Abu Dhabi Chosen as Host City for 2025 International Jazz Day

Photo : Abu Dhbai Media Office

Abu Dhabi has been chosen by UNESCO as the global host city for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, marking a significant cultural milestone for the emirate. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will collaborate closely with UNESCO to present the event, which takes place annually on 30th April to celebrate jazz and honor its role as a symbol of artistic freedom.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, have endorsed Abu Dhabi's selection as the host city. The event in 2025 will highlight Abu Dhabi's rich cultural heritage, described as a tapestry interwoven with Arab and Emirati traditions. Local instruments such as the Oud, Qanoon, and Ney will introduce global audiences to the unique fusion of Arabic and jazz music.

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His Excellency Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed his pride in Abu Dhabi being chosen as the Global Host for International Jazz Day 2025. He emphasized Abu Dhabi's vibrant music scene and its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and artistic excellence. As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi has become a hub where traditional Arabian melodies blend harmoniously with global musical genres, creating a dynamic cultural landscape.

Audrey Azoulay commented on the upcoming celebration in Abu Dhabi, noting how the cosmopolitan city will energize International Jazz Day 2025 with its cultural diversity and artistic vitality. She highlighted jazz's power to unite people and celebrate shared humanity.

Abu Dhabi's investment in the cultural sector has positioned it as a global destination for arts and creativity, attracting world-class cultural institutions while supporting local initiatives rooted in Arabic heritage. The city's hosting of International Jazz Day will include not only a concert but also extensive educational programs and community outreach activities.

On 30th April 2025, Abu Dhabi will engage local schools in musical education initiatives across the city. Leading educational institutions like Berklee Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi will open their doors for workshops and masterclasses, encouraging young musicians to explore jazz and pursue careers in music.

International Jazz Day, established by UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, celebrates jazz's ability to foster dialogue, freedom of expression, and respect for human rights and cultural diversity. The global movement has engaged over 2 billion people through educational programs, performances, and online platforms, supported by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, which oversees the planning and promotion of International Jazz Day each year.