If someone told you Emirati culture was lighting up the halls of Kensington Palace, you’d probably raise an eyebrow, sip your karak, and say, “Wait, what now?” But that’s exactly what happened on June 6 — and it was nothing short of magical.
Under the regal glow of chandeliers and the patronage of not one but two royals (His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan), the Abu Dhabi Festival teamed up with the Peace and Prosperity Trust for a show that could only be described as “opera meets oud in the Queen’s backyard.” This wasn’t just a musical soirée; it was a full-on cultural mic drop, with Emirati and international artists coming together in a gala concert that brought the spirit of the UAE straight to London’s doorstep.
Culture Meets Crown Jewels
The Kensington Palace concert was more than a glamorous performance – it was the grand finale of a three-week UK Artist Residency Programme supported by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Peace and Prosperity Trust. Think masterclasses, rehearsals, and lots of caffeine-fueled creativity. Emirati artists weren’t just there to sing—they were soaking up wisdom, sharpening their craft, and prepping to bring their A-game to an international audience.
And bring it they did.
The highlight? The world premiere of Ruins of Time by composer Ihab Darwish, a piece that basically told the story of the UAE through every beat, breath, and bow stroke. Mezzo-soprano Fatima Al Hashimi and baritone Ahmed Al Hosani joined forces with international talent for a genre-hopping repertoire that swung from Mozart to Arabic melodies smoother than your favorite oud solo.
More Than a Performance—A Mission
This wasn’t just about melodies—it was about message. The Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad programme is on a mission: build bridges through music, fuel dialogue through art, and showcase the UAE’s creative brilliance on global stages. And honestly, it’s working.
The event followed the success of Arts @ Embassies, held just a few weeks prior at the UAE Embassy in London. There, the same artists got real—talking identity, heritage, and innovation in a panel moderated by filmmaker Noor Kanoo. It was heart, grit, and harmony all in one conversation, reminding us that cultural diplomacy isn’t just about grand halls—it’s about shared stories.
A Royal Seal of Approval
The evening wasn’t just a win for the performers—it was a full-circle moment for everyone involved. Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF and mastermind behind the festival, summed it up best: “The arts are the bridge that unites us.” And honestly? She nailed it.
The event had royal backing (we see you, HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester), top-tier artistic direction from Toby Purser of the PPT, and a vision that spanned decades of UAE–UK collaboration. It was a night where cultural exchange wasn’t just a buzzword—it was alive, singing, and wearing a bowtie.
From London With Love (and Oud)
Let’s not forget the goosebumps-worthy performances from Emirati talents who proved that homegrown artistry is more than ready for the world stage. As Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi said, these artists are the UAE’s cultural ambassadors, weaving together legacy, innovation, and international flair.
And it’s not stopping there. From ballet galas to violin mentorships and women’s forums, ADMAF has been quietly curating a cultural takeover across the UK. Emirati soprano Sara Al Qaiwani’s concert with the London Chamber Orchestra? Stunning. Farah Al Qasimi’s photography exhibit acquired by the Tate? Iconic. Nine Emirati women sharing their journeys at the Global Women’s Forum? Powerful.
Final Note
This isn’t just a concert review—it’s a love letter to the power of the arts. From the grandeur of Kensington Palace to the intimacy of Embassy panels, the Abu Dhabi Festival is showing us what happens when tradition meets transformation, and local talent goes global.
So next time someone says “Emirati opera at a royal palace,” you can smile knowingly and say, “Yes, and it was spectacular.”
