UNESCO names Abu Dhabi global host of 2025 International Jazz Day

From concerts to educational activities, diverse lineup of events
2024-07-12
/
/ New Delhi
UNESCO names Abu Dhabi global host of 2025 International Jazz Day
UNESCO names Abu Dhabi global host of 2025 International Jazz Day

The event will be presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the global host of the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, which is celebrated on April 30 around the world, honouring the sound of artistic freedom.
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On the occasion of International Jazz Day, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, UNESCO and Herbie Hancock, Goodwill Ambassador, UNESCO, have announced that Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, will serve as the Global Host of the 2025 International Jazz Day.

According to a press statement by UNESCO, the event will be presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage defined as a tapestry of an Arab and Emirati culture. 

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every April 30. 

The day pays tribute to the art form of jazz, its capacity to bring people together, and its power to promote dialogue, freedom of expression, as well as respect for human rights and diversity. 

Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon and Ney will introduce global audiences to ‘Arabic Jazz’. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and Jazz dating back decades. 

Audrey Azoulay

Audrey Azoulay

“International Jazz Day heads to Abu Dhabi in 2025, infusing new energy and basking in the mélange of cultures. The celebration in this cosmopolitan city will embody the power of jazz to unite and delight in our shared humanity,” says Azoulay.

“Jazz is a language of unity and a beacon of hope that continues to inspire new generations of artists from all corners of the globe. In Abu Dhabi, a renowned group of international artists will join us to share their musical vision, build bridges through the power of music, and create harmony in our diverse world,” says Hancock.

Mohamed Al Mubarak

Mohamed Al Mubarak

“We are honoured that Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. This recognition underscores our city’s thriving music scene and unwavering commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence,” says Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi.

“As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi has long been a beacon of musical innovation, where traditional Arabian melodies blend seamlessly with global genres, creating a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry. Hosting International Jazz Day reaffirms our dedication to the arts and provides a global stage to showcase our dynamic music scene. Our city consistently celebrates and nurtures musical talent from around the world,” he adds.

UNESCO says Abu Dhabi’s investment in culture has transformed the city into a global destination for arts and creativity, attracting world-class cultural institutions while also supporting home-grown institutions and its Arabic roots.

UNESCO says that for the festivities, along with the concert, educational programmes and community outreach are key features of the Day. On April 30, 2025, Abu Dhabi will bring musical education to local schools across the city. 

It says that higher-education institutions like Berklee Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi and other UAE-based universities will also open their doors, offering workshops and masterclasses in their lecture halls, exhibition spaces and auditoriums. 

The statement adds that special attention will be paid to the participation of  young musicians, encouraging them to cultivate their interest in music and pursue a career in jazz.

The global movement has reached more than 2 billion people on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach and online platforms. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organisation charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year.

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