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 2024, too)…

November

The Traditional Handicrafts Festival

When: November 1 to 20
Where: Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain

November kicks off with Traditional Handicrafts Festival at Souq Al Qattara. The UAE’s rich history is laced with artisan talent and delicate craftsmanship, and this annual festival at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain shines the light on those cherished Emirati crafts. Expect to learn the stories behind traditional practices and see masters at work across disciplines like Arabic coffee-making (Gahwa), Al Sadu weaving, and Talli embroidery. The event is free to attend. 

Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain, Nov 1 to 20. free entry. abudhabiculture.ae

Miami Vibes

When: November 2 to 19
Where: next to Louvre Abu Dhabi

When it comes to food festivals, nothing brings more joy than the words Miami Vibes Food Festival. For those who are new, or haven’t had the chance to visit Miami Vibes in the past, expect food… and lots of it. In the past, some of the popular food vendors include Chunk Bakehouse, Fritz, One Wheel Ticket, Baofriend, Taqado Mexican Kitchen, Sauce Diner, Ali Bhai, Senior Taco, Tonda Pizza, Swirl Bowls and more. There are also a number of places to shop at homegrown heroes at the venue and even spots to get creative.

Miami Vibes, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Nov 2 to 19. @miamivibes.ae 

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

When: November 3, 2023
Where: Emirates Palace

Fans of classical music can delight in the harmonious sounds of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) on November 3. Expect to hear some of the fine classical music from the archives. Ticket prices start from Dhs100 and can be purchased here.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Nov 3 and 4, prices from Dhs100. Tel: (0)2 690 9000. @mo_emiratespalace

WSX Abu Dhabi GP

FIM World Supercross is finally in the capital this month, and Abu Dhabi, get set to enjoy a gripping weekend of thrill-filled motorsport action. Head over to the Etihad arena with the family for a weekend of daredevil displays, scintillating stunts and a host of options for family entertainment. Ready, set, applaud.

FIM World Supercross Championships, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Saturday November 4, from Dhs110. etihadarena.ae

Taste of Abu Dhabi

When: November 10 to 12, 2023
Where: Gateway Park, Yas Island

Abu Dhabi’s epic three-day foodie festival is returning in November. Running for three days, from November 10 to 12, expect fabulous food, drinks, and entertainment. The trendiest up-and-coming restaurants in the city, a celebrity chef line-up like never before, and an all-new music concept will all come together for the new-look alfresco festival. No less than 15 of the capital’s finest foodie outlets will be showcasing their stuff, like Oak Room, Otoro, and BB Social Dining. Masterclasses and demonstrations from top chefs including Hattem Mattar, Ritu Dalmia and Marco Pierre White will all take place across the three days. If you’re wanting to get involved too, there will be workshops and challenges aplenty. Come hungry. Tickets are now available via platinumlist.net, priced from Dhs55 for single day entry, or Dhs165 for entry, plus two food and two drink vouchers. For the VIP experience, snap up a VIP ticket that includes single day entry, three food and three drink vouchers, plus VIP lounge access for Dhs250. Purchase your tickets here. 

Taste of Abu Dhabi, Gateway Park South, Yas Island, 3pm to 12am Fri Nov 10, 1pm to 12am Sat Nov 11, 1pm to 10pm Sun Nov 12, from Dhs55. tasteofabudhabifestival.com

Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi 2023

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 Dhs315, etihadarena.ae @hyperound.ae

Mother of the Nation Festival Concerts

When: November 15, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Where: Al Dhafra, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi’s iconic Mother of the Nation (MOTN) festival is nearly here, and this year, it will be staged across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra regions. The annual celebration will feature world-class live entertainment, culinary experiences, pop-up stores, and a long list of fun, entertaining and engaging activities for you and the family to enjoy. In the past, we have had performances by Craig David and Jordan’s Issam Al Najjar and we expect even bigger stars this year. For the little ones, the Spacetoon Orchestra will perform at the MOTN Festival, featuring some of our all-time favourites including Sonic the Hedgehog and Barbie.

Find out more and keep up with all the updates on motn.ae and at @motnfestival

The Great Circus of Europe

When: November 15, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Where: Al Dhafra, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Great Circus of Europe is coming to Al Ain this November, and it’s going to be everything you would expect from a spectacle called The Great Circus of Europe. Expect to witness world-class acrobatics, thrilling aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, adrenaline-spiking daredevils and clowns that will make you laugh till you’re in tears. There are multiple live shows scheduled throughout the duration of the event, so you can take your pick to suit your schedule (or even if you just want to do an encore). Shows are available on Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm and Sundays at 2pm and 4.30pm. Tickets start from Dhs75.

The Great Circus of Europe, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, November 17 to December 16, tickets start at Dhs75. For more information and tickets, visit platinumlist.net

Sheikh Zayed Festival

When: November 17, 2023 to March 9, 2024.
Where: Al Wathba

This year’s Sheikh Zayed Festival runs from Friday, November 17, 2023 to Saturday, March 9, 2024. In the past, the festival bought together the people of Abu Dhabi for a plethora of exciting activities, including the popular Extreme Weekends, a car and motorcycle stunt show, and record-busting fireworks shows. For foodies, there’s a large selection of dining delights comprising restaurants and food trucks. Read all the details here.

Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba, Nov 17 to March 9, 2024. @zayedfestival

Abu Dhabi Art

When: November 22 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 to take place from November 22 to November 26.

Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Nov 22 to 26.abudhabiart.com

Russell Peters

When: November 23
Where: Etihad Arena

It seems like Abu Dhabi can’t get enough of Canadian comedy superstar Russell Peters (or he can’t get enough of us), as he is once again returning to the capital in November 2023. The popular comedian is gracing the stage at Etihad Arena on Yas Island for one night only, on Thursday, November 23. However, this time it is a bit more special for both, attendees in the capital and Peters, as the show – Russell Peters Act Your Age will be filmed as part of the comedian’s highly anticipated new stand-up special live on-stage. Prices for the lower tier start from Dhs165, while on the floor, prices start from Dhs215.

Russell Peters, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thursday November 23, prices to be confirmed. Tel: (600) 511115. etihadarena.ae

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 (see below) 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.

Yasalaam after race concerts

Ava Max

When: November 23, 8pm to 11pm
Where: Etihad Park

Adored pop sensation Ava Max takes to the stage for the first concert of this year’s Yasalaam F1 After-Race concert series. The ‘Sweet but Psycho’ hitmaker has sold out arenas around the globe and it’s a concert fans won’t want to miss.

Tiesto

When: November 23
Where: Etihad Park

Dutch DJ Tiesto heads to Yas Island on November 23 taking to the decks with a superb collection of chart-toppers that will have you on your feet.

Chris Brown

When: November 24
Where: Etihad Park

R&B star, Chris Brown will be performing on Friday, November 24, and we can expect to sing along to popular hits including Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. Brown became the first RnB act in 2020 to score 100 entries on the US Billboard charts, and has achieved 50 top 40 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 16 top 10 entries. He also won the award for Favourite Male RnB Artist at the 2022 AMAs and Best RnB/Soul Male Artiste at the Soul Train Awards 2022.

Shania Twain

When: November 26, 8pm to 11pm
Where: Etihad Park

Let’s go girls! Canada’s global country-pop icon, Shania Twain, one of the music industry’s most popular trailblazers who churned out winning hits such as Party for Two and I’m Gonna Getcha Good! will be performing on November 26 from 8pm. The female country pop artist has 30-years of hits, so expect a night packed of nostalgic-inducing tunes.

Foo Fighters

When: November 26, 8pm to 11pm
Where: Etihad Park

Seattle grunge legends, the Foo Fighters, cap off the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an after-race performance in the final and most-anticipated day of a packed race weekend. Look out for stunning hits such as Best of You, Pretender and My Hero, in what will be a performance 143,000 capital-dwellers and visitors have been waiting long to witness.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, Yas Marina Circuit, Nov 23 to 26, 2023. yasmarinacircuit.com

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Ce La Vi pop-up

When: November 26, 2023
Where: Ce La Vi pop-up at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Claptone will be performing at the Ce La Vi open-air pop-up venue that has stellar views of the F1 race track. His concert will take place on Sunday, November 26 where he will be bringing his enigmatic masked persona and deep house sound to round out the festivities at Ce La Vi for the F1 season. His performance will take place from 9pm and a minimum spend is required. For table bookings contact f1ad@celavi.com. Read more here.

Claptone at Ce La Vi pop-up, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Racetrack, Luna Lounge Yas Conference Center Rooftop, Sunday, November 26, minimum spend for entry.  @celavidubai

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.

T10 Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Nov 28 to Dec 9. abudhabicricket.ae

December

Saadiyat Nights

When: December 2023 (date TBC) to February 2024
Where: Saadiyat Island

Home to beautiful beaches, restaurants and cultural attractions, come December, Saadiyat will be hosting weekly music events featuring a rotation of musical acts. More information will be announced closer to the date.

@saadiyatae

UAE National Day

When: December 2023 (dates TBC)
Where: Saadiyat Island

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.

MICHELIN Food Festival

When: December 8 to 10
Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi

At the region’s first MICHELIN food event, chefs from 16 Michelin-selected restaurants around the world will come together under the theme ‘Discover the Art of Flavour’. Expect specially curated menus, exclusive dishes, a chef’s table event, a selection of culinary masterclasses, and a marketplace where you can shop a selection of produce. Regional names to know include Luigi Stinga from one Michelin Star Talea by Antonio Guida, Lee Kok Hua of Hakkasan, Thinus van der Westhuizen from Abu Dhabi’s 99 Sushi Bar. Early bird tickets are now available for Dhs85. From November 15, regular tickets will be priced at Dhs100, or a bundle ticket inclusive of festival access and Louvre Abu Dhabi entry is Dhs130. Entry is free for under 12s. Purchase tickets here and read more here.

louvreabudhabi.ae

The Illusionists Magic Show

When: December 9 and 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: Moreeb Dune, 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

World Tennis League

When: December 21 to 24, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena

From December 21 to 24, Abu Dhabi is hosting the World Tennis League. While there will be plenty of action on the tennis courts, at night we have a number of world-class music to keep the action alive. On December 21, we have American rapper 50 Cent performing on stage from 9pm. On December 22, we have international megastars of music  Akon and Ne-Yo performing from 9pm, and on the last day, we will have iconic band UB40 gracing the stage. They will be joined by The Original Wailers and Trojan Sound System for a night of mild head bopping and jammin’ all night long. Purchase your tickets here.

World Tennis League, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dec 21 to 24. worldtennisleague.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

2024

January

Saadiyat Beach Wellness Festival

When: January 10 to 14, 2024.
Where: Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is one of our all-time favourite spots in the capital, and if you’ve been reading our content you’ll know we can’t stop gushing about its wonderful white sand and picturesque turquoise waters. Throw in a beautifully-curated event and you’re looking at enjoying the absolute perfect time. We’re yet to receive more information on this one, but the Saadiyat Beach Festival is on the horizon and we’re sure you’re as excited as we are to hear about it. Watch this space as we find out, and share more, in the weeks to come…

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

Al Hosn Festival

When: January 19 to 28, 2024
Where: Qasr Al Hosn

Suitably hosted at the birthplace of Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene, this 10 day festival of creativity and culture is an invitation to step back in time. You can spend time exploring Abu Dhabi’s historic traditions and its connections to contemporary and newly emerging cultures, expect live performances, family workshops, food & beverage stalls, art and cultural exhibits, immersive trails, re-enactments, and more. Ticket prices TBC.

Al Hosn Festival, Qasr Al Hosn, Al Hisn, W3, Jan 19 to 28, ticket prices TBC. abudhabiculture.ae

February

All Africa Festival (AAF)

When: February 2 to 4, 2024
Where: Etihad Arena

Global African stars including Congolese French singer and songwriter, Maitre Gims, show-stopping Nora Fatehi and dancehall ace Stonebwoy, with more names in tow, will headline the All Africa Festival (AAF) at Etihad Park from February 2 to 4, 2024. Expect global hitmakers, award-winning music and food, and a culturally immersive experience synonymous with the AAF to greet you at Etihad Park.

All Africa Festival, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, February 2 to 4 2024, tickets from Dhs87. Ticketmaster.ae, www.allafricafestival.com

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

When: February 3 to 11, 2024
Where: International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is set to take place in the capital in February 2024 where a number of the world’s greatest female tennis athletes are set to attend. So far, Ons Jabeur has been confirmed to play, and we can expect more players to be confirmed. This is now the second edition of this action-packed event building on the 2023 inaugural event. Off the courts, we can expect meet and greet with the players, family entertainment, food and beverage offerings and more.

The Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey

When: February 24 to 25, 2024
Where: Abu Dhabi Hill, Yas Marina

Famed television personality, Family Feud star and major Abu Dhabi enthusiast Steve Harvey, is bringing with him the capital’s pioneering ‘Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey,’ which promises to keep you eat-ertained. A line-up of highly skilled fire chefs will descend on the capital to introduce you to the rich traditions and unforgettable flavours of open-flame cooking, in a gastronomy masterclass inspired by Steve’s passion for the art of cooking over fire. Also headlining the event will be a lively line-up of culinary competitions, enlightening panel discussions and country music performances, with culinary traditions coming to you from the world. Purchase your tickets here.

The Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey, Abu Dhabi Hill, Yas Marina, Yas Island. yasmarinacircuit.com

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

April

Cirque du Soleil

When: April 2024
Where: Etihad Arena 

If you’ve ever been, you’ll want to return. If you’ve never been, it’s time you went. This circus-inspired show is packed with supremely skilled performers telling beautiful tales that revolve around numerous interesting themes. You have to see what all the buzz is all about. Actual dates and ticket prices TBC.

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, dates and ticket prices TBC. etihadarena.ae

May

Jo Koy

When: May 26, 2024
Where: Etihad Arena

Jo Koy was scheduled to perform in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 28 but his performance was postponed a few days before he was supposed to be perform. He will now perform in Abu Dhabi next year on Sunday, May 26, 2024. If you don’t know who Jo Koy is – he has a unique brand of humour that he draws from his Filipino heritage and experiences growing up. And his performances always leave his audiences in stitches. He is quite popular, so snap up your tickets here.

Jo Koy, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, May 26, from Dhs180. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

Images: Provided