Abu Dhabi selected as global host of International Jazz Day

Abu Dhabi has been selected by UNESCO as the global host city of the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, which is held on April 30 every year.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has teamed up with UNESCO to present the event, which celebrates jazz and honours the sound of artistic freedom.

As the 2025 host, Abu Dhabi will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and Jazz dating back decades.

"This recognition underscores our city’s thriving music scene and unwavering commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence. As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi has long been a beacon of musical innovation, where traditional Arabian melodies blend seamlessly with global genres, creating a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry," said Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.

Along with the concert, educational programmes and community outreach are key features of the Day.

On April 30, 2025, Abu Dhabi will bring musical education to local schools across the city. Higher-education institutions, such as Berklee Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi, among other UAE-based universities, will also open their doors, offering workshops and masterclasses.

Special attention will be paid to the participation of young musicians, encouraging them to cultivate their interest in music and pursue a career in jazz.

"International Jazz Day heads to Abu Dhabi in 2025, infusing new energy and basking in the mélange of cultures. The celebration in this cosmopolitan city will embody the power of jazz to unite and delight in our shared humanity," said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide.

The day pays tribute to the art form of jazz, its capacity to bring people together, and its power to promote dialogue, freedom of expression, as well as respect for human rights and diversity.

The global movement has reached more than 2 billion people across all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach and online platforms.

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead non-profit organisation charged with planning, promoting, and producing International Jazz Day each year.

Abu Dhabi has been selected as global host of the 2025 International Jazz Day, celebrated on 30 April. Presented by @dctabudhabi, in partnership with UNESCO and Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the event emphasises the cultural music scene and artistic excellence in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/ddnlVJZn8U

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