Figures released by the organisers of Abu Dhabi Festival show that it was the most successful one ever in its eight year history. With more than 120 events over over 16 days, the 2011 Festival saw audience numbers swell to 25,000 from previous years.
Her Excellency Hoda I Al Khamis Kanoo, artistic director and founder of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: ‘We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the Festival this year which has been such a great success. This is the festival of the people of Abu Dhabi and the fabulous audience figures emphasise the important role it has played in bringing people from across the country together to celebrate the unique spirit of harmony for humanity created by the arts and culture. I am particularly thrilled that more than 10,000 young people were able to get involved in our education programme. One of our central aims is to nurture the creativity and cultural awareness of this generation and the next.’
The festival, which was organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, featured classical music, ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, opera, theatre, performance arts and visual arts amongst its packed programme. The festival also hosted the futuristic Zaha Hadid Pavilion, an intimate chamber music hall, that showcased Arabic performers and music.
As part of the Festival’s celebration of Bilad Al Khayr – The Land of Blessings, proceeds from the Festival in 2011 will be shared with Ewa’a Shelters for Women and Children and Al Ghadeer, a UAE Red Crescent micro-financing initiative that seeks to power underprivileged women using indigenous arts and crafts.
