Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) continued its commitment to incorporating the power of music and the arts into the healing process with its annual Music in Hospitals, initiative aimed at advancing the therapeutic power of music in healthcare settings. Backed by extensive research demonstrating its positive impact on patient recovery rates and well-being, the program offers music recitals to patients, families, and hospital staff, creating an atmosphere of solace and support during hospital stays.

Supported by Dolphin Energy, this year’s edition presented a series of captivating performances scheduled over three days at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said:

ADMAF’s Music in Hospitals initiative, now in its 14th year, reflects our ongoing commitment to harness the power of music and the arts to encourage healing and enhance well-being. With generous support from our education partner Dolphin Energy, we reaffirm our joint efforts to empower communities and create profound social impact.

In 2023, we are pleased to partner again with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to bring joy to patients, families, and medical professionals with the return of gifted Emirati oud players Shamsa Al Jasmi and Said Al Ali. The musical performances by our nation’s most talented musicians demonstrate the profound therapeutic power of music to aid the healing process and highlight our dedication to fostering a sense of inclusion within the community”.

Three performances took place on June 13, 16 and 23 at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and featured gifted Emirati oud players Shamsa Al Jasmi and Said Al Ali. The recitals by Shamsa on June 13 and 16 were closed sessions catered to female patients and their families, designed to maximise the impact of music healing. The intimate and interactive nature of these recitals aimed to foster a deeper connection between the musicians and the patients, creating a profoundly uplifting experience.

Additionally, ADMAF presented a public session in the outpatient lobby waiting area where Saif Al Ali captivated audiences with this remarkable talent. The soothing performance was open to outpatients, caregivers, hospital staff, and families/visitors, allowing a wider audience to benefit from the therapeutic melodies.

ADMAF’s Music in Hospitals initiative is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Dolphin Energy. Their unwavering support has enabled ADMAF to bring solace and healing to countless individuals, creating a profound impact on their well-being.

About the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF):

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, it delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round youth platforms and community programmes.

For more information, please visit ADMAF website at: www.admaf.org

About Abu Dhabi Festival

Founded in 2004, the Festival was generously granted the patronage of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from 2007 to 2011. The first Abu Dhabi Festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then Minister of Information and Culture (currently the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs).

Abu Dhabi Festival is the festival of “Bilad Al Khayr”, the land of blessings, the land of Zayed, and embraces the values of dialogue, tolerance, respect and peace.

For more information, please visit www.abudhabifestival.ae