Abu Dhabi to Host International Jazz Day 2025 – A Month-Long Global Music Celebration
Big news for music lovers! International Jazz Day 2025 is going worldwide on April 30, and this year’s official Global Host City is none other than Abu Dhabi, UAE.
This massive celebration, led by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, will include events in over 190 countries—but all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi as it kicks off five weeks of live shows, education programs, and community events.
The highlight? The All-Star Global Concert on April 30 at Etihad Arena, featuring legends like Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many more. Hosted by actor Jeremy Irons, the concert will be streamed live around the world on multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and JazzDay.com.
Beyond the main event, Abu Dhabi will host performances at venues like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and NYU Abu Dhabi, plus outreach at hospitals, schools, and community centers. Local flair will be front and center, with jazz musicians teaming up with traditional Arabic instruments like the oud and qanoon.
This year’s Jazz Day also overlaps with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, where Herbie Hancock and other top artists will take part in panels and conversations.
Supported by the Doris Duke Foundation and United Airlines, International Jazz Day 2025 is shaping up to be a powerful reminder of how music connects us all—no matter where we’re from.
