Dear ISMIR community,

In light of the ongoing events in the Middle East, we want to reaffirm that the safety and well‑being of our community are our highest priority. The ISMIR 2026 organizing committee  has been in close discussion with the ISMIR board to explore different possibilities for the format of the ISMIR 2026 conference.

At this stage, ISMIR 2026 is planned as a hybrid event, with the flexibility to adjust the intensity of the virtual component depending on how the situation in the Gulf develops. This will allow us to respond quickly and responsibly to changing circumstances while preserving the spirit of the conference.

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The 27th conference of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR) will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is the first time this interdisciplinary conference bringing together academics, researchers, practitioners, and industry participants in the field of Music Information Retrieval will take place in the Arab world. The theme of ISMIR 2026 will be “Crossroads.” This resonates with the region’s geographical position of being at the crossroads between the East and the West, and the fact that the Arabian Gulf has been at the intersection of many cultures that have passed through and established themselves in the region. This diversity is a consequence of trade and political connections with other oceanic societies around the rim of the Indian Ocean and South China sea for centuries. ISMIR 2026 will explore the potential intersections between music information research/retrieval (MIR) and the humanities, other sensory modalities besides audition (synaesthesia), and health. It will also reflect on the social impact of MIR. These intersections will be the focus of special sessions to be held at the conference.

ISMIR 2026 welcomes contributions in all the areas related to MIR and  its applications, including computational music analysis, processing, generation,  algorithms, and their evaluation. ISMIR is a truly interdisciplinary community, which  fosters collaboration between researchers, developers, educators, librarians, students,  and professionals from the disciplines involved in Music Information Retrieval, such as musicology, cognitive science, library and information science, computer science,  electrical engineering, and many others. ISMIR 2026 will foster the discussion and  exchange of ideas among the attendees, with special attention to new topics, emerging  problems, inclusion, and diversity.
 

The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi is a landmark cultural institution designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and intellectual growth. It features a unique architectural design that blends Arab-Islamic style with modern aspirations, making it a distinctive and prestigious location for any event.

Originally opened in 1981, the venue has a rich history as the home of the nation's first National Library, a performance auditorium, and an exhibition center. It has long been recognized as a regional and international hub for culture and the arts. The Cultural Foundation continues to serve its original purpose as a timeless endowment of cultural heritage, providing a unique and inspiring backdrop for your conference.
 

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