All the shows, sporting events, concerts and festivals coming to Abu Dhabi
It’s showtime…
Welcome to all the biggest and best music festivals, global sporting events, shows from stand-up comedy legends, musical concerts, musical theatre, and much much more coming to Abu Dhabi in 2023 (and since we’re nearly at the end of the year, we’ve thrown in a little bit of 2024)…
October
Charlie Puth
When: October 1, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
Charlie Puth is only One Call (and a few months) Away from landing in Abu Dhabi. The American singer-songwriter is set to perform in the capital for the first time on Sunday October 1, bringing his “Charlie” Live Experience to the Etihad Arena. After a clip of Puth covering Adele’s Someone Like You went viral in 2011, the American popstar has become well known for his catchy musical mastery. His setlist will no doubt include some of his biggest chart-topping hits, including We Don’t Talk Anymore, One Call Away and Attention. The concert promises to be an emotional one, as the singer-songwriter journeys through the top tracks from his collection of albums and collaborations. Tickets are now on sale from Dhs245. Book here.
Charlie Puth Presents The “Charlie” Live Experience, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Oct 1, from Dhs245. livenation.me
NBA preseason warm-up matches
When: October 5 and 7, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
As mentioned above, last year for the first time Abu Dhabi hosted a pair of pre-season NBA friendly matches, and fresh off the rebound it’s happening again in 2023. The two teams taking part this October will be the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. These games will once again take place at Etihad Arena, on Yas Island on October 5 and 7, 2023. The tickets are now on sale, priced from Dhs245.
NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Oct 5 and 7, from Dhs245. etihadarena.ae
Boney M Experience
When: October 7, 2023
Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Auditorium
Experience an unparalleled exhibition of Boney M’s greatest hits at the ‘Boney M Experience’ show. It is presented by one of the group’s long-time touring vocalists, Sheyla Bonnick. If you’re from the Boney M generation, you can expect to catch tunes by musical megabrands like the Bee Gees, ABBA, Earth Wind and Fire, and many more. Purchase your tickets here.
Throwback Disco Extravaganza presents Sheyla Bonnick’s ‘Boney M Experience’, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Auditorium, Oct 7, 8pm, from Dhs175. @mo_emiratespalace
Disney on Ice
When: October 11 to 15, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
We all have our go-to Disney belters that we sing shamelessly in the shower or in the car. Now, we have the opportunity to actually give it our all as the talented Disney on Ice crew glide past singing A Whole New World… That’s right, while Disney on Ice is geared towards the little ones of Abu Dhabi – we all know that it’s the grown-ups celebrating 100 years of only the best that Disney has brought us. The annual extravaganza is back again this year. Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonder will be bringing Abu Dhabi all the magic and wonder we hold dear. The best part is, that tickets start from as little as Dhs84. Purchase your seats here.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Friends, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Oct 11 to 15, from Dhs84. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Robbie Williams
When: October 18, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
Popular British popstar Robbie Williams is making a welcome return to Abu Dhabi later this year. On Wednesday, October 18, the Let Me Entertain You hitmaker will headline at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena as part of his 25 Years of Hits world tour. Known as one of the best live acts of his generation, Robbie Williams has been captivating audiences for the last two and a half decades. A born entertainer, we can’t wait to see this pop icon bring his energetic showmanship and songbook of countless sing-along hits to the capital this October. Purchase your tickets here.
Robbie Williams presents 25 Years of Hits, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, from Dhs395. livenation.me
UFC 294
When: October 21, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
MMA’s biggest spectacle, the UFC Fight Island series is returning to Abu Dhabi again this year. Taking place on October 21, this fight night will represent the 18th UFC event in Abu Dhabi, the first being UFC 112: INVINCIBLE all the way back in April 2010, back in the pre-PCR era. More details and tickets on sale here.
UFC 294, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Oct 21. etihadarena.ae
Andrew Schulz
When: October 22, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
Get ready for a night of pure belly laughs as Andrew Schulz is bringing his stand-up tour The Life Show to Abu Dhabi for one night only. The New Yorker is an actor, comedian, and podcaster, and is best known for his work on The Brilliant Idiots podcast. Get ready to cry with laughter as you embark on a journey through the complicated mind of Schulz, as he explores the realms of current events, politics, and the chaos of life. Get your tickets here.
Andrew Schulz live at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Oct 22. Tel: (600) 511 115. etihadarena.ae
Jo Koy
When: October 28, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
After his knockout success in Dubai last year, it only makes sense that comedian Jo Koy graces Abu Dhabi with his presence as part of his 2023 World Tour. The funny man will be heading to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in October for an evening that promises to be packed with belly-aching fun. He will be performing at the arena on Saturday, October 28. Ticket prices start from Dhs180 and are already on sale and are available for purchase here. Remember, Jo Koy is quite popular, so you better get them before they’re all gone.
Jo Koy, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat Oct 28, from Dhs180. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
November
Hyperound
When: November 11, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
K-Pop fans, this is for you. The music festival, Hyperound is returning to Abu Dhabi, celebrating the best of the K-Pop world. It will take place on November 11, 2023 at the Etihad Arena kicking off at 7pm. The full line-up of artists includes ENHYPEN, Sunmi, Epik High, DPR Ian, XG, Cherry Bullet and Peakboy. Tickets are available to purchase on platinumlist.net and are selling fast (Do note, that the Bronze category is already sold out.).
Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi 2023, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Saturday, Nov 11, 2023, 7pm, from Dhs210, etihadarena.ae @hyperound.ae
Abu Dhabi Art
When: November 20 to 26, 2023
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat
The annual art fair in Abu Dhabi is more than a traditional trade fair, it presents many events and initiatives to engage the general public. This year, during its 15th iteration, Abu Dhabi Art is displaying work from leading and emerging galleries as well as featuring a curatorially driven programme, including art installations, talks and performances taking place in different locations, making this its most comprehensive and diverse to date. It’s scheduled for November 20 to November 26.
Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Nov 20 to 26.abudhabiart.com
Formula 1 Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
When: November 23 to 26, 2023
Where: Yas Marina Circuit
It’s one of the highlights of Abu Dhabi’s global sporting event lineup, the thrilling final race in the F1 calendar — and the thunderous roar of elite engineering will be hitting the tracks of Yas Marina Circuit this year between Friday, November 24 to 26. As always, ticket holders will be granted access to whichever artist or artists are performing at the Yasalam after-race concerts on that day, in addition to all the fun and gastronomic extravagance of the race village, the roving entertainment, and aerobatic displays. But, as a welcome little twist this year, you’ll also get entrance to one of the Yas Island theme parks, too — Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, or Yas Waterworld. Grandstand tickets have already sold out, but hospitality packages are still available. Nab them here.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, Yas Marina Circuit, Nov 23 to 26, 2023. yasmarinacircuit.com
Foo Fighters Yasalam concert
When: November 26, 2023
Where: Yas Marina Circuit
Get ready to rock: American rockstars the Foo Fighters are set to perform in Abu Dhabi for the very first time at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after race concerts 2023. The Best of You hitmakers will close out the shows on Sunday, November 26.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, Yas Marina Circuit, Nov 26, 2023. yasmarinacircuit.com
Tiesto and Ava Max Yasalam concert
When: November 23, 2023
Where: Yas Marina Circuit
Alongside Foo Fighters, the two acts performing on the first night, Thursday, November 23 have also just been announced. Dutch DJ Tiesto will spin his dancefloor-filling hits such as 10:35 and Don’t Be Shy, alongside US popstar, Ava Max. The singer-songwriter is known for her pop anthems including Kings & Queens, My Head & My Heart and Sweet But Psycho. Artists for the remaining two nights, Friday November 24 and Saturday November 25, are still yet to be announced.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, Yas Marina Circuit, Nov 23 to 26, 2023. yasmarinacircuit.com
T10 Abu Dhabi
When: November 28 to December 9, 2023
Where: Zayed Cricket Stadium
A tournament featuring cricket’s fastest and most exhilarating format, the T10s returns to Abu Dhabi for a fifth time later this year. The Abu Dhabi T10 is known for its quick-fire wicket-shattering, big swinging, six-smashing, lightning-bowled, electric-paced matches, typically concluded within a couple of hours. The UAE was literally the epicentre of the cricketing world two years ago, hosting the T20 World Cup, the IPL and the 2021 edition of T10 Abu Dhabi which took place in late January/early February. The tournament pulled in some A-List cricketing legends too, with impressive performances from the likes Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, and Faf du Plessis. Dates for this year’s tournament have now been confirmed as taking place between Tuesday, November 28 and Saturday, December 9, 2023.
T10 Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Tues Nov 28 to Sat Dec 9. abudhabicricket.ae
December
UAE National Day
Air shows, theatrical performances, fireworks, promotions, sales, festivals, carnival vibes and nationwide jubilations — these are just some of the reasons the country LOVES celebrating the UAE’s official birthday. This year we’re 52 on Saturday December 2, fighting fit and full of vigour — and as always the nation’s capital, Abu Dhabi will serve as the central hub of festivities. But we’ll have to hang on a little longer to hear exactly what will be this year’s fiesta-USPs.
The Illusionists
When: December 8 to 10, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena
The Illusionists graced us with their magical appearance back in 2015 and they are returning to Abu Dhabi this year in December with a whole new brunch of tricks up their sleeves. The world-renowned magic group will be performing at Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island for three days from Friday, December 8 to 10. Ticket prices start from Dhs95 and are available here.
The Illusionists, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Dec 8 to 10, from Dhs95. etihadarena.ae
Spartan World Championship
When: December 9 and 10, 2023
Where: Al Wathba
Abu Dhabi is home to some physically challenging landscapes, which makes it ideal for hosting the sorts of gruelling trials demanded by the Spartan World Championship. Last year the obstacle-littered courses took the Spartan tribe through the stunning Martian-esque dunescape of Al Wathba. This year it’s set to return to that same region, booked in for December 9 to 10. There are 5k, 10k and 21k route options, with 10 to 30 obstacles to tackle as you go. There’s also a smaller route for children and a team relay.
Spartan World Championship, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Al Wathba South, Dec 9 and 10, from Dhs275. race.spartan.com
Liwa Festival
When: December 16 to 31
Where: Liwa Village
Tucked away in a corner of Abu Dhabi’s desert, LIWA Village has emerged from shifting sands to stage a festival showcasing an alluring range of unique entertainment experiences and cleverly curated attractions. Liwa Festival will take place from December 16 to 31, and we’re expecting huge things. The 2022 session was a wild success with visitors enjoying access to concerts, family activities, shows, rides, arcade gaming, spectacular immersive dining opportunities, engaging demonstrations of Emirati heritage and crafts, eGaming tournaments, souk shopping from top-tier local fashion brands and more. One of the highlights was Fuel Fest Arabia (will it return?) where attendees were able to meet the stars of the Hollywood blockbusting franchise, Fast and Furious (including some on four wheels) — Ludacris, Cody Walker, and Tyrese Gibson with a closing concert from Ludacris himself.
Liwa Festival 2023, Liwa Village, Liwa Desert, Dec 16 to 31. @liwavillage
ADNOC Marathon
When: December 16, 2023
Where: Al Wathba
Taking place this year on Saturday, December 16, this year’s ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will invite the world’s elite distance runners to compete on one of the quickest 42.2 kilometres on the circuit. Not quite up for the full slog? You can also take part in the relay, 10k, 5k and 2.5k races too. Head to the starting line on King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street behind ADNOC HQ Tower, and finish at the ADNOC HQ South Plaza. Register here
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, prices vary. adnocabudhabimarathon.com
Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTN)
When: December 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Where: International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
Confirmed during a Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT) calendar announcement at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), we now know the dates for The Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTN) 2023 edition. At the moment we don’t know a huge amount about the specific best of this year’s Fest, but we can extrapolate based on what’s gone before. This time around it’s set to take place between December 24 to January 1, 2024. It’s usually staged around the Corniche, with accessibly priced ticketing (last year’s entry was just Dhs30), normally available via Ticketmaster. It’s an event that, in part, is a celebration of the legacy of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation. And the festivities are expansive, with the grounds occupying a huge swathe of seafront leisure space.
Mother of the Nation Festival, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Dec 24 to Jan 1, 2024, ticket prices start from Dhs30. motn.ae
Mubadala World Tennis Championship (Dates TBC)
When: TBC
Where: International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
It’s official, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) one of tennis’ most eagerly anticipated invite-only racket rocket battles, will return to the capital in December this year. The 2022 session saw packed stadiums, audacious upsets and dazzling tournament debuts. Every smash, ace, rally and lightning cross-court volley was watched by an international audience. Off the court, the entertainment options at the Tennis Village reached new heights. On the courts, Ons Jabeur and Stefanos Tsitsipas took home the women’s and men’s titles respectively. The tournament normally kicks off in mid-December (with 2023 dates TBA), and takes place at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City.
Mubadala World Tennis Championship, International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, dates TBC. @mubadalawtc
2024
January
Hamilton
When: January 17 to February 4, 2024.
Where: International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
Even if you’re not ‘a musical type of person’, you’ve probably heard of Hamilton. It’s a grand, board-treading spectacular that’s cut from a very different sort of theatrical cloth. Using a song sheet that builds narratives through the musical genres of hip-hop, pop, jazz, R&B, soul and *jazz hands* Broadway — Hamilton is a Lin-Manuel Miranda-conceived extravaganza, based on a Ron Chernow biography and in Miranda’s own words tells “the story of America then told by America now”. Hamilton is headed for Yas Island’s Etihad Arena for a tenure of office that will stretch from January 17 to February 4, 2024.
Hamilton, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Jan 17 to Feb 4, 2024, from Dhs180. etihadarena.ae
March
Scooby-Doo! and The Lost City of Gold
When: March 2 to 3, 2024.
Where: Etihad Arena
Scooby-Doo! and The Lost City of Gold, is landing in Yas Island for six shows over March 2 and 3, 2024. Tickets start at Dhs95 and are on sale now via the etihadarena.ae website. For this, live action, family-friendly stage show, the gang are on the Incan trail of a series of mysterious events in South America — a music festival is being haunted by the spectre of La Dama de Oro (The Lady In Gold), and it’s putting a considerable dent in the event’s PnL. Zoiks, sounds like we’ve got ourselves a mystery, gang.
Scooby-Doo! and The Lost City of Gold, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, March 2 to 3, 2024, from Dhs95. etihadarena.ae
Images: Provided
