What's On in Abu Dhabi: All the big events, shows and concerts coming soon
So much to look forward to…
Looking to hit up the biggest and best festivals, shows, concerts, and more coming to Abu Dhabi in the next few months? Bookmark this piece and start circling your calendars.
Here are 21 of the best events coming to Abu Dhabi.
December
Teddy Swims and Peggy Gou
When: December 5
Where: Etihad Arena
The Lose Control star will bring his blend of R’n’B, soul and pop to town on Thursday, December 5, before superstar DJ Peggy, who performed at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in April puts on a fabulous performance with hits such as It Makes you Forget and Starry Night to kick things in to high gear before the three main days of racing action.
Teddy Swims and Peggy Gou, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 5. yasmarinacircuit.com
Afterlife
View this post on Instagram
When: December 6
Where: Etihad Park
Fans of bangin’ beats and mesmerising visuals are going to be in for an absolute treat, as Afterlife is all set to make its Abu Dhabi debut on December 6 at Yas Gateway Park. The festival promises a thrilling line up in the UAE capital, with shows from renowned names such as Layla Benitez, Rebūke and Cassian. To cap the evening off, Italian founders Tale of Us will perform a closing set for their Abu Dhabi fans.
Afterlife, Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 6, entry 21+, from Dhs295. after.life
Maroon 5
When: December 6
Where: Etihad Arena
Frontman Adam Levine and co. will bring some of their most iconic hits to Etihad Park, with superhits such as She Will Be Loved, This Love, Sugar, and Moves Like Jagger sure to bring a roaring, motorsport-mad crowd to their feet.
Maroon 5, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 6. yasmarinacircuit.com
Eminem
View this post on Instagram
When: December 7
Where: Etihad Arena
The 15-time Grammy Award winner and Academy Award recipient will bring a roaring, motorsport-mad crowd in the UAE to its feet, belting out hits such as Lose Yourself, The Real Slim Shady, Without Me and Sing for the Moment and more, right here in the UAE capital.
Eminem, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 7. yasmarinacircuit.com
Muse
View this post on Instagram
When: December 8
Where: Etihad Arena
Formula One equals Yasalam After-Race Concerts in Abu Dhabi, and English rockers Muse have been confirmed as the big-ticket artists who will be performing after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, December 8.
Muse Live, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 8. yasmarinacircuit.com
Yas Winter Fest
View this post on Instagram
When: December 13 to 22
Where: Yas Gateway Park North
Abu Dhabi, are you looking forward to walking in a winter wonderland this Christmas? Then bookmark December 13 to 22 as Yas Winter Fest returns to Yas Island for a magical winter wonderland. The 10-day extravaganza invites you to trade the North Pole for Yas Gateway Park North, inviting visitors to discover all their festive favourites and endless family fun. In Santa land, we’ll be making a list and checking it twice, with little ones able to write letters to Santa – and even spot him on stage. At Santa’s Workshop, experience a day in the life of an elf with crafting and gifts to be made, from gingerbread workshops, slime making, canvas painting and more. And to further get you in the festive spirit, holiday movies will play each evening at the outdoor cinema.
Yas Winter Fest, Yas Gateway Park North, Yas Island, December 13 to 22, Dhs20 adults, Dhs15 children. platinumlist.net
Liwa International Festival
When: December 13 to January 4
Where: Liwa Village
Yet another edition of Abu Dhabi’s eagerly-awaited, much-celebrated Liwa International Festival (Moreeb Dune) is only weeks away, and if past editions are anything to go by, you can look forward to several exciting zones and a thrilling winter itinerary. Residents and visitors enjoy the adventure of the outdoors every year with an awesome selection of F&B, retail and entertainment options, and the festival also packs in a selection of adventure activities, as well as great culinary options to bring you an exciting winter experience.
Liwa International Festival, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, December 13, 2024 to January 4, 2025. @liwastories
Elf the Musical
When: December 14 and 15
Where: Etihad Arena
SANTAAAAA! Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf The Musical is coming to Abu Dhabi this December. The musical theatre arena spectacular will take place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island from Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. The arena spectacular ‘Elf The Musical’, features Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, amongst many spectacular scenes all set against amazing video-film backdrops on a large LED screen.
Elf The Musical, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15. From Dhs75. All ages welcome. Tickets: abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Bryan Adams Live
When: December 19
Where: Etihad Arena
Music lovers, rock icon Bryan Adams is heading to the capital in December to perform at the Etihad Arena on December 19, on the sidelines of Season 3 of the World Tennis League. The Canadian singer-songwriter will be belting out a timeless list of hits to his name such as Summer of 69, Heat of the Night, and more. We’re going to Run To You Bryan Adams!
Bryan Adams Live, World Tennis League, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, December 19, from Dhs199. etihadarena.ae
Anastacia
View this post on Instagram
When: December 20
Where: Etihad Arena
Kicking off the World Tennis League (WTL) series of post-match concerts will be ‘Left Outside Alone‘ hitmaker, Anastacia. As part of the ‘greatest show on court’, she’ll be bringing her sing-along hits like I’m Outta Love and Sick and Tired to the Etihad Arena on December 20.
Anastacia, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 20, prices from Dhs249. etihadarena.ae
Akon
View this post on Instagram
When: December 21
Where: Etihad Arena
Pop and R’n’B superstar Akon loves Abu Dhabi and the World Tennis League so much, he’s coming back for a second consecutive year on December 21 to put on a show for you. Get set for superhits such as Smack That, Lonely, Locked Up and Beautiful.
Akon Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 21, prices from Dhs249. etihadarena.ae
Robbie Williams
When: December 28
Where: Saadiyat Island
One of the best live performers of his generation, former Take That band member, and all round entertainer, Robbie Williams is heading back to Abu Dhabi on Saturday December 28. The British popstar will bring his signature showmanship and his greatest hits to the UAE capital for a night of pure entertainment that’s sure to bring the house down right before you welcome 2025. You’ll know Robbie for super hits that made waves on the radiowaves in the nineties and noughties, such as Rock DJ, Feel, Angels and Let Me Entertain You. Tickets start from Dhs295.
Saadiyat Nights presents Robbie Williams, Saturday December 28, from Dhs295. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
Andrea Bocelli
When: December 31
Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Come December 31 it’s Time To Say Goodbye to 2024, and Andrea Bocelli will be putting his unmistakeable voice to an intimate performance at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The renowned Italian tenor will put on a show-stopping concert at one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious hotels to usher in 2025, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks lighting up the skies over the Corniche and an exclusive after-party well into the early hours. The full New Year’s Eve packages are inclusive of a stay, dinner, concert and after party, priced from Dhs13,750.
Andrea Bocelli, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, Dec 31, from Dhs13,750. @mo_emiratespalace
January 2025
Coldplay
When: January 9, 11, 12 and 14
Where: Zayed Sports City Stadium
Headlining at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi for four sold-out shows this January will be Coldplay, performing their only Middle Eastern gigs of their world tour right here in the emirates. When the tour lands in Abu Dhabi, on January 9, 11, 12 and 14, fans can expect to hear some of the biggest tracks from their ninth studio album, Music of the Spheres, including We Pray and Feels Like I’m Falling In Love. But those who’ve been listening to Chris Martin and co since the beginning of their musical journey can also look forward to belting out some of the biggest anthems from their backlog of mega hits, including Yellow, The Scientist, Clocks, Fix You, Viva La Vida, Paradise, A Sky Full Of Stars, and Adventure Of A Lifetime.
Live Nation presents Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour, Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, January 9, 11, 12 and 14. livenation.me
Jimmy Carr
When: January 11
Where: Etihad Arena
One of the UK’s leading laughmakers is heading to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, and you’ll have your chance to begin the new year with plenty of laughs when Jimmy Carr performs in the UAE capital on January 11, 2025. The famed British comedian is all set to bring the laughs to Yas Island, with his new brand-new standup show, ‘Laughs Funny’ coming to town for an uproarious performance that is sure to leave you in splits.
Jimmy Carr Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, January 11 2025, from Dhs295. etihadarena.ae
Michael Bublé
When: January 16
Where: Saadiyat Nights
One of Canada’s most successful exports, Michael Bublé has spent the last 20 years bringing out a roster of sing-along pop songs. As well as mining a repertoire of old swing songs, made famous by the likes of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone and Van Morrison; he’s released a collection of his own tracks, resulting in 75 million records sold worldwide. When he makes his Abu Dhabi debut on January 16, fans can expect to hear some of Buble’s best-loved tracks, like Hollywood, It’s A Beautiful Day, and Feelin’ Good. Tickets start from Dhs295.
Saadiyat Nights presents Michael Buble, January 16, from Dhs295. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
Leningrad
When: January 24
Where: Saadiyat Island
Popular Russian rockers Leningrad will add some more international flavour to the Saadiyat Nights line-up when they perform in Abu Dhabi for the first time on January 24. Leningrad are established as one of the most prominent and culturally significant acts to come out of Russia in decades. Made up of more than 14 musicians, the group’s back catalogue includes Kolshchik, Bolsche Nikovo, and Nikogo Ne Zhalko. Tickets start from Dhs200.
Saadiyat Nights presents Leningrad, January 24, from Dhs200. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
Boyz II Men
When: January 25
Where: Saadiyat Island
American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men will perform at hugely-popular Saadiyat Nights, when the open-air music fiesta returns to Abu Dhabi. The multi-date musical extravaganza returns this December for its second edition, with Boyz II Men announced as one of the first headliners, although you’ll need to wait until January 25 until you can hear their roster of hits including End Of The Road, I’ll Make Love to You, and One Sweet Day. Tickets are available now via ticketmaster.ae, priced from Dhs225 for the raised grandstands and Dhs495 for floor seating.
Saadiyat Nights presents Boyz II Men, Saadiyat Island, January 25, 2025, from Dhs225. ticketmaster.ae, @saadiyatnights
February
Christina Aguilera
When: February 15
Where: Saadiyat Island
Global sensation Christina Aguilera, who returns to Abu Dhabi for the first time in 17 years, will put her four-octave vocal range to a string of her best hits from the last two decades on Saturday February 15. Regarded as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, the American popstar will belt out renditions of her biggest hits including Genie in a Bottle, What a Girl Wants, and Beautiful. Tickets start from Dhs295.
Saadiyat Nights presents Christina Aguilera, Saturday February 15, from Dhs295. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
April
Sting
He’s performed twice in Abu Dhabi in the last two years, and it seems he just can’t get enough of his UAE fans, as British music icon Sting is returning to the capital next year. Sting, the British songwriting stalwart with classics such as Desert Rose and Englishman in New York in his hit-making repertoire, will bring his STING 3.0 world tour to the Etihad Arena on April 3, 2025. The 17-time Grammy Award winner will perform alongside virtuoso guitarist and longtime collaborator, Dominic Miller, and dynamic drummer Chris Maas (Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers). The band promise to deliver all the best-loved songs from Sting’s extensive discography as a solo artist and his time in renowned band The Police when they headline next year.
Live Nation presents STING 3.0, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, April 3, 2025, from Dhs395. livenation.me
Les Misérables
When: April 10 to 20
Where: Etihad Arena
Les Misérables is coming to Abu Dhabi to Etihad Arena in April 2025. Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular builds on the success of Les Misérables The Staged Concert which ran for over 200 performances at London’s West End. The adaptation is going to be even grander bragging an all-new design crafted for larger venues and an immersive experience that amplifies the emotional and visual power of the show. Les Misérables will enchant audiences from April 10 to 20, 2025. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on October 14, 2024, so ensure you register on etihadarena.ae and platinumlist.net. The general sale will go live on October 17, 2024.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, April 10 to 20, 2025, ticket prices tbc. etihadarena.ae
Media: Instagram, What’s On archive, Unsplash, Getty
