Plan ahead with the biggest Abu Dhabi events, from concerts and theatre shows to festivals and live performances across the rest of 2026
There’s a lot coming up in Abu Dhabi, and it is not slowing down anytime soon. The calendar is packed with big concerts, theatre, ballet and festivals that give you something to look forward to every month. If you like planning ahead, now is a good time to start booking
Arab pop star Angham live in Abu Dhabi
Angham is the kind of voice that fills a room before she even finishes the first note. The Egyptian star brings a catalogue of emotional, well-loved songs, delivered with the kind of control that keeps audiences hooked. Expect a night that leans into nostalgia, big feelings and proper sing-along moments.
Location: Space 42 Arena, Abu Dhabi
Time: April 25
Cost: from Dhs595
Contact: (02) 552 8055
Theatre Days in Abu Dhabi: The Train Arrives In…
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This contemporary dance drama reimagines Anna Karenina through movement, focusing on her emotional conflict rather than the full narrative. The performance is intimate and visually striking, with choreography carrying the weight of the story. Featuring acclaimed dancers Vladislav Lantratov and Daria Pavlenko, it brings serious depth and precision to the stage.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Time: doors open at 7pm
Cost: from Dhs175
Contact: (02) 690 9000
Cats the musical comes to Etihad Arena
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Few shows have the staying power of Cats. This production brings the full spectacle, from elaborate costumes to that one song everyone knows, Memory. It’s theatrical, a little surreal, and still manages to pull a crowd decades after its debut.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Time: May 14 to 24, 8:30pm; weekend matinees 12:30pm
Cost: From Dhs90
Contact: etihadarena.ae
Christina Aguilera returns to Abu Dhabi
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Christina Aguilera does not do quiet performances. She hits the stage with powerhouse vocals and a setlist packed with hits that defined a generation of pop. Her return to Abu Dhabi feels less like a comeback and more like a reminder of exactly why she still owns it.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Time: September 25
Cost: From Dhs395
Contact: etihadarena.ae
Sondra Radvanovsky and Vincenzo Scalera in concert
Opera fans are in for something special here. Sondra Radvanovsky takes on works by Bellini, Verdi and Puccini, backed by the steady brilliance of pianist Vincenzo Scalera. It’s a refined evening that leans into drama, precision and full-bodied sound.
Location: TBC, Abu Dhabi
Time: October 17, 8pm
Cost: TBC
Contact: abudhabifestival.ae
Russell Peters brings his comedy tour to Abu Dhabi
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Russell Peters keeps it fast, sharp and very personal. His comedy thrives on crowd interaction and cultural observations that hit close to home. Expect big laughs, quick comebacks and the kind of show that never really sticks to a script.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Time: October 25, 8:30pm
Cost: From Dhs275
Contact: etihadarena.ae
American Ballet Theatre performance
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This is ballet at its most considered. The programme blends playful, meditative and technically demanding works from three leading choreographers. It’s a chance to see world-class dancers interpret pieces that balance beauty with discipline.
Location: TBC, Abu Dhabi
Time: November 20, 8pm
Cost: TBC
Contact: abudhabifestival.ae
Offlimits Music Festival lands in November
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Offlimits is shaping up to be one of the biggest music moments of the year. With names like Shakira and the Jonas Brothers on the line-up, it leans heavily into crowd-pleasing pop. The move to November only adds to the anticipation.
Location: Etihad Park, Yas Island
Time: November 21, doors 3pm
Cost: From Dhs495
Contact: platinumlist.net
Algarabia theatre production
Algarabia blends flamenco with Arabic poetry in a way that feels both bold and deliberate. Musicians, dancers and actors come together to tell a story rooted in culture and movement. It’s layered, expressive and visually striking.
Location: TBC, Abu Dhabi
Time: November 26, 8pm
Cost: TBC
Contact: abudhabifestival.ae
Tarkan makes his Abu Dhabi debut
Tarkan arrives with a catalogue that has shaped Turkish pop for decades. His shows are high-energy, familiar and built for a crowd that knows every word. This debut feels like a long time coming.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Time: November 27, doors 7pm, show 8.30pm
Cost: From Dhs295
Contact: etihadarena.ae
Sunburn Festival makes its UAE debut
Sunburn is not a small event. Known as one of the biggest EDM festivals in Asia, it arrives in Abu Dhabi with serious expectations. Think big stages, international DJs and a crowd that is there to go all in.
Location: TBC, Abu Dhabi
Time: December 2026
Cost: TBC
Contact: Sunburn Festival
Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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This is where the race weekend turns into a full concert experience. Lewis Capaldi brings the emotion, while Zara Larsson keeps the energy high with pop anthems. It’s a strong opening to the Grand Prix after-race series.
Location: Etihad Park, Yas Island
Time: December 3
Cost: Included with Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets
Contact: abudhabigp.com
Dhafer Youssef live with quintet
Dhafer Youssef blends genres in a way that feels effortless. Jazz, Arabic sounds and electronic elements all come together in a performance that shifts and builds as it goes. It’s immersive and deeply personal.
Location: TBC, Abu Dhabi
Time: December 19, 8pm
Cost: TBC
Contact: abudhabifestival.ae
