Enjoy a Taste of Culture and Heritage with special Ramadan programming in Abu Dhabi
In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has organised a series of exciting events and exhibitions for families and friends of all ages to enjoy. Running throughout April and beyond, the whole community will be able to immerse themselves in a dose of culture and heritage in various locations across Abu Dhabi, as listed below.
Cultural Foundation – Abu Dhabi
General Behaviour by Farah Al Qasimi
Date: Ongoing until 20 September
Time: 10am – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Free entry
General Behaviour showcases photographic and videographic artworks made by US-based Emirati artist Farah Al Qasimi between 2012 and 2021. The exhibition presents an exploration of the layers of multi-culturalism and consumer culture in the UAE in a chronological structure, while challenging perceptions of reality and navigating the intimacy of private and public space.
Another Perspective by Mohamed Al Astad
Date: Ongoing until 20 September
Time: 10am – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Free entry
In his exhibition Another Perspective, Emirati artist Mohamed Al Astad presents a new contemporary art technique, ‘The Art of Beach Pearls’, which uses sea sand, rust and time to create dramatic visual pieces. The large-scale installation provides viewers with an immersive experience.
Experience Mars
Date: Ongoing until 20 September
Time: 10am – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Free entry
Be inspired by the Experience Mars exhibition, which celebrates the achievements of the UAE’s space programme whilst embarking on a mission that will take you from Earth to the surface of Mars. The exhibition combines learning, fun, and innovation through a variety of activities, interactive technologies, and tactile adventures which will undoubtedly encourage visitors to aspire to journey to the stars.
Ramadan Activities at the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
Date: Daily throughout Ramadan
Time: 10am – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Some sessions are free of charge; ticketed events are up to AED 30
Children can enjoy creative programmes and activities such as lantern-making, mosaic art and storytelling.
Lotfi Bouchnak Concert
Date: 16 April
Time: 9:30pm
Tickets: From AED 200
Prominent Tunisian artist, singer, and musician Lotfi Bouchnak will dazzle the crowd at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, with a repertoire that includes Ibtihalat and Rohaniyat for this special Ramadan concert.
Ramadan Art Workshops
Date: Until 30 April
Time: 10am – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Tickets: Various prices
Cultural Foundation is offering a programme of exciting, fun-filled art workshops and calligraphy courses for all ages and skill levels throughout the month of Ramadan.
Qasr Al Hosn and House of Artisans – Abu Dhabi
Ramadan at Al Hosn
Date: 14 – 18 April (first two days for women only)
Time: 9pm – 2am
Tickets: AED 30 (fort entry ticket)
Location: Qasr Al Hosn and the outdoor area between Qasr Al Hosn and House of Artisans
Enjoy cultural workshops, performances and games catering to visitors of all ages.
Winter at Al Hosn
Date: Ongoing until 5 May
Time: Iftar – 2am
Free entry
Enjoy the winter season at Al Hosn with street food, spectacular shopping experiences, access to local and organic farm produce, and live entertainment.
Weaving Cultures: From Mexico to the UAE
Date: Ongoing until 23 June
Time: Saturday to Thursday 10am – 11am & Friday 5pm – 11pm
Free entry
Explore the intercultural exhibition Weaving Cultures: From Mexico to the UAE, featuring objects from the collections of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex, A.C. and the House of Artisans. The display highlights the similarities, differences and shared threads between Emirati and Mexican cultures through the artistic lens of crafted creations.
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi
Versailles and the World
Organized in partnership with Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon and France Muséums
Date: Ongoing until 4 June
Time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6:30pm. Closed on Mondays. Last entry time slot is 5:30pm.
Opening times may differ during Ramadan.
Tickets: Entry to exhibition is included with AED 63 museum admission ticket
Take a journey back to the 17th century with Versailles and the World, an exhibition which explores how the Palace of Versailles became a place for cultural exchange, a hub for intellectual encounters and a place of international collaboration and artistic production that looked to the rest of the world for inspiration, while at the same time illustrating the finest French taste, craftsmanship and art de vivre.
Stories of Paper
Organised In partnership with Musée du Louvre and France Muséums
Date: 22 April – 24 July
Time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6:30pm. Closed on Mondays. Last entry time slot is 5:30pm.
Opening times may differ during Ramadan.
Tickets: Entry to exhibition is included with AED 63 museum admission ticket
The Stories of Paper exhibition explores the history of paper and its uses across the centuries as one of humanity’s most simple yet most profound inventions. Guests will discover the rich artistic legacy of this delicate material that has proven crucial to cultural connection and intellectual interchange for two millennia, from the first century to the present, from ancient Asia to Europe and modern Arabia.
Manarat Al Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Exhibition
Date: 6 April – 12 May
Time: 10am – 11pm
Free entry
You don’t have to wait to discover what the recently announced Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will have to offer! For a limited time only, this special preview exhibition will give visitors a glimpse of the museum’s fascinating curatorial narrative and incredible collection – featuring treasures such as ‘Stan’, the 67-million-year-old T.rex skeleton.
Ramadan Arcade
Date: 14 – 17 & 21 – 24 April
Time: 9pm – 2am
Tickets: AED 40 one-time entry or AED 200 full pass. Purchase from Virgin Tickets.
Manarat Al Saadiyat’s popular Ramadan Arcade returns with an incredible line-up of cultural events and entertainment for families and friends, as well as a broad variety of interactive games, activities, workshops, and much more.
Bait Al Oud Ramadan Programme: Jam sessions and choral celebration concert (part of Ramadan Arcade)
Date: Concert on 16 April; jam sessions on 15, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24 April
Time: 8pm
Tickets: Included with AED 40 Ramadan Arcade entry ticket
Discover the heritage of Arabic music through the Bait Al Oud musical sessions and choral celebration concerts taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat on 15 and 16 April. Guests can participate in open classes and jam sessions, as well as enjoy a concert by the teachers and students of Bait Al Oud.
Portrait of a Nation II: Beyond Narratives
Date: Ongoing until 16 April
Time: 10am – 11pm
Free entry
Produced by the Abu Dhabi Festival to mark the UAE’s 50th anniversary milestone, this exhibition immerses viewers in a cultural journey through the nation’s visual arts history. A story of revolutionary growth unfolds through this extraordinary collection of masterpieces by Emirati artists.
Doodles: A Photography Studio Exhibition by Hend Almurid
Date: Ongoing until 31 May
Time: 10am – 11pm
Free entry
Join Emirati artist Hend Almurid for an unparalleled transformation of the Manarat Al Saadiyat Photography Studio. The entire space is covered in intricate doodles, each wall with a different, exquisite pattern. The impressive process behind this highly detailed work of art can be seen by looking closely at the designs, when it becomes clear that the abstract lines have been drawn without lifting pen from paper.
Zemanna
Date: Ongoing until 13 June
Time: 10am – 11pm
Free entry during Ramadan
Visit Zemanna and relive memories from the 1990s through an examination and reflection of a period of upheaval, growth and change. In this exhibition, visitors will explore nine interactive installations that showcase remnants of the 1990s and examine how they contributed to our world today.
MAKTABA – Various Locations Across Abu Dhabi
Ramadan Activities and Workshops at MAKTABA Libraries
Date: Daily throughout Ramadan
Time: 9am – 6pm
Free entry
About: Calling all bookworms! Join a series of interactive programmes and activities designed to promote literacy, learning and creative thinking at MAKTABA branches across Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain Palace Museum – Al Ain
Hereesat Ramadan
Date: Every Friday throughout Ramadan
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Free entry
This Ramadan, join Al Ain Palace Museum in celebrating the Holy Month by participating in the traditional custom of preparing Harees (wheat porridge with meat) and distributing it to neighbours, relatives and the needy. Taste this Emirati dish that is an integral part of Ramadan iftars, and learn more about its ingredients and how it is prepared.
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa – Al Ain
Before Suhoor
Date: 8, 9, 15, 16 April
Time: 10pm to 12am
Free entry
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa invites you to experience the essence of the Holy Month of Ramadan and enjoy a variety of entertainment with family and friends. Listen to the soothing sounds of acoustic Arabic-style melodies with performances by the Bait Al Oud music academy and Qanun musician Nagham Al Duaabel and choose from a variety of board games such as chess and Carrom to enjoy some friendly competition and lots of fun.
Al Qattara Arts Centre – Al Ain
The Spirit of the Place
Date: Ongoing until 16 May
Time: 10am – 1pm, 8pm – 11pm
Free entry
Visit The Spirit of the Place exhibition and be immersed in a multi-sensory experience, exploring Al Ain through the work of 12 UAE-based video artists who capture the essence of the city through personal stories.
