UAE events to look forward to in 2026
There’s something to look forward to, with lots of UAE events still to come this year. From major concerts to live performances and large-scale festivals, the calendar remains packed across the Emirates. With international artists and touring acts still set to take the stage, there’s more to add to your plans in the months ahead.
Harvest Festival Spring Edition in Dubai
Celebrate the season at Harvest Festival: Spring Edition, a colourful family event taking place under the iconic Al Wasl Dome. It’s here where you’ll find vibrant décor, interactive games, a retail market spotlighting local brands and a showcase of fresh produce from Emirati farms. Kids can dive into Easter egg hunts, bounce on bouncy castles, get creative in hands-on workshops and join family-friendly races, with most activities included in the ticket. The festival also features the high-energy Rashid and Latifa On Wheels ride, where children can cycle, scoot or skate along a dedicated route starting from Surreal. Just remember to register in advance and bring your own wheels and helmet.
Where: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
When: April 4, 2026
Cost: Tickets from Dhs50.
Contact: @expocitydubai
The Laughter Factory
Need a break for a few laughs? The Laughter Factory is hosting three comedians this April that will do the trick. There’s South African comedy superstar Robby Collins with multiple awards to back his comedic antics, fresh and fearless (and of course, funny) Valentina Danubio and Northern English funnyman, John Hague. Rounding out the bill is poet and storyteller, Viswajit Dilip, weaving humor into his words to create engaging narratives.
Where: Various locations across Dubai and The Club in Abu Dhabi
When: April 10 to 12, 16 to 18, 2026
Cost: Tickets from Dhs140
Contact: thelaughterfactory.com
Symphonic Ibiza
Picture this: A large-scale live experience that blends together the epic dance culture of Ibiza and the power of a full orchestra, live vocalists and a DJ. This is the experience heading to Expo City Dubai in April. Buckle up for a dance floor tour through euphoric club classics and modern electronic anthems in a symphonic format, transforming legendary dancefloor moments into a powerful live concert experience.
Where: Expo City Dubai
When: April 24, 2026
Cost: Tickets from Dhs249
Contact: @symphonicibiza
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Abu Dhabi Festival
This is where the city slows down and listens. The Abu Dhabi Festival brings together artists from around the world, but it never feels distant or hard to follow. You can go from a big, emotional opening with Jon Batiste to something quieter and just as powerful the next night. HAUSER’s cello fills a room in a way that stays with you. Pick one show, or a few, and it turns into something personal.
Where: Various venues across Abu Dhabi
When: April 12 to May 16
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Contact: @abudhabifestival
HYPEROUND KFEST
K-Pop fans, HYPEROUND KFEST Abu Dhabi 2026 is making a return this April, and it’s bigger and bolder than the first edition. The one-day performance features Enhypen, Ten, Fifty Fifty, Dabin.kr, and Artms performing on one stage with an upgraded production. Included within the cost of admission: strong vocals and choreography you can’t help but dance along to.
When: April 18
Where: Etihad Arena
Cost: Tickets from Dhs200
Contact: @etihadarena.ae
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Love classical music? Treat yourself to a night packed with candlelight and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The Gulf String Quartet delivers a 65-minute soulful sound bath, bringing one of classical music’s most iconic scores to life in a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience. Arrive on time as seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: April 18
Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Cost: Tickets from Dhs245.
Contact: @candlelight.concerts
Atif Aslam
Pakistani superstar Atif Aslam returns to Coca-Cola Arena this April, ready to sweep the city into another night of pure musical delight. With five consecutive sold-out shows in Dubai already under his belt, this is one comeback you’ll want to catch before the tickets vanish. Expect those signature, soul-soaked vocals to carry you through everything from beloved hits like Tajdar-e-Haram, Jeena Jeena and Pehli Nazar Mein to crowd-rousing favourites such as Dil Diyan Gallan and Aadat.
When: April 19
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Cost: Tickets from Dhs250
Contact: @cocacolaarena
Verdi’s Opera Gala
Marking 125 years since the passing of Giuseppe Verdi, this Opera Gala sees the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra take to the stage under the baton of Giacomo Sagripanti, joined by soprano Maria Agresta and tenor Giorgio Berrugi. The programme features a selection of Verdi’s best-known works, from Nabucco and I Vespri Siciliani to Otello and La Traviata, with a mix of overtures, arias and duets highlighting the composer’s lyrical style and enduring influence on opera.
Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
When: April 21
Cost: Prices from Dhs125.
Contact: @abudhabifestival
Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival celebrates books, creativity and imagination. Beyond interactive workshops, author sessions and hands-on activities, the whole family can enjoy live performances ranging from theatre and music to immersive storytelling experiences. It is free to attend, however certain workshops will require registration or a ticket.
When: April 22 to May 3
Where: Expo Centre Sharjah
Contact: @sharjahbookauthority
COMING HOME: 60 Years of Scorpions Tour (Rock)
German rock legends with six decades of iconic hits like Wind of Change and Still Loving You celebrate a milestone anniversary with blazing guitar-driven classics.
Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, May 3 (Time TBA)
Tickets: From Dhs250, Platinumlist.net
Gipsy Kings (Flamenco / World Music)
Legendary French-Spanish ensemble known for their irresistible fusion of flamenco rhythms, rumba and pop, the Gipsy Kings have sold millions of records worldwide with classics like Bamboleo and Volare and continue to captivate audiences with vibrant, soulful performances.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown
When: Friday, May 8; 8 pm
Tickets: From Dhs395, Platinumlist.net
Def Leppard (Rock)
Brit rock icons behind arena anthems like Pour Some Sugar On Me return to the UAE for a high-octane night of classic rock and timeless hits.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
When: Sunday, August 2 (Time TBA)
Tickets: From Dhs299, coca-cola-arena.com
Sunburn Festival Abu Dhabi 2026 (Electronic Musi. c Festival)
Asia’s biggest dance music festival brings global DJs, high-energy stages and large-scale production to the UAE capital. A major debut edition for the region.
Where: Abu Dhabi (Venue TBC)
When: December 2026 (Dates TBC)
More info: sunburn.in
OFFLIMITS 2026 (Multi-Artist Festival)
A large-scale, open-format music festival featuring diverse international artists and immersive stage experiences. Known for bold production and a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Where: Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: November, 21 2026 (Dates TBC)
Pre-register: offlimits.com
