NYU Abu Dhabi's Arts Centre: Top Shows Recommended by Faraj Suleiman to Yasmine Hamdan

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - The cultural scene in Abu Dhabi is set to burst with life in the coming months, as a diverse array of events promises to captivate audiences. From music concerts to art exhibitions and theatre performances, there's something for everyone.

On February 5, 2026, the collaboration between choreographer Huang Yi and audiovisual artist Ryoichi Kurokawa, titled Ink, will take centre stage. This unique performance reimagines calligrapher Tong Yang-Tze's Silent Music series, offering a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of how we make sense of the world through stories and art.

On the same day, British photographer, visual artist, and educator Benji Reid's show "Find Your Eyes" will also be performed. The event is scheduled for September 19 and 20.

The UAE performance collective The Tasty Biscuits are set to return with a genre-blending concert on January 24, 2026. The Tasty Biscuits concert will feature jazz vocalist Shilpa Ananth, rapper Tac, and singer Gaya, promising a night of eclectic music.

Palestinian singer, pianist, and composer Faraj Suleiman, known for his fusion of jazz, rock, and classical Arabic influences, performed at the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre on Friday. Suleiman's performance was a sold-out concert, testament to his growing popularity.

The NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre's season features several other shows. On November 14, Ballake Sissoko, Derek Gripper, and Maryna Krut will perform together, while Ahd Kamel's film "CinemaNA: My Driver and I" is scheduled for November 4. Scandar Copti's film "CinemaNA: Happy Holidays" will be screened on October 14.

Ahmed El Attar, an Egyptian theater director and playwright known for his innovative contemporary theater work, is scheduled to perform the play "The Discreet Charm of the Pillars of Society" at the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre in 2026. This play tells the story of a Syrian woman who falls in love with a Swedish man, revealing deep social divides. The Discreet Charm of the Pillars of Society marks a historic milestone, with El Attar becoming the first Arab playwright and director to be commissioned by Sweden's National Theatre since its founding in 1788.

The Tasty Biscuits concert will take place at The Black Box Theatre, with the show starting at 7.30pm and tickets starting from Dh52.50. The show "Find Your Eyes" takes place at The Red Theatre, with tickets also starting from Dh52.50.

The Tamas Festival, set to take place on January 29, 2026, will be headlined by Yasmine Hamdan, a pioneer of the Arab indie scene. Al-Qasar, from Paris and Los Angeles, and Maruja Limon, a Barcelona band, will also perform at the festival.

Suleiman, who described the Abu Dhabi audience as one of the best he has encountered on his current world tour, is a testament to the city's growing appreciation for diverse cultures and arts. The vibrant cultural calendar in Abu Dhabi promises a rich and exciting journey for all art lovers.

NYU Abu Dhabi's Arts Centre: Top Shows Recommended by Faraj Suleiman to Yasmine Hamdan