Embracing the arts of the world
The credit crunch is no longer an excuse for not going out. In what is arguably the most surprising event of the year – thanks to a fantastic line-up that just gets better with every addition – World of Music, Arts and Dance (Womad) Abu Dhabi kicks off this Thursday. And best of all, the whole musical shindig is free to attend.
This is the first time the world-renowned festival – which was founded in the United Kingdom in 1980 by former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel – comes to the Middle East. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach), the Abu Dhabi Corniche will set the scene for Womad from Thursday right through to Saturday, while an extra line-up at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain offers fun on Friday.
"We had been in talks for over a year-and-a-half to bring Womad to Abu Dhabi, and it's great that it is finally here," Isadora Papadrakakis, Performing Arts Advisor, Adach, tells Emirates Business. "The whole event has been funded by the government of Abu Dhabi, and it's great, because we're seeing a increase in different types of arts events in the region."
Papadrakakis goes on to explain the rationale behind opening Womad to everyone. "Making the three-day event free of charge was deliberate, because the nature of the festival encourages everyone – the whole family – to take part," she says. "Of course there will be security who will keep track of how many people are in the venue. We obviously do not want to compromise the security of visitors by making it overcrowded, so it is recommended to turn up early."
A host of international and local names are set to grace two stages throughout the festival, including Youssou N'Dour, Khaled, Mohamed Mounir, Souad Massi and Kamal Mussallam. A last minute surprise addition is Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara with a special guest appearance from rock legend Robert Plant. It marks Plant's second appearance in the UAE, following his performance at 2007's Dubai Desert Rock Festival.
Womad's festival director, Chris Smith says: "We are thrilled and excited that Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara and Robert Plant are collaborating on a unique Womad Abu Dhabi composition that will receive its world debut on the Abu Dhabi Corniche."
Since the first festival was held in 1982, Womad has worked with over 1,000 artists and staged more than 160 festivals in 27 countries including Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Singapore and Italy.
Another element that sets it apart from its rivals is the fact it offers a plethora of workshops that anyone is able to attend.
"It is important to highlight these workshops with artists taking place throughout Womad Abu Dhabi," Papadrakakis continues.
"The whole family is encouraged to go along and have some fun."
Free buses will be available from Dubai, while a variety of options for Abu Dhabi residents are also available. For full details of how to get there, as well as the full programme, visit www.womadabudhabi.ae.
Thursday, April 23
Abu Dhabi Corniche
- North stage
7pm Children's performance with Siyaya (Zimbabwe)
8pm Kamal Musallam with Sokoor and Magabeel (Jordan/UAE)
9pm Souad Massi (Algeria)
10.30pm Marcio Local (Brazil)
12am Khaled (Algeria, pictured)
- South stage
7.50pm Dulsori (South Korea)
9.45pm Jivan Gasparyan (Armenia)
11.15pm Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali (Pakistan)
- Workshops
6pm Children's workshop with Malarky (UK)
6pm Childen's workshop with Ranbir Kaur (India)
7pm Taste the World with Paprika Balkanicus (Serbia/Romania/ Slovenia)
8pm Children's workshop with Dubai Drums (UAE)
8.30pm Workshop with Hamid Baroudi (Algeria)
11.45pm Workshop with Souad Massi (Algeria)
Friday, April 24
Abu Dhabi Corniche
- North stage
8.45pm Abdullah Chhadeh and Syriana (Syria/UK)
10.15pm Etran Finatawa (Nigeria)
12am Youssou N'Dour and the Super Etoile De Dakkar (Senegal, pictured)
- South stage
7.30pm Dhol Foundation (India/UK)
9.30pm The Kamkars (Kurdistan/Iran)
11pm Sa Dingding (China)
- Workshops
6pm Children's workshop with Malarky (UK)
7pm Taste the World with Etran Finatawa (Nigeria)
7.45pm Children's workshop with Malarky (UK)
8.30pm Workshop with Jivan Gasparyan (Armenia)
10pm Taste the World with Emirati (UAE)
12am Workshop with Dhol Foundation (India/UK)
Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain
7.30 Dulsori (South Korea)
10pm Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali (Pakistan)
11.30pm Dhafer Youssef (Tunisia)
Saturday, April 25
Abu Dhabi Corniche
- North stage
5pm Procession
7pm Paprika Balkanicus (Serbia/Romania/ Slovenia)
9pm Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara (UK/Gambia) with special guest Robert Plant (pictured)
10.30pm Mohamed Mounir (Egypt)
- South stage
5pm Procession
7.45pm Trilok Gurtu (India)
9.50pm Los de Abajo (Mexico)
8.30pm Workshop with Dulsori (South Korea)
10pm Workshop with Etran Finatawa (Nigeria)
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