood friends who part ways for years, and once reunited, embark on a boat trip to rebuild their broken friendship.

On 16 September, Buika will perform a variety of flamenco, Spanish copla, jazz and soul for her regional debut titled An Evening for the Soul. Buika was nominated for the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards Album of the Year award for her album Niña de Fuego, and for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2014.

Cinderella - The Bitesize Ballet, presented by the Moscow City Ballet, will take place from 20 - 21 October, and will feature a score by the composer Sergei Prokofiev and original choreography choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov.

The Authentic Flamenco by Paula Rodríguez will take place from 3 - 4 November. Seven artists, including dancers, singers and musicians, will be making their way to Abu Dhabi for their first performance in the region, in partnership with the Royal Opera of Madrid.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Live on Stage will play from 10 - 12 November. Highlighting a story of a family and their musical dog, the production is an adaptation of the 1989 picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

Crossbones Trombones Ensemble will take place at the Cultural Foundation’s outdoor amphitheatre on 17 November, with a combination of classical music, jazz, film and pop. The event is held in partnership with the Embassy of Belgium. Cultural Foundation concludes its 2023 programme with Dear Santa on 10 December, written by Rod Campbell, author of the children's book Dear Zoo.

Reem Fadda, Director of Cultural Foundation, said: “As the Cultural Foundation continues to enrich Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene with remarkable programmes and exhibitions, the last months of this year will feature an array of astounding performances that will surely captivate our audiences, and cater to a variety of interests and ages.”

Alongside the upcoming performances, a public programme of activities related to Cultural Foundation’s current exhibitions – Pascale Marthine Tayou’s LOBI LOBI and BOBO LAND, and Comic Craze Vol. 3 – will continue to run until the end of the year featuring curator tours, offsite trips, workshops and more.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will continue to host a wide range of daily programmes and activities spanning early childhood development, reading, and writing, arts and crafts, and exploration and innovation in its learning and play spaces. The library houses a selection of fiction, non-fiction, novels, autobiographies and reference materials in several languages, catering for children up to 14 years old.

Furthermore, the ongoing monthly creative workshops and courses for adults and children at Cultural Foundation’s Bait Al Khatt, Al Marsam Al Hor and Children’s Art Centre art studios offer the chance to discover new hobbies or develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpturing, pottery, fashion design, sewing and Arabic calligraphy.

For further information about  tickets and programmes, visit culturalfoundation.ae.