The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is celebrating a decade of artistic excellence with the launch of its 10th season, which will feature an impressive 55 performances by over 30 artists from across the globe and the UAE. This milestone season is anchored by the theme “Looking Back and Looking Forward,” reflecting on the Centre’s journey over the past ten years while embracing the future of creative expression.
The upcoming season promises to be a vibrant mix of both returning audience favorites and fresh, innovative acts. It will include two world premieres and eight UAE debuts, underscoring The Arts Centre’s role as a key platform for introducing groundbreaking work to the region.
Noteworthy among the season’s offerings is the world premiere of “Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle,” a creative collaboration between Emirati talents Reem Almenhali and Ahmed Almadloum. The season will also witness UAE debut performances by a diverse range of international artists, including Turkish singer-songwriter Gaye Su Akyol, who will share the stage with the Levantine band TootArd, Cuban funk sensation Cimafunk, and the futuristic Congolese/French collective KOKOKO! Further highlights include performances at the Tamaas Festival by Abosahar and “Aita Mon Amour,” as well as first-time UAE performances from Cie. Hervé Koubi’s “Sol Invictus,” Chrystèle Khodr’s “Augurs,” and Cie. Omar Rajeh & Maqamat’s “Beytna.”
Returning artists this season include the iconic Trisha Brown Dance Company, celebrated comedian Maysoon Zayid, and the rhythmic talents of Yahael Onono Camara, who will perform with the Balimaya Project.
Reflecting on this landmark season, Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director of The Arts Centre, shared, “The Arts Centre is a place for discovery and inspiration. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we reflect on a decade of memorable collaborations that have positioned us as an international leader while also playing a vital role in developing the UAE’s arts landscape.”
Bragin continued to emphasize the Centre’s dedication to fostering long-term relationships with both artists and audiences. “We’re thrilled to have built strong and lasting relationships with both artists and audiences through a commitment to fostering creativity and serving as a vibrant hub for intercultural dialogue. The positive experiences of returning artists are a testament to the quality of engagement by our public audiences, and with the university community.”
As the Centre looks toward the future, Bragin reiterated its commitment to innovation and artistic excellence: “Looking ahead, our commitment to developing NYUAD as a major cultural resource, on Saadiyat Island and for the UAE as a whole, remains a priority as we continue to champion innovation, diversity, inclusion, and artistic excellence.”
This celebratory season reaffirms The Arts Centre’s position as a cornerstone of cultural life in Abu Dhabi and a beacon of artistic innovation in the wider region.
