News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – Under the honorary founding patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the 22nd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival will resume in Ramadan with a digital performance of the exclusively commissioned ‘Sky of Love’ work by the ‘Sheikh of Egyptian chanters,’ renowned Inshad master Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy on 7 March at 3:00pm on the Abu Dhabi Festival YouTube Channel. As one of the most prominent figures in Islamic spiritual music and the sacred art of Inshad (spiritual chanting), Sheikh El-Tohamy – who returns to Abu Dhabi Festival annually as part of the Spiritual Music Series – will lead audiences on a profound journey through Sufi poetry and devotional melodies.
Widely recognised for his ability to mix chanting in classical Arabic with multiple musical cultures, Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy debut performance of ‘Sky of Love’ will feature excerpts from the works of great classical poets, including Hassan ibn Thabit, the Prophet’s poet and one of the earliest chanters; Ibn Arabi and Ibn Al-Farid, key figures of Sufi poetry from the 7th-century Hijri; and Al-Mutanabbi, Al-Busiri, and Al-Buhturi, renowned figures of classical Arabic poetry.
‘Sky of Love’ will beautifully blend timeless Sufi chants, such as Tawshih Fu’adi, with newly composed pieces, including Ya Ibn Adam and Lughat Al-Kalam by Muhammad Iqbal, creating a harmonious fusion of ancient texts with modern compositions. Accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra and a 100-voice chorus, his mesmerising performance will immerse audiences in history, culture and spirituality, elevating the tranquillity and reflection of Ramadan while showcasing the beauty of spiritual chanting. Following Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy’s digital performance during the holy month of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 will continue with its full programme from 8 April to 29 April. The Festival’s exceptional lineup of live performances will commence with the Arab World Premiere of the multi-award-winning Japanese drumming troupe KODO, who will take the stage at The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, for two extraordinary nights on 8 and 9 April.
This year’s Festival also celebrates over 50 years of friendship, mutual respect and bilateral relations between the UAE and its Country of Honour, Japan, under the inspiring theme “Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony.” In alignment with the UAE’s “Year of Community,” the Festival highlights the long-standing cultural exchange and shared values between the two nations through a rich programme of artistic and musical collaborations.
