WOMAD

"We are delighted to begin a relationship with ADACH and Abu Dhabi. It is a great opportunity for WOMAD to find a home in the Gulf region. We have taken WOMAD to many places in the world, but this will be our first event in the Middle East - a part of the world whose strong and rich culture has been one of our inspirations. We are excited to be bringing our festival to all of the different peoples who make up modern day Abu Dhabi".

Peter Gabriel.

WOMAD Abu Dhabi- 23-25 April 2009

WOMAD Abu Dhabi is a celebration of the cultures through Music, Arts & Dance.

For the first time in WOMAD history we will be visiting the shores of the United Arab Emirates to work with Abu Dhabi Authority for culture and Heritage (ADACH) to host two festivals over three days.

WOMAD Abu Dhabi Corniche
On Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April from 7pm onwards the Corniche, a beautiful beach in the centre of Abu Dhabi, will be the stomping ground of the free festival. Artists will be performing to an international audience throughout the night. Workshops and Taste The World will also feature at this festival.

Al Ain, Al Jahili Fort
The second event will take place a little way out of the city at the beautiful ancient Al Ain, Al Jahili Fort on Friday 24th April only. It too will start at 7pm and carry on through the night.

WOMAD Workshops
WOMAD would not be WOMAD without its workshops. Artists performing at WOMAD Abu Dhabi will be will be leading workshop sessions every night at the festival, where audiences will be able to discover more about the artist, their culture, musical inspirations and the stories behind the music. Discover the folk dances of South Korea, or the power of Qawaali devotional traditions from India and Pakistan or take up the rhythms of the 'dhol' drum in the relaxed and informal mood of the workshop tent.

Children's workshops will also take place each evening of the festival, bringing young people together with professional artists, to explore the creative possibilities of a wide range of materials to make a fantastic array of costumes, headdresses, instruments and amazing structures, all of which will be displayed on the final celebratory beach procession.

Taste The World
Taste the World in Abu Dhabi will celebrate the rich culinary traditions, spices and ingredients of the Emirates and desert cultures, whilst bringing together a fascinating group of artists from Europe, Africa, India and UK to cook and share traditional dishes.

Visit Taste the World for an experience, which will feed all the senses…

WOMAD Beyond
WOMAD in partnership with ADACH working together on an outreach programme for schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
In consultation with ADACH, WOMAD Beyond will be setting up a programme of work in a number of schools and cultural projects throughout Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Artists, who are experienced educational tutors as well as consummate artists in their own right will be brought in to work with the children. Through these artists, the children will discover cultures from across the world through music, dance, voice and visual arts.

Visit the WOMAD Abu Dhabi website

Please Note: Although it is unlikely that the event will be cancelled, or change dates or location, please note that WOMAD will not be responsible for refunding travel or accommodation costs should this occur. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover you in these circumstances.