Events to book now in Abu Dhabi | The ADR Guide
Updated: Aug 18
Abu Dhabi's events calendar is looking pretty stacked over the next few months, and we’ve found the best ones you can book right now. From arena concerts to comedy season, a Grand Prix weekend and many more, check out what's worth getting into your list.
CONCERTS
Sonu Nigam: The Revolution Tour
Sonu Nigam is bringing his much-loved voice to Abu Dhabi this month for The Revolution Tour. You’ll hear some of his biggest songs, from nostalgic favourites and romantic ballads to more energetic hits.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Friday, 21 August 2026
Check out more details and how to get your tickets here
This Is Michael
Head to This Is Michael for a two-hour live tribute packed with his biggest hits, including Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller and Man in the Mirror. Lenny Jay takes on the role of the King of Pop, joined by a live band, dancers and singers.
There’ll be loads of signature choreography and iconic stage moments too, so you can sing along and try out those famous moves.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday, 22 August 2026
More details about the show here
Book your spot here
RIAHIYAT at the Cultural Foundation
The Cultural Foundation has a special Emirati Women’s Day edition of RIAHIYAT, a ladies’ tarab night led by Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi. She is joined by The Arab Choir Ladies and a live band. You’ll hear Arabic classics and well-known songs you’ve probably heard before.
Sing along with your gang and enjoy a night of live Arabic music together.
Where: Cultural Foundation
When: Friday, 28 August 2026
Book your spot here
One Day Choir
If you’ve been seeing One Day Choir all over your feed in Dubai, here’s your chance to join it in Abu Dhabi. It brings together a room full of strangers to learn and sing one song in harmony. No auditions, no experience needed and no pressure to be a great singer. You just show up, learn the song and sing your heart out.
You’ll get to know each other, play a few games, learn your part in smaller groups and then come together for a final sing-through. It’s recorded too, so you’ll have a little keepsake from the session.
Where: The Club, Abu Dhabi
When: First session Sunday, 6 September 2026
More info on the schedule here
Join the community here
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera is heading back to the capital for a full arena show this September. She’ll bring the pop classics, from Genie in a Bottle and Beautiful to Fighter and Dirrty, with a live band, classic choreography, and a big production to match.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Friday, 25 September 2026
Book your spot here
K-Pop Fever
K-POP FEVER is coming to the capital this September for an afternoon filled with music, dance and, of course, all things K-pop. The show features songs inspired by some of the biggest names in the genre, including BTS, BLACKPINK and KATSEYE, as well as the hugely popular K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack.
You can catch live vocals, choreography, special effects and big visuals, bringing the energy of a K-pop concert to the stage.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday 26 September 2026
Price: From AED 95
Time: 2:00 pm
Book your spot here
The Corrs
If Breathless, Runaway and What Can I Do were on your playlist back in the day, you’ll want to know The Corrs are making their way to Abu Dhabi. The Irish sibling quartet are bringing their pop-rock hits, Celtic influences and those unmistakable harmonies to Etihad Arena this September.
Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim Corr will all be performing live, so get ready to sing along to the classics and take a little trip down memory lane.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday 27 September 2026
Price: From AED 325
Check out more details here
Book your spot here
THEATRE
Barcelona Flamenco Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet gets a flamenco makeover this September at the Cultural Foundation. Barcelona Flamenco Ballet retells the story of the star-crossed lovers through expressive dance, live music and dramatic choreography, with the familiar tale of love, family rivalry and tragedy told without spoken dialogue.
Where: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Time: Doors open at 7:30 pm | Show starts at 8:00 pm
Price: From AED 240
Book your spot here
SPORTS
UFC 333
The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi as UFC 333 headlines this year’s Abu Dhabi Showdown Week on Yas Island. The full fight card is still under wraps, but a Featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev has already been confirmed.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday, 24 October 2026
If you want to catch the action live, register your interest here
Find out more about UFC 333 here
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
F1 fans, the season finale is heading to Abu Dhabi this December, with a full weekend of practice, qualifying and racing at Yas Marina Circuit. Once the racing wraps, the Yasalam After-Race Concerts keep the celebrations going, with Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson on Thursday and Imagine Dragons on Saturday.
There’s also a new Yasalam Classics series this year, kicking off with Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena on Wednesday.
Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Arena
When: 3 - 6 December 2026
Find out more here
COMEDY
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season 2026
Starting the laughs is Morgan Jay with his mix of comedy, live music and audience interaction, followed by Russell Peters with his takes on everyday life and cultural differences. Mo Amer brings stories from his life and experiences growing up between different cultures, while Maz Jobrani draws on family, heritage, and life in America for his set.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: October & November 2026
Get your tickets here
Find out more about them here
FESTIVALS
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
Abu Dhabi Festival returns for its 23rd edition this autumn, with concerts, opera, recitals and more across the capital. The line-up includes Hans Zimmer’s The Next Level, the UAE National Orchestra, an opera performance by Sondra Radvanovsky and Vincenzo Scalera, and a recital by Elham Al Marzooqi and Sooyeon Jun.
When: 10 October - 6 December 2026
Get your tickets here
Read more about the festival here
Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)
MEFCC is back at ADNEC this September for three days of films, comics, gaming and all things pop culture. Meet stars including John Cena, One Piece actor Mackenyu and Star Wars star Joonas Suotamo, then check out the cosplay and gaming zones, meet comic creators, browse collectibles and catch fan panels.
There’s also the Festival Plaza, with food, music, live entertainment and plenty happening throughout the weekend.
Where: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
When: 11 - 13 September 2026
Price: From AED160
Book your spot here
OFFLIMITS Music Festival
Shakira, the Jonas Brothers and Ne-Yo are heading to Abu Dhabi this November for the second edition of OFFLIMITS at Etihad Live. Shakira is bringing her hits (and hips), the Jonas Brothers will have you singing along to old favourites, and Ne-Yo will be belting out R&B classics like So Sick, Miss Independent, and Closer.
The rest of the line-up jumps between genres too, with Biffy Clyro and KALEO bringing the rock, while Scouting for Girls and Toploader add some familiar indie favourites. You’ll also find newer and regional names including Myles Smith, Bayou, Yara Mustafa and YAZ.
There's 12 hours of live music, so be prepared to dance, sing along and keep going till you drop.
Where: Etihad Live, Yas Island
When: Postponed to 2027
More info here
This festival has been cancelled with new dates for 2027 to be announced.
