Abu Dhabi has been named the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2025, cementing the UAE capital's standing as the region's premier destination for music and cultural diplomacy. Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi is a fitting home for one of the world's most celebrated cross-cultural events.
Abu Dhabi Hosts International Jazz Day 2025
Preparations are under way for the International Jazz Day 2025 celebration on 30 April, organised by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. The centrepiece is the internationally broadcast All-Star Global Concert at Etihad Arena, led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons. The concert will bring together renowned artists from jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop from around the world.
Arabic Jazz and Traditional Instruments in the Spotlight
This edition places special emphasis on Arabic jazz, with performances featuring traditional instruments such as the Oud, Qanoon, and Ney alongside regional and international jazz artists. The programme highlights how Abu Dhabi is actively advancing music diversity and nurturing the next generation of performers.
Education and Community at the Heart of the Programme
Beyond the headline concert, the five-week citywide series includes educational programmes and community projects designed to develop young jazz musicians. Institutions such as Berklee Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi will lead workshops and masterclasses, providing emerging talent with a pathway into the music industry.
Schools across the capital are also part of the music strategy, with curriculum-linked activities that introduce students to jazz history, improvisation, and ensemble performance.
A Day That Unites Over Two Billion People
International Jazz Day has been celebrated annually since 2011, reaching more than two billion people through concerts, educational initiatives, and community events worldwide. The day stands as a global movement that uses jazz — with its traditions of dialogue, freedom, and respect for human rights — to connect countries and communities across every continent.
Abu Dhabi as a Cultural Capital of the Region
By hosting International Jazz Day 2025, Abu Dhabi reinforces its identity not only as a musical city but as the cultural capital of the Arab world. The event coincides with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, a global gathering of creative thinkers, artists, designers, and cultural leaders, amplifying the city's message of openness and creative exchange.
The city's investment in cultural diplomacy ensures that International Jazz Day 2025 will be a landmark occasion for every musician, fan, and community member who takes part.
