Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
NYU Abu Dhabi’s Arts Center is kicking off its 11th season with an eclectic lineup of world-class artists performing across the mediums of music, dance, theatre and film.
The January 2026 Spring lineup features:
* Boom.Diwan with guests Nduduzo Makhathini, Liany Mateo and Elé Howell on Wednesday, January 14. Kuwaiti maritime and desert traditions meet the improvisational energy of jazz in this cross-continental presentation of new music.
* Songs of the Bulbul - Aakash Odedra Company on Sunday, January 18. The graceful art of Kathak dance intertwines with Sufi storytelling in a transformative experience that transcends physical and emotional boundaries.
* The Tasting Session Live: Reunion — The Tasty Biscuits & Friends on Friday, January 23. The Tasty Biscuits bring three years of soulful music to the stage in an intimate showcase of original compositions written by some of the UAE’s most dynamic artists.
* Tamaas Festival: Yasmine Hamdan, Al-Qasar and Maruja Limón on Thursday, January 29. Discover new global sounds as three acts share one stage, bringing together modern approaches with traditional roots.
Boom.DiwanIn the The Red Theater in The Arts Center, Boom.Diwan presents new compositions weaving together Kuwaiti maritime and desert traditions with the improvisational energy of jazz, drawn from their forthcoming album, which is being recorded the week of the concert.
Joining the ensemble are distinguished collaborators: South African pianist and Blue Note artist Nduduzo Makhathini, who previously appeared on Boom.Diwan’s debut EP Minarets; bassist Liany Mateo, featured on their acclaimed album Live in the Khaleej!; and drummer Elé Howell, who was most recently heard with Boom.Diwan at Lincoln Center for globalFEST. Together, these artists bring to life a sound that bridges tradition and innovation while charting new directions for jazz in the Khaleej.
Boom.Diwan is a pioneering ensemble celebrated for introducing Khaleeji Jazz into the jazz lexicon. Rooted in Kuwait’s maritime and desert traditions, the group takes its name from the Boom - a historic Kuwaiti ship once used for pearl diving and merchant trade — and the Diwan, the traditional gathering place where seafaring musicians came together to share stories and songs. Together, these symbols capture Boom.Diwan’s spirit of musical exploration, exchange and collaboration.
This performance is made possible by the support of the NYU Abu Dhabi Internal Grants Creativity, Art & Publication Program; the NYU Abu Dhabi Music Program; and the NYUAD Division of Arts & Humanities.
