Hans Zimmer to perform in Abu Dhabi as part of new Abu Dhabi Festival season
Legendary film composer Hans Zimmer is returning to the UAE for a major live performance in Abu Dhabi as part of the 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival.
The Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer will bring his arena spectacle to Etihad Arena on November 13, making his concert one of the headline events of the festival’s new season.
Known for creating the music behind some of cinema’s most iconic films, Zimmer will transform his celebrated scores into a large-scale live production combining orchestra, electronic music and immersive visuals.
Hans Zimmer brings his world tour to Abu Dhabi
Zimmer’s Abu Dhabi appearance will form part of his international tour and bring some of his most recognisable cinematic music to the capital.
Across a career spanning several decades, the German composer has created scores for films including The Lion King, Gladiator, Inception, Interstellar, The Dark Knight, Dune and Pirates of the Caribbean.
His live productions reimagine that music for the arena stage, combining orchestral arrangements with contemporary electronic elements.
The November concert is expected to become one of the biggest entertainment highlights of Abu Dhabi Festival’s 2026 programme.
Abu Dhabi Festival begins October 10
The new season of Abu Dhabi Festival will officially begin on October 10 under the theme The Wisdom of Culture.
The 23rd edition will run across the capital through December 19, bringing together Emirati performers and leading international artists through concerts, ballet, opera, dance and other major cultural productions.
This year is particularly significant as it also marks the 30th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, the organisation behind the festival.
UAE National Orchestra will open the festival
Before Zimmer takes the stage, the festival will open with a major performance by the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena.
Conducted by François López-Ferrer, the orchestra will perform on October 10 alongside pianist David Khrikuli.
The opening night is designed to place Emirati cultural development at the centre of a programme that will later expand to include artists and productions from around the world.
The combination of a national orchestra opening the season and a global name such as Zimmer appearing one month later reflects the festival’s aim of connecting UAE talent with the international arts scene.
A major cultural season for Abu Dhabi
The 2026 programme will extend beyond headline concerts.
Audiences can expect orchestral performances, jazz, ballet, dance, recitals and large-scale productions at cultural venues across Abu Dhabi.
The festival is also continuing its educational and community programmes for young people, families and emerging artists.
As part of the UAE’s Year of the Family, a new Children’s Biennale will open at Umm Al Emarat Park from November 6 to December 6.
The initiative will become the first outdoor biennial dedicated to children in the Middle East, inviting young participants to create artworks with artists using sustainable materials.
Abu Dhabi strengthens its global cultural profile
Abu Dhabi Festival has developed into one of the capital’s major international cultural platforms, connecting local artists and institutions with performers from around the world.
Its international programme has already attracted more than 142,000 visitors across events in the United States, South Korea, Austria, Spain and Lebanon this year.
The upcoming Abu Dhabi season brings that international focus back to the UAE.
And with Hans Zimmer performing at Etihad Arena on November 13, the new edition will place one of the world’s most celebrated composers at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s autumn cultural calendar.
