How Emirati Creatives are Taking Abu Dhabi to Global

Abu Dhabi has long served as a hub for artistic development, with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) playing a pivotal role in elevating local voices. By addressing common barriers such as access, knowledge, and visibility, the foundation has enabled Emirati artists to bridge the gap between their heritage and the global stage. To him, ADMAF does not simply support the artists, but it invests in them, their potential and their long-term development. But holding the leadership title at the foundation is what further added meaning to her journey. Emirati designer wins prestigious ADMAF prize.

Key Artistic Initiatives and Milestones

• Performances: In June 2025, Emirati musicians reached a historic milestone by performing at Kensington Palace, which included the world premiere of Ihab Darwish’s composition, Ruins of Time.
• Exhibitions: The Proximities exhibition in Seoul attracted 80,000 visitors and featured works by 47 artists based in the UAE, 33 of whom are Emirati.
• Creative Support: ADMAF provides financial and developmental resources to help artists evolve from initial concepts to professional productions.

Composer Ihab Darwish began his journey with a clear vision: to present his original compositions through a full symphony orchestra. His plan found a partner in ADMAF in 2017, leading to the creation of his debut symphonic album, Waves of My Life, and subsequent international performances. Darwish credits this support with allowing him to blend diverse musical traditions while maintaining his cultural identity. “While my music may travel across continents, its soul will always belong to Abu Dhabi,” Darwish stated, emphasizing that for him, the city remains the primary source of his inspiration.

For young pianist Dana Alkatheeri, the transition from performance to composition was a pivotal moment in her career. Recognizing music as a powerful tool for storytelling, she sought to express her pride in the UAE’s history. Her efforts culminated in the 2024 Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award and the creation of major works like The Founder’s Legacy. “I wanted people to feel proud of our country and understand that His Highness Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is something we must continue through our own actions,” she said. Beyond this recognition, her affiliation with the foundation has facilitated performances at the Abu Dhabi Festival and Expo 2025 Osaka. Encouraged by her father, a young pianist who fell in love with the instrument in elementary school. She realised music “can be a powerful way to tell stories and share our culture.”. First, she played music, composing came later. “Moving from playing music to composing my own pieces was a big step,” she said. A symbol of bravery and self-trust, the competition was the avenue to finding her courage. Including opportunities to perform at Abu Dhabi Festival and Expo 2025 Osaka, winning the award opened new doors for her. Also Read: From Dubai classrooms to Vienna’s Golden Hall: Young Emirati musicians make history. UAE: Boy, 11, aces SAT, gets rare Johns Hopkins honour. Madonna on the 1984 VMAs moment that nearly ended her.

The creative landscape extends beyond sound, as seen in the work of jeweler and interdisciplinary artist Noura Alserkal. Her artistic process is deeply rooted in personal history, frequently drawing from archives, genealogy, and family memories. Her upcoming exhibition highlights her father’s stamp collection, reimagined through new materials. Alserkal notes that such institutional backing provides a vital boost for artists navigating imposter syndrome. Today, she is a jewellery artist whose work begins long before anything is made. Rummage through archives and even simply have a conversation with parents, the questions usually lead her back to her own family history, genealogy or even a memory, she reads a book. She described the collection to reflect her relationship with her father, touching upon his collection of stamps. “These stamps become a starting point for creating artworks using materials that are entirely different from the original objects,” she added, in her upcoming exhibition.

Through her brand, TURABI, established in 2022, Alserkal also hosts workshops to foster a wider creative community. “I believe dialogue is an essential part of artistic practice,” she explained, noting that she prioritizes teaching and the exchange of ideas to challenge perspectives. According to ADMAF, this reciprocal exchange remains central to their mission, confirming that the impact of these cultural initiatives travels both ways across the global arts scene. Founded in 2022, which she describes as a brand beyond herself, also conducting workshops to introduce her art of jewellery-making to the world, she is now the founder of TURABI.

As these artists continue to gain international recognition, they maintain that Abu Dhabi provides a unique environment—one that encourages creators to honor their roots while engaging with the wider world. Whether through a symphonic score, a historical musical piece, or an intricate jewelry design, these talents are successfully ensuring that the voice of Abu Dhabi resonates far beyond its borders.