Celebrating its landmark 10th edition in 2013 (3-31 March), Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF) will bring a spectacular three-week programme of world-class and innovative artistic talent to the UAE capital, further affirming itself as one of the leading cultural events on the world stage. The Festival’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cultural and artistic expression runs throughout the entire fabric of the 2013 Festival with a schedule combining classical music, theatre and performing arts, ballet and fine arts. With world-renowned performers including the prolific violinist Joshua Bell and the award-winning pianist Yundi, ADF2013 features ground-breaking productions such as the Institut du Monde Arabe visual arts exhibition ‘25 Years of Arab Creativity’, and the thrilling adaption of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ by Globe Education, Shakespeare’s Globe. The Festival’s community and education programmes offer a wide range of free events and experiences for families and young people across the UAE, such as the fascinating ‘Story Mile’. ADF 2013 promises to maintain its standing as a ‘festival of firsts’ for the region and the world, while shining the spotlight on the creative potential and artistic identity of Abu Dhabi. Her Excellency Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “The Festival’s vision is to both support and capture the multi-cultural essence of Abu Dhabi. Aligned with the capital city’s urban planning and economic diversification, the Abu Dhabi Festival has supported Abu Dhabi’s identity over the past 10 years as a crossroads of creativity. By creating a platform for community arts, we are fostering a spirit of discovery and an appetite for cultural expression that strengthens society. In 2013, Abu Dhabi Festival shall celebrate the past, the present and the future of artistic innovation, as it continues to build bridges across the world through ongoing strategic partnerships. By investing in creativity, we nurture mutual understanding and cultural dialogue between countries and communities everywhere.” The Abu Dhabi Festival’s Country of Honour 2013 will be Spain, a country with whom the UAE has a long and rich history of migration, economic relations and political alliances. The 2013 Festival looks forward to celebrating this rich history with an unforgettable programme of international artists, led by the Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo. Find out more about the programme highlights, Educational initiatives that are fostering a generation of cultural ambassadors and the community programme that seeks to integrate arts and music in different communities across the seven Emirates.