Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

Through arts education, community arts and special projects, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has been nurturing creativity across the UAE for more than two decades. Since its establishment by Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo in 1996, it has been at the forefront of the UAE’s arts sector, inspiring young people, the public and artists, enabling creative expression through a wide range of programmes and projects. By bringing together audiences and institutions, the Foundation has helped embed arts and culture in the heart of the nation.

It seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision, motivated by the belief that culture is the key that unlocks a nation’s creativity and the language that transcends borders. Culture is the anchor that unites a nation and ADMAF undertakes a broad range of initiatives and events each year to bring together diverse audiences in the UAE and internationally. As well as fostering close communities and cross-cultural dialogues, the Foundation also recognises the fundamental right for every person, regardless of age or ability, to access, understand and appreciate cultural expression.

Honorary Patron | Founder | Board Members & Advisors | Mission | Vision | Objectives | Strategic Pillars

ADMAF Patrons

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence

Honorary Patron

H.H. Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan

Founder
Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo is a philanthropist who has dedicated her life to inspiring artists to create, generations to innovate and communities to unite and prosper. She worked tirelessly to found the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in 1996 and is also the Artistic Director of the jewel in its crown, the Abu Dhabi Festival, which she established in 2004.
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Board of Trustees

H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak
H.E. Reem Al Shemmari
Dr. Karim El Solh
Sheikha Noor Fahim Al Qasimi
Mr. Mohammed Al Otaiba
Advisors
H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak
Princess Irina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey
Mr. Ian Stoutzker CBE Mr. Brian Lott
Mr. Salem Brahimi Mr. Terence D. Allen
Mr. Bashir Al Haskouri Ms. Mary Corrado
Dr. Shaikha Al Maskari Mr. Mohamed A. L. Kanoo
Mr. Raymond Mouracade Mr. Manish Pandey
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim
Legal Counsel
Al Adala Legal Consultants | Dr. Moustafa El Sherbini
Vision

ADMAF advocates for a global flourishing of culture and the arts in a progressive country, where the greatest works of our time become part of the history that builds our civilization.

Mission

Our mission is a calling to lead on creativity from the UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi. It is a commitment to create, innovate, produce, preserve and present inspiring works of music and art. It is a promise to the youth of the nation to invest in and empower them to realize their dreams. It is a pledge to position the capital on the international cultural map as a destination for global art and talent. And it is a conviction to give voice to our global presence through international partnerships that bring understanding and beauty to the world.

Objectives
  • Through the practice and teaching of arts and culture, embed creativity and innovation among the people of the UAE
  • Enable access to arts and culture and advocate their impact in the areas of educational development and community cohesion
  • Raise the level of awareness and understanding of the culture and heritage of the UAE
  • Contribute to the positioning of Abu Dhabi as a prominent international cultural destination
  • Engage young nationals in the future of the UAE’s cultural and creative industries and nurture their professional development in this sector
  • Facilitate cross-cultural dialogue through national, regional and international partnerships
  • Develop a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art from the United Arab Emirates and beyond