Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Festival Award, in association with Chopard, was presented to the late Kuwaiti comic legend and theatre icon, Abdulhussain Abdulredha, by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance. The prestigious award was received by his son, Bashar Abdulredha, in a ceremony held at Sheikh Nahayan’s Majlis on 27 March 2018.
The acclaimed actor, comedian and writer was best-known for his satirical television and theatre work, and has taken part in numerous plays, television series, films, operettas, radio series and cinema films across the Gulf region since the 1960s.
Dr. Habib Ghuloom Al Attar, Director of Culture and Community Activities at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development said: “It is an honour to recognise the late Abdulhussain Abdulredha by Abu Dhabi Festival. It is a recognition dedicated to all Khaleeji artists in general and to the Emirati ones in particular. We all learnt a lot from such a legend. Special thanks to Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation for this initiative to celebrate and recognise contributions of artists around the world.”
Dr. Bashar Abdulredha, the son of the late actor, said: “To celebrate my father on World Theatre Day during Abu Dhabi Festival is a recognition to Kuwait and the entire GCC. I can’t express enough gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation for this generous gesture.”
Inaugurated in 2012 and presented with Chopard, the Abu Dhabi Festival Award is presented annually to individuals for outstanding lifetime contributions to arts and culture. The Abu Dhabi Festival Award has become the benchmark of cultural excellence, recognising artists and performers who have excelled in their field and influenced generations.
The Abu Dhabi Festival Award 2018 was presented earlier this month to Sir Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera House, London and Principal Conductor of Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia – Rome. This year’s recipients also include Krzysztof Penderecki in celebration of his prolific career as a composer and conductor, recognising the cultural significance of his works for which he has been hailed as Poland’s greatest living composer, winning international awards including five GRAMMYs; and Philip Glass, for his iconic contributions in redefining the parameters of contemporary classical music.
Running until 30 March 2018, Abu Dhabi Festival brings a line-up of globally renowned names to the capital, and will conclude with Compañía Nacional de Danza, as they make their Arab World Debut with Don Quixote – a ballet that tells of love and passion, with an exceptional Spanish flair.
For further information on schedules, venues and performances please visit the Festival website www.abudhabifestival.ae. Abu Dhabi Festival can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Abu Dhabi Festival 2018 Ticket Information
Tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.800tickets.com/abudhabifestival
Students receive 50% discount (ID required).
Date | Performance: Emirates Palace | Ticket Prices |
28 March | The Bach Project | AED 100 |
29 & 30 March | Don Quixote: Compañía Nacional de Danza | Diamond (AED 350); Gold (AED 250); Silver (AED 175), Bronze (AED125) |
About Abu Dhabi Festival
Founded in 2004, the Abu Dhabi Festival was held under the Patronage of the then Minister of Information and Culture (and now Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was followed from 2007 to 2011 with the Patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Today, the Festival is held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance.
Each year, Abu Dhabi Festival brings audiences together to share unique experiences that testify to our shared humanity and the deep bonds we share. Always growing, always innovating, it brings the best of the world to Abu Dhabi and takes the very best of Abu Dhabi to the world.
The 15th Abu Dhabi Festival presents the cultural excellence of 30 countries and the creativity of over 200 Emiratis alongside more than 500 artists from the four corners of the globe. In keeping with its reputation for ‘firsts’, Abu Dhabi Festival 2018 presents 2 Festival debuts, 4 UAE debuts, 6 Arab world debuts and 3 world premieres. From music to theatre, literature and visual arts, this year’s Festival continues to spread its arms across the UAE and the world. Beyond the national programme, audiences in Europe and beyond will experience new productions, concerts and exhibitions during the year, made possible by Abu Dhabi Festival.
For more information please visit our website at: www.abudhabifestival.ae
About the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
Patron: H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance
Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the oldest, not-for-profit cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world.
Often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, ADMAF delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, special projects and year-round education and community programmes.
In the visual arts, it contributes to artists’ professional development, seeks to enhance and elevate the UAE art scene through publications, grants, commissions and exhibitions, works in schools and universities to inspire and inform the next generation, and uses art to tackle social issues. Presenting the creativity of the UAE at home and abroad, ADMAF uses the visual arts to empower a nation and to secure a brighter future for its communities and its artists.
For more information please visit our website at: www.admaf.org
© Press Release 2018
