Established in 1981, the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi was developed by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and houses a 2250-seat auditorium for theatre and events, complete with a purpose-built gallery for art exhibitions.
Next door to the National Theatre is the city’s Cultural Centre, home to an array of cultural and artistic activities, including seminars. It also houses two exhibition halls exhibiting over 100 pieces of work from local Emirati artists. The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is at the forefront of arts in the region, bringing theatre and other performing arts to the UAE capital.
Regular concerts featuring local and international artists are also often held at the Cultural Foundation auditorium or the Emirates Palace auditorium. The popular Abu Dhabi Classics series brings the world greatest stars to the stage and has included the New York Philharmonic, the Russian Chamber Orchestra and the world’s most famous oud player, Naseer Shamma. The oud itself is a remarkable instrument. A stringed piece, designed like a lute, it is the oldest string instrument in the world and has been described as ‘the soul of Arab people’.
ADMAF
Tel: +971 2 677 8432
Fax: +971 2 671 1422
Email: admfauh@emirates.net.ae
National Theatre and Cultural Centre
PO Box 17 Abu Dhabi UAE
Tel: +971 2 445 2501
Fax: +971 2 443 2522
Dining