Picture this: it’s Ramadan, the air is filled with a serene stillness, your heart is craving something soulful, and then—bam!—a musical masterpiece like Sky of Love comes along to sweep you off your feet. And guess what? You don’t even have to leave your couch!
Under the distinguished patronage of some seriously esteemed figures—His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan—the Abu Dhabi Festival is bringing the spiritual magic straight to you.
Mark your calendars for March 7 at 3:00 PM because Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy, aka the Sheikh of Egyptian Chanters, is about to take over the Abu Dhabi Festival YouTube channel. This isn’t just any musical performance—it’s an experience, a deep dive into Sufi poetry, soul-stirring melodies, and the kind of transcendental vibes that make you want to sit back, close your eyes, and just feel the music.
What’s the Big Deal?
Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy is no ordinary singer—he’s a master of Inshad (spiritual chanting), a true artist who seamlessly blends classical Arabic poetry with diverse musical traditions. And for this exclusive performance, he’s pulling out all the stops with a full-fledged 25-piece orchestra and a 100-voice chorus. That’s right, a hundred voices harmonizing in a way that will send shivers down your spine.
The setlist? Pure poetry. Sky of Love will feature lyrical gems from legendary poets like Hassan ibn Thabit (the OG of Islamic poetry and the Prophet’s poet), Ibn Arabi, Ibn Al-Farid, Al-Mutanabbi, Al-Busiri, and Al-Buhturi. And if that wasn’t enough, we’re also getting newly composed pieces like Ya Ibn Adam and Lughat Al-Kalam by Muhammad Iqbal. Talk about a cultural deep dive!
Why You Need to Watch
This isn’t just about music—it’s about an entire spiritual journey that connects the past, present, and future. It’s about melodies that have echoed through centuries, now reimagined in a way that speaks to modern hearts. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little musical soul-searching, especially during Ramadan?
Plus, this performance is just the beginning! The Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 will officially kick off on April 8, bringing a lineup so spectacular, it might just make your jaw drop. First on the list? The Arab World Premiere of KODO, Japan’s legendary taiko drumming troupe, lighting up The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi for two unmissable nights (April 8 & 9).
More Than Music—A Celebration of Cultural Harmony
This year’s theme, Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony, isn’t just a catchy tagline—it’s a heartfelt celebration of over 50 years of friendship between the UAE and Japan. In honor of this cultural connection, the Festival is set to highlight artistic collaborations that blend tradition, innovation, and pure creative magic.
So, whether you’re in it for the Sky of Love performance, the dazzling lineup of live shows, or simply to soak in the artistic brilliance of global talents, Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 is about to make your Ramadan (and beyond) truly unforgettable. Get ready to press play and let the music take you on a journey.
