All the massive concerts, shows and performances coming to Dubai
Get your diary out and slot these great shows in…
A number of great shows are taking place in Dubai over the next few months and if you can’t keep track, don’t worry as we have rounded up all the must-see performances.
December
DJ Luck & MC Neat
When: December 1, 2023
Where: Sevens Stadium
The highly-anticipated Emirates Dubai 7s returns from Friday, December 1 to 3 and, as always, it’s going to include some A-list stars. Those visiting on Friday, December 1 will see British musical duo DJ Luck & MC Neat on the Beats on 2 stage, keeping the dance floor moving with their infectious beats and energy. Tickets for the weekend start from Dhs425.
Emirates Dubai 7s, Sevens Stadium, Friday, December 1 to 3, from Dhs425. dubairugby7s.com
Becky Hill
When: December 2, 2023
Where: Sevens Stadium
Over Saturday, December 2 at Dubai 7s, the double Brits award winner Becky Hill will headline on the Frequency on 8 stage, bringing her head-bopping chart-topping hits including Lose Control, My Heart Goes, Disconnect, and more. For house music fans, DJ MK will also perform on the day, taking to the Frequency on 8 stage with his top tracks including 17, Back & Forth, Burning, and more. And that’s not all, UK garage duo Artful Dodger will perform a sundowner session on the Beats on 2 stage on Saturday afternoon, dropping their anthems including Moving Too Fast, Re-Rewind, and Something. Tickets for the weekend start from Dhs425.
Emirates Dubai 7s, Sevens Stadium, Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3 2023, from Dhs425. dubairugby7s.com
Más Tiempo Dubai
When: December 2023 (Dates TBC)
Where: TBC
British rappers Skepta and Jammer are bringing their epic Más Tiempo party to Dubai. Taking place at an as-of-yet undisclosed location in the desert, the debut Más Tiempo Dubai event lands this December. Skepta’s big-hitting tracks include Show Out, Energy and Shutdown. Another major name on the British grime scene, Jammer’s career began as a member of NASTY Crew, before he became a member of BBK (Boy Better Know) a grime collective of which Skepta is also a founding member.
Sign up to be first in the know via mastiempo.ae
Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala
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When: December 1, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
Taking place during COP28 in Dubai, Dubai Opera is celebrating a historic debut of the celebrated Orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The gala concert titled ‘A Concert for Tomorrow’ aims to unite audiences in a powerful display of solidarity and hope in support of global efforts to protect the planet, safe guarding it for our future generations.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dec 1, Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
X by Adriatique presenting ‘The Oasis’
When: December 2, 2023
Where: Dubai Media city Amphitheatre
A legendary duo who have been making waves in the electronic music world since 2008. Known for hits including Home, Miracle and With You. The pair will be bringing with them a long list of incredible list of international acts including Echnonomist, Marino Canal and Deer Jade. Taking place at the festival on December 2, doors are set to open at 7pm and music will start at 8pm. Tickets start from Dhs150 per person on Platinumlist.
Soho Garden Festival, Media City Amphitheatre. @sohogardenfestival
Solardo
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When: December 2, 2023
Where: Bohemia at Beach by Five
Tomorrowland, Glastonbury and Parklife; Solardo will be coming to Bohemia by Five for another iconic night out. He has worked alongside legends such as CamelPhat and Idris Elba. He is known for hits such as I Can’t Wait featuring DJ Tiesto and the revision of the timeless Move Your Body. The UK duo will be taking on Bohemia by Five on Saturday, December 2 from 1pm.
Bohemia at Beach by Five, Five Palm, Palm Jumeirah, sunbeds, high tables and cabanas available on minimum spend. Tel : (0)4 455 9989 palmjumeriah.fivehotelsandresorts.com, @beachbyfive
Dear Santa by Rod Campbell
When: December 8 and 9, 2023
Where: Zabeel Theatre in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Based on Rod Campbell, a popular children’s author festive story, Dear Santa will be a treat for the little ones (ages two to six). It follows the story of Santa’s determination to deliver the best Christmas present to a girl called Sarah. But things go wrong, and he doesn’t get it right. With the help of his cheeky elf, he finally settles on something perfect, just in time for Christmas Eve. Expect a show packed with songs, laughter, and audience participation. What’s more? The audience will get to meet Santa himself after every show.
Dear Santa, Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dec 8 and 9. Tel: (0)4 453 0000. @artforalluae
Slava’s SnowShow
When: December 8 to 10, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
This show has enchanted audiences since 1993 and truly is a universal and timeless theatrical spectacle. It has received standing ovations from millions and is a must-see for children and adults this December. There are five shows throughout the three-day run, so take your pick and book your seats here.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dec 8 to 10, Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
Sole DXB
When: December 8 to 10, 2023
Where: Dubai Design District
Dubai’s top festival, Sole DXB, will return to Dubai Design District this December. The three-day festival will take place from Friday, December 8 to 10, 2023. For Dubai’s urban crowd, Sole DXB is one of the hottest and most-anticipated events on the Dubai calendar known for street footwear, music, art, and lifestyle.
Sole DXB, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai, December 8 to 10, 2023. @soledxb
ROCK DXB: Xmas Special – Tribute Concert
When: December 9, 2023
Where: TBC
Rock DXB is back with a special Christmas special edition. Taking place on December 9, 2023 the all-star line-up of British and American acts include Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Bruno Mars and more. Head here to show your interest in the event and be the first to know when tickets go on sale, and when the whole line-up is announced.
ROCK DXB: Xmas Special – Tribute Concert, venue TBC, 7pm to 2am on Dec 9, facebook.com/skylineeventsliv
Blippi
When: December 12 and 13
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
If you are a parent, there’s probably a heady mix of emotions on hearing the announcement that Blippi will be bringing a musical version of his show to the stage of the Coca-Cola Arena. Blippi also now has a female counterpart, Meekah (Kaitlin Becker) who is the latest graduate from the Bippiversity and has even landed her own Netflix show, who is also featuring at the performance.
Blippi, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Downtown Dubai, tickets from Dhs150 coca-cola-arena.com
Handel’s Messiah
When: December 13, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
In December, Dubai Opera will echo with the tunes of Messiah, the crowning achievement of the renowned composer George Frideric Handel. It was written and composed all the way back in 1741 but its popularity only grew stronger as time passed. The tune is typically not a Christmas one, as it was written for Easter but as the 19th century rolled on, it became extremely popular during the festive season. On December 13, it will be performed by Astana Opera Orchestra and The Festival Chorus, and conducted by Abzal Mukhitdin. Get your tickets here.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 8pm on Dec 13, ticket prices start from Dhs225. Tel: (0)4 440 8888, dubaiopera.com
Solomun
When: December 16, 2023
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Another wildly popular DJ on the Dubai nightlife circuit, Solomun is next up on the agenda at the Soho Garden Festival. Taking place on Saturday, December 16 He will be gracing our stage at the Media City Amphitheatre. No stranger to the city, the Bosnian-German producer has performed in Dubai several times before. The 46-year-old DJ started his music career in 2002 and quickly became known for his remixes.
Soho Garden Festival, Media City Amphitheatre. @sohogardenfestival
Gunna at Afroworld
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When: December 16, 2023
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
The next rendition of Afroworld is officially here, and this time the headliner is none other than Gunna. If you aren’t familiar, the American rapper is known for hits including fukumean, Drip Too Hard and P Power. The rapper has worked alongside the likes of Drake and Lil Uzi Vert. We aren’t sure who the other artists are but as soon as we know, you’ll know.
Gunna, Coca-Cola Arena, City, December 16, 2023, tickets start from Dhs175. coca-cola-arena.com
The Nutcracker
When: December 15 to 17, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
An enchanting rendition of The Nutcracker is heading to Dubai this December. Brought to you by the Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana (Kazakhstan), you’ll embark on a magical night set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child’s imagination.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dec 15 to 17, Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
Matteo Bocelli
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When: December 21, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
The extraordinary talent of Matteo Bocelli will grace our stage on December 21. The son of renowned opera singer Adrea Bocelli will serenade the audience with his stunning interpretations of classical and contemporary songs. FYI Ladies, he has quite the voice…
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dec 21, ticket prices start from Dhs175. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
Sean Paul and T.I
When: December 30
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
The summer is over, the season is officially upon us and this is just the right amount of heat we need. No Lie Sean Paul was set to perform in Dubai on December 30 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Joining him on the stage is none other than rap icon T.I.
Sean Paul, Coca-Cola Arena, City, December 30, 2023, tickets start from Dhs150. Standing area strictly 16+ dubai.platinumlist.net
John Newman
When: December 31, 2023
Where: Rixos Premium
The Brit star will perform at Rixos Premium Dubai on New Year’s Eve, December 31. He is best known for banging tracks such as Love Me Again, Feel the Love and Not Giving In. Starting from 7pm on December 3 the New Year celebrations will begin with thrilling entertainment leading up to the main event.
John Newman at Rixos Premium, JBR, tickets from Dhs3,000 per person. Tel: (0)4 520 0000@rixopremiumdubai
Sting
When: December 31, 2023
Where: Atlantis, the Palm
Atlantis, The Palm is set to welcome legendary singer Sting to headline its 2023 New Year’s Eve Party. Guests are in for an audio treat, with the 17-time Grammy Award winner set to perform a string of his most iconic hits from an illustrious career spent both as the frontman of rock band The Police and as a solo artist. As always, a dazzling fireworks display will follow Sting’s set, turning the skies above Palm Jumeirah into a rainbow of light and colour to ring in 2024 in Atlantis’ signature glamorous fashion. Want to attend? Read more about the packages for the New Year’s Eve gala dinner here. To book, visit atlantis.com/nye
Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dec 31, Tel: (0)4 426 2626. atlantis.com
2024
January
Ed Sheeran
When: January 19 and 20, 2024
Where: The Sevens Stadium
Global megastar and British crooner Ed Sheeran is making his way to Dubai to serenade us all for two exclusive nights as part of his ‘+ – = ÷ x’ Mathematics Tour. All set to perform at The Sevens Stadium on January 19 and 20, the musician will take the stage, with tour guest Calum Scott.
Ed Sheeran, The Sevens Stadium, Jan 19 and 20, doors open at 4pm, show starts at 8pm, Dhs495, tickets available at platinumlist.net and edsheerandxb.com
Michael McIntyre
When: January 13, 2024
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
British funnyman Michael McIntyre is returning to Dubai next year with his stand-up world tour, Macnificent. The one-night-only show is set to take place on January 13, 2024 at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk. McIntyre first rose to fame as a TV panel show star on Mock The Week before going on to get his own show on the BBC has since gone on to become one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians. No stranger to performing in the UAE, McIntyre last performed in the capital back in 2021, and before that performed a two-date show Dubai in 2019.
Michael McIntyre, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai. Jan 13, ticket prices start from Dhs250, Tel: (800) 223388. coca-cola-arena.com
The Little Prince
When: January 26 to 28, 2024
Where: Dubai Opera
An imaginative adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless classic, The Little Prince is heading to Dubai in January 2024. Purchase your tickets now to be transported to a universe filled with philosophical insights and wonder.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Jan 26 to 28, tickets go on sale soon. Tel: (0)4 440 8888,dubaiopera.com
February
UNTOLD Music Festival
When: February 15 to 18, 2024
Where: Expo City Dubai
It’s one of the world’s largest music festivals and a must-visit for electronic music fans, and now Romania’s UNTOLD music festival is coming to Dubai. The first ever UNTOLD music festival outside of Romania will take place at Expo City Dubai from February 15, 2024 to February 18. Early bird tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 3, priced from Dhs500 for the full four-day access and Dhs1,200 for VIP four-day access. Final release tickets will be priced at Dhs1,500 and Dhs2,500 for VIP. Make sure to register here to get your hands on one of the 5,000 early bird tickets. While the lineup is still being kept under wraps, the festival is set to feature a range of genres from pop and R&B to house, techno, hip-hop, and more.
Simple Minds
When: February 27, 2024
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Glaswegian rock band Simple Minds will be taking on the stage at Coca-Cola Arena with ticket prices starting from Dhs195. You may remember them from such hits as ‘Alive and Kicking’, ‘Belfast Child’, ‘Glittering Prize‘, ‘Someone Somewhere in Summertime‘ and ‘Waterfront‘. Their biggest hit ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, was used on both the opening and closing credits, of the seminal era-defining movie, The Breakfast Club.
February 27, 2024, tickets from Dhs195. coca-cola-arena.com
The Phantom of the Opera
When: February 22 to March 10, 2024
Where: Dubai Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational and spellbinding musical, The Phantom of the Opera returns to Dubai Opera next year. Based on the novel by French journalist and mystery writer Gaston Leroux, the show tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House, before becoming enraptured by the talents of a young soprano, Christine. Having lured her in as his protégé, the phantom falls madly in love, then descends into jealous madness upon learning of Christine’s love affair with the opera’s patron, Raoul. What follows is certainly not an exercise in understatement – with huge operatic numbers, a full corps de ballet, a dramatic unmasking of the disfigured ghost of the opera house and even a famous crashing chandelier, Phantom is as overblown and dramatic as its name might suggest. Tickets have not been released yet, but stay tuned to What’s On to be the first to know when they do.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Feb 22 to Mar 10, tickets go on sale soon. Tel: (0)4 440 8888,dubaiopera.com
March
Rewind
When: March 1 and 2, 2024
Where: Bla Bla, JBR
80s music fans, we have some great news… The sell-out Rewind Festival is returning to Dubai next year, with an epic lineup of throwback 80s and 90s artists confirmed so far. The artists confirmed so far include Bananarama, Chesney Hawkes, ABC, Midge Ure, The Real Thing, and returning for a second time, Heather Small. Rewind Festival will take place over two days on Friday, March 1 and 2 in 2024
Rewind Festival, Bla Bla, JBR, Mar 1 and 2, ticket prices start from Dhs399. Tel: (0)4 584 4111. @rewindfestdxb
Khalid
When: March 2, 2024 (new dates)
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
He’s known for melodic electro R&B bangers such as Better, Eastside, and Love Lies, and you’ll be able to hear them all live as superstar Khalid is coming to Dubai. The award-winning American singer-songwriter was initially to perform in the emirate for the first time last year on October 27, 2023 at the Coca-Cola Arena.
Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Fri Oct 27, ticket prices start from Dhs199. coca-cola-arena.com
April
Elrow XXL
When: April 13, 2023
Where: Location to be announced
If you saw us at elrow XXL this last year, it’s no surprise to us as just about everybody and anybody was at the massive Dubai festival held in d3 back in January of 2023. The 2024 rendition of elrow XXL has already been confirmed, it’s returning to Dubai.
Elrow XXL Dubai, location to be announced, April 13, 2024. elrowdubai.com
May
Film Music Week
When: May 9 to 13, 2024
Where: Dubai Opera
The love of great movies and bone-chilling music collide at Dubai Opera in May 2024. Dubai Opera is bringing the first ever Film Music Week to the city where all iconic film composers are celebrated. The screening of the movies will be accompanied by live orchestra performances which truly bring the movie to life. Films that will be celebrated include Star Wars: A New Hope, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl and the unparalleled talent of Charlie Chaplin.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, May 9 to 13, tickets go on sale soon. Tel: (0)4 440 8888,dubaiopera.com
Images: Getty Images and supplied