ABU DHABI: The UAE capital is gearing up to host the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, a global celebration held annually on April 30 across 190+ countries.
As the Global Host City, Abu Dhabi will showcase a month-long jazz extravaganza, culminating in the International Jazz Day “All-Star” Global Concert at Etihad Arena. Organised by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi, the event will feature world-class performances, educational workshops, and cultural programmes.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said, “We are delighted to celebrate International Jazz Day in Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO ‘City of Music.’ This edition will highlight the emirate’s creativity and heritage while showcasing jazz’s power to connect cultures.”
DCT Abu Dhabi will present a five-week-long Jazz Month featuring concerts, artist residencies, and masterclasses. Jazz legend Herbie Hancock and actor Jeremy Irons will lead an impressive lineup of global jazz, blues, and hip-hop artists, including musicians from the UAE, USA, China, Morocco, and India. More artists will be announced soon.
In addition, Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, including Berklee Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Festival, and Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial, will collaborate to host performances blending jazz with traditional Arabic instruments like the oud, qanun, and ney.
The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi will also coincide with International Jazz Day, featuring panel discussions with leading musicians and cultural figures. The “All-Star” Global Concert will be broadcast worldwide via UNESCO, UNTV, YouTube, Facebook, and jazzday.com.
