Your complete guide to the upcoming music performances, comedy gigs and live shows you won’t want to miss in Dubai
2026 is shaping up to be a year of unmissable performances in Dubai. From dazzling musicals and world-class operas to laugh-out-loud comedy and unforgettable live shows, the city’s stages are set to entertain every taste. Here’s your ultimate guide to all the must-see performances happening across the city this year.
All the upcoming performances in Dubai to book
March
Echoes of Time: IBN Arabi by the UAE National Orchestra
When: March 5, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
The UAE Orchestra will be performing at the Dubai Orchestra this March, presenting Echoes of Time: IBN Arabi. It is inspired by the legendary Andalusian philosopher and combines traditional symphonies with modern orchestration. Be prepared to dive into a mesmerising evening celebrating Arabic heritage.
Buy tickets here.
Arabic Classics by Firdaus Orchestra
When: March 7, 2026
Where: Expo City Dubai
A firm What’s On favourite, the Firdaus Orchestra returns to the stage this March at Expo City Dubai with an evening of timeless Arabic classics reimagined with a contemporary edge. Taking place on International Women’s Day, the concert pays tribute to the golden voices of the Arab world – fittingly performed by the all-women ensemble that is the Firdaus Orchestra.
Mo Gilligan Live
mo Gilligan
When: March 18, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
Mo Gilligan, one of the UK’s biggest breakout stars, is performing in Dubai as part of his 2026 world tour. Gilligan’s rise has been nothing short of a success. What began as viral clips shared online has evolved into a global comedy career, complete with sold-out arenas and an ever-growing fan base. His electric energy, humour and relatable storytelling are exactly what audiences can expect when he hits the Dubai stage.
Ticket prices start from Dhs250 (and are selling fast). Purchase them here.
Sonny Fodera
When: March 21, 2026
Where: FIVE Luxe JBR
Sonny Fodera is a dancefloor master who’s been dominating crowds worldwide. And he is a hugen fan of Dubai and is returning this March to FIVE Luxe JBR. The Australian DJ has gone from remixing for Cajual to running his own label, Solotoko, all while headlining festivals and Ibiza residencies across Europe. His tracks pop up everywhere, and his sets are known for keeping the crowd moving from start to finish.
Tickets from Dhs150. Purchase here.
Wu-Tang Clan
When: March 22, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan are headed to the Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday March 22 as part of the group’s international Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber run. Expect a career-spanning set that swings from Protect Ya Neck to Gravel Pit, with the Clan’s full-force stagecraft and wall-to-wall crowd participation.
Tickets from Dhs349. Purchase here.
Max Amini
Where: March 22 and 23, 2026
When: Dubai Opera
Want guaranteed laughs? Max Amini is heading to Dubai Opera this March, where you are sure to leave with your belly hurting from all the laughter. Expect to hear him belt out some never-heard-before jokes paired with his witty sarcasm. The comedian will perform for two days because… well, that’s just how popular he is. If you really want to see him, go get your tickets now because the show is selling out.
Tickets from Dhs215. Purchase here.
BIG Time Rush
When: March 26, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
BIG Time Rush are heading to Dubai to perform live for their fans at the Coca-Cola Arena. They began as a popular Nickelodeon TV show in 2009. The series followed four friends from Minnesota: Carlos, Kendall, James, and Logan who dreamed of becoming pop stars. The show mixed comedy, friendship, and music and quickly became a hit with kids and teens. Because the show featured the actors performing songs as part of the storyline, they decided to form a real-life band. They went on to release albums, tour internationally, and perform for millions of fans around the world.
Tickets from Dhs245. Purchase here.
Josh Groban – GEMS World Tour
When: March 26, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Clear your calendars for a night of big voice, big emotion, and the kind of live show that makes the hairs on your arms stand up. Josh Groban is bringing his GEMS World Tour to Coca-Cola Arena in March, promising a set that blends the songs that made him a global favourite with newer material that shows why his fan base keeps growing. If you had the dirhams for only on pero
Tickets from Dhs399. Purchase here.
A1 and Music Travel Love
When: March 28, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Pop group A1 and Canadian acoustic duo Music Travel Love is coming together to perform for the first time on the same night on March 28. Fans can expect an extraordinary musical journey that bridges generations – from the pop anthems that defined their teenage years to the soothing harmonies that capture hearts today.
Tickets from Dhs195. Purchase here.
Keinemusik
When: March 28, 2026
Where: Bab Al Shams Arena
Berlin-based house collective Keinemusik is stepping away from their usual Playa Pacha stage at FIVE LUXE JBR and instead taking over the vast Bab Al Shams Arena – one of the region’s most striking open-air venues. They are known for fusing world-class DJs with high-spec production and immersive audio-visual storytelling, and music lovers are sure to enjoy a night of deep house and techno sounds.
Tickets from Dhs375. Purchase here.
Shawn Chidiac
When: March 29, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
UAE-based Canadian-Lebanese comedian Shawn Chidiac, also known as My Parents Are Divorced is known for his hilarious, viral skits inspired by life in the Middle East, pop culture, and cultural stereotypes. And you can catch the madness live on stage at the Coca-Cola Arena this March. PS. The night kicks off with a high-energy opening act and DJ to set the vibe, before Shawn hits the stage.
Tickets from Dhs299. Purchase here.
God Save The Queen
When: March 30, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
After more than 1,000 international performances, God Save The Queen – the most acclaimed Queen tribute band on the planet – lands in Dubai for one night only. Led by Pablo Padín, this emotional musical experience brings to life the sound and energy of Queen’s most iconic live shows. Guests can expect to relive timeless anthems with authentic renditions of hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Somebody to Love and Radio Ga Ga.
Tickets from Dhs295. Purchase here.
April
Turandot
When: April 3 to 5, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
To mark the 100th anniversary of its world premiere, Dubai Opera is showcasing Turandot, Puccini’s final and monumental work, in an authentically Chinese production by the Chinese National Opera House. Set in stylised ancient China, the opera follows Princess Turandot and the exiled Prince Calaf, exploring power, fear, sacrifice, and the triumph of love over cruelty. It’s all vividly brought to life through Puccini’s unforgettable score, including Nessun dorma.
Tickets from Dhs250. Purchase here.
Amr Dia
When: April 4, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
The one and only Amr Diab is returning to Dubai this April for a performance at the Coca-Cola Arena. The Middle Eastern icon has spent decades shaping the sound of Arabic pop, and his music has travelled far beyond the region, earning him fans from Cairo to California. Expect to hear some of his global hits with his chart-topping releases, including Khatafouni, Baba, Ya Ana Ya La, Amarain, Leily Nahary, Enta El Hazz, and Nour El Ein.
Tickets from Dhs295. Purchase here.
SYNTHONY
When: April 4, 2026
Where: Bla Bla Dubai
Raves. They aren’t for everyone. Some prefer to glam up and head to the opera instead. But what happens when these two worlds collide? We have ourselves a marriage of tunes you didn’t think would work. And this is all the magic of SYNTHONY, and they are heading to Dubai for their first-ever concert at Bla Bla Dubai. They are bringing with them a high-energy musical experience, with electronic and dance anthems from the last 30 years but with a full live orchestra, DJs, and vocalists. And the fun night out is backed with immersive visuals, giving you that adrenaline-pumping rave effect.
Tickets from Dhs395. Purchase here.
GIPSY KINGS – Symphonic
When: May 8, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
Love the Gipsy Kings? Well, they are returning to Dubai for a new artistic chapter: their first Symphonic project on a theater stage. Led by André Reyes – the founder of the legendary band, this elevated format dresses the group’s timeless hits in symphonic arrangements and orchestral scale, without losing their raw tunes – woah. Top tunes to expect include Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba, Volare and Un Amor.
Prices from Dhs395. Purchase here.
Swedish House Mafia
When: May 16, 2026
Where: Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Dubai Marina
Swedish House Mafia is confirmed for May 16, with Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso set to headline the final show of the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience season. Formed in Stockholm, Swedish House Mafia quickly became one of the most influential names in modern electronic music. The trio are GRAMMY-nominated and known for selling out arenas and headline festival slots across the world.
Prices from Dhs195. Purchase here.
June
Rumi – The Musical
When: June 4 to 7, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
The critically acclaimed West End production Rumi: The Musical arrives at Dubai Opera, created by Middle Eastern duo Dana Al Fardan and Nadim Naaman, the team behind Broken Wings. The show explores the transformative bond between Rumi and his mentor Shams, tracing his journey from scholar to timeless poet through love, loss, and spiritual awakening. The sweeping score blends Middle Eastern sounds, classical influences, and Rumi’s own poetry.
Prices from Dhs280. Purchase here.
The Beach Boys
When: June 11, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera
Dubai, get ready to catch some serious California vibes this June when the legendary American band The Beach Boys perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on June 11, 2026. The band will celebrate 250 years of the USA, saluting 60 years of Pet Sounds – their eleventh studio album, released all the way back in 1966. On the night, you can sing along and dance to some of their most popular tunes, including Surfin’ (1961), California Girls, Fun, Fun, Fun, Good Vibrations, and Kokomo.
August
Def Leppard
When: August 2, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Def Leppard is returning to the UAE in August, this time performing in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena. The UK’s greatest arena rock band have over 110 million albums sold worldwide, two prestigious US Diamond Awards, and a career spanning generations. And their live performances are epic. If you don’t want to miss it, get your tickets.
Prices from Dhs495. Purchase here.
October
Blue
When: October 25, 2026
Where: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
The British boyband will take to the stage at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre with an evening packed with throwback anthems. The Brit-pop four-piece are probably best known for their anthemic early 00s hits All Rise, Too Close, U Make Me Wanna and Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (a collaboration with Elton John). More than two decades since they first formed, the original line-up is still performing together, with recent music reflecting their journey as friends and bandmates over the years.
Images: Supplied, Getty Images and Instagram
