Trying to work out what is actually worth leaving the house for? This is your living guide to the best events in Abu Dhabi, sorted into what is on this week, what is coming up this month and the big nights to lock in for later in the year. We keep it fresh as our events calendar updates, so bookmark it and check back before you make plans.
On Right Now: This Week in Abu Dhabi
Here is what is worth heading out for over the next few days.
Get Get Aww SB Girls Live in Abu Dhabi
A high-energy live music night to kick off the month at Etihad Arena. Tap through for the full line-up and timings.
View eventComing Up: August and Early September
Your plans through the rest of the summer holidays and into September.
CoComelon Live in Abu Dhabi
The nursery-rhyme phenomenon comes to life on stage. Non-negotiable if you have under-fives at home.
View eventSonu Nigam Live in Abu Dhabi
One of India’s most beloved playback singers brings decades of hits to the capital for one night.
View eventThis Is Michael Live in Abu Dhabi
A high-energy celebration of the King of Pop, moonwalk and all. A crowd-pleaser for every age.
View eventRiahiyat: Ladies Tarab Night
An immersive ladies-only tarab night with Lamia Riahi, timed for Emirati Women’s Day.
View eventRuby, Esseily and Pousi in Abu Dhabi
Three Egyptian pop favourites share one stage over the Emirati Women’s Day weekend.
View eventMEFCC 2026 Comic Con Abu Dhabi
Three days of comics, cosplay, gaming and pop-culture guests take over ADNEC. Under-sixes go free.
View eventPeking Opera Live in Abu Dhabi
The China National Peking Opera Company brings a Mid-Autumn Festival spectacle to the capital.
View eventHot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Giant trucks, big stunts and a glow-in-the-dark show the kids will talk about for weeks.
View eventDance of the Emerald Isle
A foot-stomping night of Irish dance and live music across two shows.
View eventAhmed Saad and Disco Misr Live
Egyptian pop star Ahmed Saad teams up with Disco Misr for a big night of Arabic hits.
View eventWOW Expert Tip: The autumn and winter line-up below sells fast once school is back. If a name jumps out, grab tickets early, the good seats for Bocelli, Tarkan and the Corrs will not hang around.
Later in 2026 and Beyond
The headline season. Diarise these now.
Christina Aguilera
A global pop icon brings the vocals to Abu Dhabi. One of the arena nights of the year.
View eventK-Pop Fever Live in Abu Dhabi
A full-throttle K-pop night for the fandom, with dance, tribute sets and a crowd that knows every word.
View eventAll-Star Sumo Live in Abu Dhabi
The UAE’s first pro sumo exhibition, with elite wrestlers going bout for bout.
View eventFlamenco Romeo and Juliet
Barcelona Flamenco Ballet reimagines the classic love story in fiery flamenco.
View eventThe Corrs Live in Abu Dhabi
The Irish family band return with the hits that defined a decade. Feel-good from start to finish.
View eventNagham Live in Abu Dhabi
The Yemenis Orchestra brings a night of soulful Arabic orchestral music to Space42 Arena.
View eventUAE National Orchestra
The UAE National Orchestra makes its Arab World premiere with Rachmaninoff and Dvorak.
View eventMorgan Jay Live in Abu Dhabi
The viral musician-comedian brings his genre-hopping, improvised show to the capital.
View eventSondra Radvanovsky in Abu Dhabi
The celebrated soprano performs an intimate opera recital as part of Abu Dhabi Festival.
View eventTamer Hosny and Tamer Ashour Live
Two Egyptian pop heavyweights share one stage for a night of Arabic chart-toppers.
View eventRussell Peters Live in Abu Dhabi
One of the biggest names in stand-up returns to Abu Dhabi. Sharp, fast and not for the easily offended.
View eventRiverdance Live in Abu Dhabi
The record-breaking Irish dance spectacle, live on stage. Thunderous footwork and a full orchestra.
View eventThe Tiger Who Came to Tea
The best-loved children’s story leaps off the page in a charming, sing-along stage show.
View eventMo Amer Live in Abu Dhabi
The Palestinian-American star of Netflix’s Mo brings his stand-up to the arena.
View eventMaz Jobrani Live in Abu Dhabi
The Iranian-American comedian headlines Abu Dhabi Comedy Season with his sharp, story-driven set.
View eventHans Zimmer Live in Abu Dhabi
The legendary film composer brings his THE NEXT LEVEL tour and those iconic scores to the arena.
View eventThe Escapement
An immersive theatrical experience heading to Abu Dhabi. One for those who like their nights out a little different.
View eventShakira Live in Abu Dhabi
The global superstar headlines the OFFLIMITS Music Festival for a huge open-air night.
View eventAlgarabia at Abu Dhabi Festival
A theatrical Abu Dhabi Festival performance in the grand setting of Emirates Palace.
View eventTarkan Live in Abu Dhabi
The Turkish superstar makes his Abu Dhabi debut with a catalogue of chart-toppers. A huge night.
View eventVerdi’s Opera Gala at Abu Dhabi Festival
An evening of Verdi’s greatest arias in the grand setting of Emirates Palace.
View eventAndrea Bocelli Live in Abu Dhabi
The legendary tenor headlines race-week season. A once-in-a-lifetime evening of voice and orchestra.
View eventLisa Batiashvili and Giorgi Gigashvili
The acclaimed violinist and pianist perform together for Abu Dhabi Festival.
View eventMinsoo Sohn at Abu Dhabi Festival
The award-winning pianist takes the stage for an intimate Abu Dhabi Festival recital.
View eventHarry Potter Film Concert
The film on the big screen with the score performed live by a full orchestra. Pure magic for fans.
View eventCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl’s golden-ticket classic reimagined for the stage. A treat for the whole family.
View eventThe Big Anchor Events Worth Planning Around
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 4 to 6 December
The biggest weekend on the calendar full stop. The season finale roars around Yas Marina Circuit, and the Yasalam After-Race Concerts turn Etihad Park into the party of the year, with Andrea Bocelli headlining the new Yasalam Classics series on 2 December. If you are new to race weekend, our Yas Island guide covers where to stay, park and eat around the circuit.
Concert Season at Etihad Arena and Etihad Park
From September the arena calendar goes big, with Christina Aguilera, The Corrs and Turkish superstar Tarkan among the headliners. We keep the full line-up and ticket links updated in our dedicated concerts in Abu Dhabi guide.
Eid Al Etihad and UAE National Day – 2 December
The capital goes all out for National Day with fireworks, drone shows and free family events across the city. Our roundup of the festive things to do for Eid Al Etihad has the best spots to catch it.
Seasonal Favourites Worth Watching
Beyond the headliners, a handful of returning favourites are worth keeping on your radar: the open-air Saadiyat Nights concert series through winter, the Sheikh Zayed Festival heritage nights and fireworks running from late autumn into spring, and Abu Dhabi’s autumn Oktoberfest celebrations. During Ramadan and Eid the city shifts into iftar tents and late-night markets, all covered in our Eid happenings and offers guide.
Free and Family-Friendly Days Out
Not every great day out needs a ticket. Abu Dhabi is packed with free and low-cost things to do, from Corniche mornings to waterfront evenings. Start with our pick of outdoor things to do in Abu Dhabi, the always-buzzing Yas Bay Waterfront, and for a rainy-day back-up, the theme-park thrills at Ferrari World.
WOW Expert Tip: Weeknight tickets to arena shows and theme parks are usually cheaper and far less crowded than weekends. If your plans are flexible, go Tuesday or Wednesday.
How to Keep Up With What’s On
This page is refreshed as our events calendar updates, so it is the quickest way to see what is on without trawling ten ticketing sites. For month-by-month detail, our monthly events breakdowns go deeper, and you can always browse the full Abu Dhabi events calendar for every listing. Bookmark this guide, check back before you plan your week, and you will never miss the good stuff.
Last updated 6 August 2026.
