Cultural Foundation, a cultural centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi),is set to launch its fall 2025 season, featuring an exceptional lineup of exhibitions, performances, programmes, and more, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The September to December 2025 season promises an array of cultural experiences, featuring an exhibition programme that includes the flagship ‘Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Two Clouds in the Night Sky’ and the thought-provoking ‘And After..’ exhibition. Beyond this season, Cultural Foundation will present ‘Shezad Dawood: Skin of Dreams’, a significant showcase opening in March 2026. These are complemented by exciting music, theatre, and dance performances by acclaimed artists and performers. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will present a diverse schedule of engaging activities throughout the season, while the Foundation’s art studios, Al Marsam Al Hor, Bait Al Khatt, and Children’s Art Centre, will offer workshops and programmes, fostering creativity and learning.
Through a diverse agenda at Cultural Foundation, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its commitment to enriching culture and engaging the community.
EXHIBITIONS
Cultural Foundation proudly presents a compelling slate of exhibitions, each celebrating distinct artistic expressions and rich cultural legacies.
Set to headline the exhibition programme is the flagship display,”Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Two Clouds in the Night Sky”, a solo exhibition celebrating the work of pioneer Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, an influential figure in the development of contemporary art in the UAE. On view from 9 October to 22 February, this exhibition will offer an exploration of Ibrahim’s meditative, process-driven practice, deeply rooted in the natural landscape of his native Khor Fakkan.The exhibition will be curated by Noor AlMehairbi and Assistant Curator Medyyah AlTamimi.
Running in parallel is the exhibition titled”And After..”.It will explore the element of air and its various states through the lens of Arabic terminology, specifically Sukoon, Hawaa, Naseem, and Riyah. In Arabic, Sukoon symbolises stillness and the pause between movement, while Hawaa refers to the gentle, everyday state of air. The exhibition examines how these elemental states influence our environments and internal rhythms, encouraging visitors to contemplate the moments of pause and transformation. Featuring mixed-media works by 15 artists, “And After” reflects on the quiet intervals between inhale and exhale, where change quietly begins to unfold. The exhibition curated by Dirwaza Curatorial Lab is on show from 9 October to 22 February andinvites audiences to reconnect with the subtleties of their natural surroundings and the shifts brought by seasonal transitions.
Looking ahead to 2026, “Shezad Dawood: Skin of Dreams” is a timely institutional solo exhibition and first mid-career retrospective of artist Shezad Dawood. Running from 26 March to 13 September 2026, this exhibition connects over fifteen years of Dawood’s practice, centering on his major research avenues: Modernist Architecture and Ecology. Whether reinterpreting architectural projects of the past or speculating on scientific developments of the future, Dawood’s work guides us through intersecting dream-like realms, where the physical and digital coincide. The exhibition will be curated by Jessica Cerasi.
PUBLIC PROGRAMMES
The exhibitions are complemented by Cultural Foundation’s robust public programme featuring talks, tours, workshops, residencies, and mentorship initiatives that aim to engage audiences of all ages, while also nurturing the next generation of creative talent and thinkers. On the horizon is the upcoming open call for applications to the Art Residency programme. Designed to support and advance artists, the six-month residency empowers primarily UAE-based artists, offering them visibility and endorsement to produce and exhibit new work within the supportive setting of Cultural Foundation.
Cultural Foundation is set to present “Perform in Cultural Foundation”, a dynamic programme for young and emerging performing arts talents. This initiative provides a platform for local talent to perform, collaborate, and grow while offering the opportunity to connect with the visiting performing artists. Through workshops, creative exchanges, and performances Cultural Foundation aims to ignite a passion for the arts and foster a community of performers.
PERFORMANCES
Cultural Foundation’s performances include adiverse blend of music, theatre, and dance, and this season, for the first time, Opera—offering unforgettable experiences for all audiences.
For the first performance of the season, on 27 September thrill enthusiasts can enjoy the“Mid-Autumn Festival:A Moonment to Remember“.Presented in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre, the show celebrates acrobatics performed by the Dezhou Acrobatic Troupe.Featuring thrilling and breathtaking acts from 25 performers, expect graceful choreography, dazzling aerial stunts, and heart-stopping hoop diving.
Presented in partnership with Art For All, “Edith Par Jil Aigrot” will present a soulful tribute to the iconic chanteuse Edith Piaf, featuring singer Jil Aigrot, renowned as Piaf’s voice in the Oscar-winning film“La Vie en Rose”. On 11 October,the concert will transport audiences into Piaf’s world through an enchanting blend of music, visual storytelling, and heartfelt performances. With Aigrot’s powerful vocals, backed by a trio of world-renowned musicians, the show reinterprets classics like “La Vie en Rose”, “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”, amongst others, creating a moving homage that resonates across generations.
On 19 October, younger audiences can experience“Shakespeare for Kidz: A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, an engaging and educational entry point into classical theatre, fostering an early appreciation for Shakespeare’s timeless stories in a format that resonates with children.The performance is set in the enchanting world of ancient Athens and a mystical forest where the tale of love, magic, and mischief follows four young friends who escape to the woods, only to find it inhabited by feuding fairy royalty. This is presented in partnership with S4K International Ltd.
Following the classics of theatre, the “SCHLiNGEL ABU DHABI – A Children and Youth Film Festival”transforms film viewing into an active, educational, and inspiring adventure for the youth. Established in 1996 in Chemnitz, Germany, the festival offers filmmakers to present their work to younger audiences in Abu Dhabi. Running from 23 to 25 October, the festival gives an overview of the latest international productions in the area of children and youth films. This is presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region.
For those interested in discovering unique intangible heritage,“Faces and Voices of Malta: A Mediterranean Odyssey”is a captivating cultural performance bringing the soul of Malta’s traditional music to the stage on 26 October at the outdoor amphitheatre of Cultural Foundation. The event will showcase the evocative art of għana, Malta’s distinctive form of folk chant, performed by two of the country’s foremost vocalists accompanied by three guitarists. The performance emphasises the lyrical and poetic essence of Maltese heritage, capturing the spirit of the Mediterranean through compelling narratives and melodic expressions, serving as a bridge between Malta and the UAE. This is presented in partnership with the Embassy of Malta.
The month closes with Ibrahim Maalouf& The Trumpets of Michel-Ange, a unique cross-cultural experiencebyIbrahim Maalouf, the acclaimed trumpeter and composer, on31 October at the acoustically rich setting of Cultural Foundation. Known for his innovative quarter-tone trumpet, Maalouf draws audiences into a powerful musical journey, seamlessly bridging Arab traditions with jazz, classical, and contemporary influences.His signature sound will guide listeners through a curated programme of beloved works like “True Sorry” and newer compositions, featuring introspective melodies and vibrant, dynamic expressions.
On 1 and 2 November,“Poetry in Action” takes the stage. Founded in 2006, the premier touring theatre company offers a fast-paced 45-minute journey, presenting a humorous, dynamic, and thrilling perspective on poetry and literature. Their unique interpretations of poetic works from renowned figures like Wilfred Owen, Kate Tempest, and Warsan Shire, enhanced by Arabic music, will leave audiences transformed. This is especially for those eager to discover the dynamic world of poetry in a captivating performance. It is presented in partnership with Outside the Box Events.
Following Poetry in Action, is “Mellowing by Christos Papadopoulos”, on 8 November. Seekers of innovative contemporary performances can experience an award-winning dance performance.Acclaimed choreographer Christos Papadopoulos works for the first time with the dancers of the Dance On Ensemble, featuring performers over 40. The performance offers a captivating exploration of movement and artistry, promising a profound and memorable experience, presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region.
A highlight for many will be “Science Museum Live”by the London Science Museum, presented in partnership with Art For All, scheduled from 14to 16 November. The family show is designed to spark curiosity, fuel imagination, inspire,and teach audiences the wonders of science on stage.
On 22 and 23 November, renowned director Yuri Alexandrov brings the opera “Rigoletto” to the UAE. Presented by one of Russia’s leading opera companies, the State Theatre St. Petersburg Opera will bring audiences a grand production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. This showcase marks the company’s highly anticipated return after their performances were featured as part of the Russian Cultural Programme at Expo 2020. Rigoletto is a lavish, costumed spectacle, representing one of the finest examples of world opera and is a signature production of the theatre. Founded in 1987, the St. Petersburg Opera is famous across Russia and Europe. Its Artistic Director and Founder, Yuri Alexandrov, a world-famous director and People’s Artist of Russia, has staged productions at prestigious venues such as Arena di Verona, the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Mariinsky Theatre. The performance is presented in partnership with Art for All.
The year’s performance calendar draws to a close on 12 December with the “Ars Nova Napoli” concert. One of Nu Folk’s most beloved Neapolitan bands and known for their powerful stage presence. Ars Nova Napoli offers a unique reinterpretation of traditional songs from southern Italy, alongside their own unpublished compositions. Their music seamlessly combines a plethora of Mediterranean melodies, blending skilled harmonies and instrumental interplay with an exuberant party groove, ensuring an entertaining and exciting experience for all audiences. This is presented in partnership with the Italian Cultural Centre and Embassy of Italy.
ABU DHABI CHILDREN’S LIBRARY
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, nestled within Cultural Foundation, serves as a knowledge and learning space for children up to 14 years old, offering a rich selection of fiction, non-fiction, novels, autobiographies, and reference materials in multiple languages for young readers. It is an inclusive and interactive space that powerfully blends the UAE’s rich heritage with future-forward skills. The library inspires a lifelong love of learning, fostering literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and community.
Combining daily and special programmes, the library features various facilities and programmes designed to inspire young minds. Children can engage in a variety of activities focused on early childhood development, reading, writing, arts, crafts, and exploration within the library’s interactive learning and play spaces, designed with immersive, age-specific social environments.By blending culture and technology, the library creates a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of community.
AL MARSAM AL HOR, BAIT AL KHATT, AND CHILDREN’S ART CENTRE STUDIOS
Cultural Foundation continues to offer a wide variety of educational courses, workshops, seasonal camps, and special programmesfor adults, teens and children at its art studios, Bait Al Khatt, Al Marsam Al Hor, and Children’s Art Centre. These spaces provide an opportunity for community members to enhance their artistic skills in a range of disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, fashion design, sewing, and Arabic calligraphy.
Cultural Foundation offers free admission, with tickets for specific activities. Operating hours are Saturday-Thursday, 9AM – 8PM, and Fridays, 2PM – 8PM.For more information about shows, exhibitions, art activities and tickets, please visit https://culturalfoundation.ae./.
