Foundation to bring more virtual performances home

The Cultural Foundation has confirmed that its upcoming season of performances will be taking place online, livestreamed on its YouTube channel, with the line-up over the summer including an eclectic mix of musical performances as well as stand-up comedy. This move follows the success of several recent virtual offerings, including two exclusive Eid Al Fitr performances by Arab superstar Kadim Al Sahir on 24 May and Emirati popstar Hussain Al Jassmi on 25 May, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) online initiative CulturAll.

“Despite the fact that we are currently unable to open our doors to the public, the Cultural Foundation continues to bring fresh and innovative programming to our audiences wherever they are in the UAE and beyond,” commented Reem Fadda, Director of the Cultural Foundation. “Viewers will be able to enjoy our upcoming summer season of performances free of charge, and from the comfort of their own homes. While we hope that we are able to reopen before too long, at the moment, livestreaming through our YouTube channel is an effective way of carrying on with our mission of promoting both established and up-and-coming, experimental artists and entertaining audiences across the emirate.”

The Cultural Foundation will be taking its entire new season of performances online to its YouTube channel. The line-up includes:

Majaz — 19 June | 8 pm

Majaz is a four-piece progressive fusion-folk band from Bahrain. Performing since 2013, their transcendental fusion of genres, forged by an unconventional blend of instruments, has been widely recognised, making them one of the island’s most unique musical acts.

The programme will open with a short duo performance by Bait Al Oud violin teacher, Ali Dridi and oud master Bashir Al-Gharbi.

Wonho Chung — 3 July | 8 pm

Chung is an award-winning stand-up comedian, singer, musician, actor and media personality. Born in Saudi Arabia to South Korean and Vietnamese parents and raised in Jordan, his fluency in the language of the region and immersion in its culture have given him a unique Asian-Arab perspective.

The programme will open with a short performance by ABZ Ali, one of UAE’s first stand-up comedians.

DAM — 17 July | 8 pm

DAM, meaning “everlasting” in Arabic, hold a special place in the regional music scene as one of the first bands to rap in Arabic, and the first Palestinian hip hop band.

The programme will open with a short performance by rapper Freek.

Mohammed Assaf — 21 August | 8 pm

Acclaimed Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf shot to fame in 2013 as the winner of the second season of Arab Idol. He has been touring the world to perform sold-out concerts in the Arab World, the USA, and Europe.

To learn more about the Cultural Foundation’s upcoming programme of performances, visit www.culturalfoundation.ae 

All performances will be broadcast on the Cultural Foundation YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/abudhabiculturalfoundation.

The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction, which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The organization manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programs relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

DCT - Abu Dhabi supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honor the emirate’s heritage. A key role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.