Abu Dhabi prepares for International Jazz Day 2025

Abu Dhabi will host International Jazz Day 2025, featuring a star-studded gala at Etihad Arena on April 30. Broadcast worldwide, the event will showcase top jazz, blues, and classical artists, including Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is set to host International Jazz Day 2025, as announced by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.

A spectacular gala concert featuring world-renowned artists will take place on April 30 at the Etihad Arena, the region’s largest indoor venue. Additionally, the event will be broadcast to millions worldwide through UNESCO platforms, UNTV, jazzday.com, YouTube, and Facebook.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlighted that Abu Dhabi was chosen deliberately, as the city is officially recognized as a global creative hub for music.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this International day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi. This edition will highlight the city’s rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents,” Azoulay said.

The lineup will include celebrated musicians across jazz, blues, classical, and contemporary genres from various countries, such as Herbie Hancock (USA), Marcus Miller (USA), John McLaughlin (UK), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Nasir Shamma (Iraq), Arkam Al Abri (UAE), and Variashri Venugopal (India), among others.

Hosting the evening will be British actor and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons.