Jalsat: An Evening with Muadad Al Kaabi 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Jalsat: An Evening with Muadad Al Kaabi 2026 in Abu Dhabi brings the Emirati singer and musician to the Cultural Foundation for one Friday night of Emirati and Arabic music. Billed on the official page as Jalsat at the Cultural Foundation, the evening celebrates local music and heritage through Al Kaabi’s melodies, with doors at 7:30pm and the performance beginning at 8pm.

Who is Muadad Al Kaabi?

Muadad Al Kaabi is an Emirati artist with a long career in music and live performance. His style is rooted in traditional Emirati and Arabic music, which he approaches with a contemporary touch, so the songs feel connected to the past without sounding like a museum piece.

A few points from his biography explain why he was chosen for this edition:

• He holds the Najm Al Khaleej 2006 title.
• He is an active member of the UAE National Orchestra.
• He also performs with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development Ensemble.
• He has taken part in numerous concerts, cultural events and artistic projects across his career.

That mix of solo recognition and ensemble work means the audience is hearing someone who knows the national repertoire from the inside and also has the presence to carry an evening on his own.

What is Jalsat CF?

Jalsat CF is a programme run at the Cultural Foundation to support musicians based in the UAE. The aim is to build a lively, inclusive live music scene by giving local artists a stage, a live audience and a direct way to connect with listeners. Each Jalsat night puts a different performer in the spotlight, and this one is dedicated to Emirati musical heritage.

The word jalsat means sessions or gatherings in Arabic, and the name reflects the programme’s focus on the artist, the songs and the people listening.

What to expect on the night

The programme centres on Emirati and Arabic music, presented with the contemporary approach Al Kaabi is known for. The official listing promises melodies and performances that celebrate local heritage and invite the audience to connect with the music. The accompanying musicians and the set list have not been published, so expect the evening to reveal itself as it goes.

The event is presented in both Arabic and English, which makes it approachable for residents and visitors who are new to Emirati music as well as for those who grew up with it.

Ticket status

At the time of writing, the Platinumlist page lists tickets as coming soon, with an option to register for an alert when they are released. If you are keen, sign up on the event page so you hear as soon as booking opens. Once tickets are on sale, the listing’s resale section allows holders to pass tickets to other fans if their plans change.

The Cultural Foundation and getting there

The Cultural Foundation sits on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (2nd Street) in central Abu Dhabi and is the home of the Jalsat CF programme. Parking is available on site, the nearest bus station is Abu Dhabi Bus Station about 1.2km away, and most taxi drivers know the building.

For more live music, see our concerts guide and art and culture listings, or explore things to do in Abu Dhabi and things to do in November.