Jazz Unites the World: Abu Dhabi to Host International Jazz Day 2025

Audrey Azoulay was particularly excited that 2025 International Jazz Day will bring new energy to Abu Dhabi, which celebrates how diverse cultures can come together. This cosmopolitan city will show better than anywhere else how jazz could unify people and underline what binds them in our shared humanity. Herbie Hancock also highlighted jazz for its function of becoming the language for unity and light for hope—a music genre inspiring future artists worldwide. Abu Dhabi will play host to a rich mix of artists worldwide, sharing their musical vision while bridging gaps to bring harmony into our diverse world through the power of music.
The event is presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, focusing on the culturally rich heritage city, defined as a mix of Arab and Emirati. Arabic Jazz’ will present itself to the global public using only classical instruments such as the Oud, Qanoon, and Ney.

It has been an extreme honour for HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, connected with the city’s choice as the Global Host for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. This is a unique recognition of Abu Dhabi’s thriving music scene and its commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence. As Abu Dhabi is the UNESCO Creative City of Music, it becomes a lighthouse for genres in musical creativity with the mode of intermixing traditional Arabian melodies with global genres that ushers in a unique tapestry of culture. Thus, this event not only creates a space for people to share music but also further cements Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the arts and provides a global platform for its ever-changing music scene.

On 30 April, the musical education will be brought to Abu Dhabi’s local schools. Workshops and masterclasses will take place in lecture halls and exhibition spaces within higher education institutions, such as Berklee Abu Dhabi. The best practices will happen here, and these and other UAE-based universities will be charged for their auditoriums. Special attention is given to young musicians, to encourage them to develop interest and seek a career in jazz music.

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. It is a day to celebrate jazz—together with its function of social unity and its ability to promote dialogue, freedom of expression, and respect for human rights and diversity. This global movement has reached over 2 billion people in all continents through educational programmes, performances, community outreach, and online platforms. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organisation responsible for planning, promoting, and producing International Jazz Day each year.