Some anniversaries call for cake. Others call for a standing ovation.
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation is celebrating 30 years of supporting artists, inspiring young minds and connecting cultures. Better known as ADMAF, the Foundation has helped shape the UAE’s creative landscape since its establishment in 1996.
And what a busy three decades it has been.
From arts education and artist development to international partnerships and world premieres, ADMAF’s impact stretches far beyond the stage.
At a glance
What: ADMAF’s 30th-anniversary celebrations
Founded: 1996
Celebrations begin: September 2026
Where: Across ADMAF’s digital and social media platforms
Highlights: Archival stories, artist testimonials and creative showcases
Featured participants: 30 artists and alumni
Three Decades of Creativity and Cultural Exchange
ADMAF marks its anniversary under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
The Foundation was established by H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo. Her vision placed young people, cultural exchange and creative opportunity at the heart of its work.
Since then, ADMAF has become an important part of the UAE’s cultural story. It has helped emerging talent find opportunities, build confidence and share their work with wider audiences.
In other words, this anniversary is not simply about looking back. It celebrates the people whose creativity helped move the UAE’s arts scene forward.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Ambition
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan highlighted ADMAF’s role in Abu Dhabi’s cultural development.
He said the Foundation continues to support the city’s ambition to become a leading global centre for culture and the arts.
He also described culture as a powerful force for enriching society and bringing people together.
That message has remained central to ADMAF’s work. Art can entertain, of course. But it can also start conversations, connect communities and create opportunities that last much longer than the applause.
A Vision Built Around Artists and Young People
H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo founded ADMAF with a strong sense of responsibility towards the nation, society, young people and artists.
She recognised that creative talent needed room to grow. Artists needed knowledge, encouragement and spaces where they could explore ideas freely.
Looking ahead, she hopes young people will embrace new tools and technologies while staying connected to their values and identity.
It is a delicate balance. Keep moving forward, but do not lose the story that brought you here.
The Numbers Behind ADMAF’s Impact
Thirty years can sound impressive on its own. The figures, however, reveal the true scale of ADMAF’s work.
The Foundation has:
- Engaged 150,000 students
- Delivered nearly 2,500 educational initiatives
- Reached communities across all seven Emirates
- Supported 2,608 Emirati creatives since 2004
- Provided 296 professional development opportunities
- Developed 150 international co-productions
- Worked with 43 international organisations
- Partnered with 13 national organisations
Abu Dhabi Festival has also presented:
- 42 world premieres
- 97 Middle East debuts
- 43 UAE debuts
That is a serious cultural résumé. No modest one-page introduction will do here.
Thirty Artists Take Centre Stage
ADMAF will mark the milestone through a dedicated digital and social media series beginning in September.
The series will combine archival and contemporary material with testimonials from patrons, cultural leaders and diplomatic figures.
Most importantly, it will place artists at the centre of the story.
Thirty artists and alumni will share their work, experiences and perspectives on the UAE’s cultural development. Their stories will show how sustained support can influence individual careers and an entire creative community.
The participating artists and alumni are:
Hamad Al Taee, Almaha Jaralla, Mohamed Al Hosani, Asmaa Al Remeithi, Hamdan Al-Abri, Ahmad Alariqi, Azza Al Suwaidi, Yaser Saeed Alneyadi, Sarra Alshehhi and Sara Al Ali.
The programme will also feature Moza Almatrooshi, Badria Salim, Khaled Shalkha and Sara Abu Farha, Shaikha Alketbi, Elham Al Marzooqi, Reem Alnoamani, Dana Alkatheeri and Mohamed Hamad Aljneibi.
Maitha Alansaari, Mohamed Alowais, Abdulrahman Al Madani, Jumairy, Heba Aljuneibi, Ammar Alattar, Hala El Abora, Noura AlSerkal, Budoor Alnowais, Sarah Almehairi, Hazza Abualreesh and Zayed Al Zaabi complete the line-up.
Together, their voices will offer a personal view of ADMAF’s legacy. Expect memories, milestones and plenty of creative inspiration.
What Comes Next for ADMAF?
ADMAF is already looking towards its next three decades.
The Foundation plans to widen access to arts and culture while continuing to bring major cultural firsts to Abu Dhabi.
Future collaborations will explore new ideas, creative practices and emerging technologies. National and international partnerships will also remain a major part of its work.
The goal is clear: strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural centre while continuing to nurture talent closer to home.
A Celebration of People, Not Just Years
ADMAF’s 30th anniversary celebrates more than an institution.
It celebrates the students who discovered a new passion. It celebrates the artists who found their voice. It also celebrates the audiences who experienced something unforgettable.
Three decades later, ADMAF’s story continues to grow, one artist, one idea and one cultural connection at a time.
Follow ADMAF’s digital and social media platforms from September to discover the anniversary series and meet the featured artists.
