The month-long Abu Dhabi Festival, a leading celebration of arts and culture in the region, kicked off yesterday (March 1) with a a variety of events, exhibitions, and workshops.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture & Knowledge Development, the Abu Dhabi Festival - now in its 14th year - will take place throughout the month of March.

Organised annually by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the festival features a variety of events, exhibitions, and workshops. Actively supporting emerging Emirati talent and advocating the importance of arts and culture in all aspects of life, this year’s sublime programme includes renowned artists and musicians from across the region and the world.

2017 sees Saudi Arabia as the Abu Dhabi Festival Country of Honour. Continuing its legacy, this year’s Festival celebrates the values of ‘Culture and Tolerance’ set by the late Sheikh Zayed, Founding Father of the UAE. In celebration of the Country of Honour, the Festival welcomes the renowned Saudi Arabian musician Mohamed Abdo (14 March). This illustrious performer, whose significance resounds across the region and internationally, has a particularly storied connection with the UAE – first performing in the early 1970s at the behest of the late Sheikh Zayed

The celebration of arts and culture will also see the Festival hosting globally renowned performers and artists including five-time Grammy award winner Tomatito (March 23), Asia’s finest orchestra China’s National Centre for The Performing Arts Orchestra (March 24 and 25), jazz legend Wynton Marsalis with a special guest appearance by Naseer Shamma (March 27), the highly acclaimed Queen Of Fado Mariza (March 29) and the sensational, electrifying and  Grammy award-winning Silk Road Ensemble With Yo-Yo Ma (March 31).

Commenting upon the theme, Huda Ebrahim AlKhamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Festival said: “The Abu Dhabi Festival is unique in that it harnesses culture to bring people of the UAE together. Since its inception, ADMAF has been at the heart and forefront of the UAE’s cultural sector and it is our privilege to present this array of cultural initiatives in the UAE as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival. The incredible range of artistic talent within the Festival is testament to the creative spirit of the UAE. In our eyes, the Abu Dhabi Festival is a gateway for culture to the rest of the world and conversely that brings the world to Abu Dhabi. Launched in 2004, the Festival continues to attract the highest caliber of artists to the UAE capital each year, bringing together artists, students, community groups and cultural organisations from across the UAE.” - TradeArabia News Service