Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation launches 2026 arts season to foster creative practice
The programme features photography exhibitions, specialised workshops, artist residencies and music festivals aimed at supporting creatives and strengthening the local cultural scene.
The Cultural Foundation, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced its comprehensive cultural and arts programme for late 2026, featuring a series of art exhibitions, theatrical performances and interactive projects. The foundation’s management said the programme aims to enrich the local arts scene and provide innovative platforms for creatives and talented individuals from the UAE and abroad. The initiatives form part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the capital’s position as a leading centre for cultural dialogue and contemporary artistic expression.

The new season will feature a selection of major visual arts exhibitions, led by documentary photography displays documenting the UAE’s urban and environmental development over the past decades. The exhibitions will be complemented by specialised workshops and artist residencies designed to develop young people’s skills in design, photography and fine arts. These activities will give residents and visitors the opportunity to engage directly with contemporary artistic practices and innovative display techniques.
The Department of Culture and Tourism continues to expand partnerships between national arts institutions and their international counterparts through festivals and international music evenings. This cultural exchange supports the creative industries and enhances the appeal of tourism activities rooted in heritage and artistic modernity. Organisers expect the current arts season to attract strong interest from specialists and arts enthusiasts from around the world.

