11 performances still to come in the UAE this December

It’s a star studded lineup…

The emirates are going out with a bang this 2023. We have performances happening all across the UAE. From classical concerts to rap icons, there’s musical mastery aplenty in the final weeks of the year.

Here are 12 performances happening in the UAE this December.

Abu Dhabi

50 Cent

Rap royalty, 50 Cent, will be making his way to Abu Dhabi on Thursday, December 21 for a concert at Etihad Arena, that will be part of the World Tennis League (WTL) series of events. 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson III, has starred in films and TV shows, has been known to make an entrepreneurial turn or two.

50 Cent in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Arena, Thu Dec 21, tickets start from Dhs225. worldtennisleague.com

Ne-yo and Akon

The international megastars of music will be taking the stage to headline this year’s R&B Night of the World Tennis League on Friday, December 22 at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Tickets are now available to purchase on the Etihad Arena website, as well as on Platinumlist and in Virgin Megastores.

World Tennis League, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat Dec 22, tickets from Dhs199. worldtennisleague.com

Dubai

50 Cent

Set to perform at the World Tennis League in collaboration with Sky 2.0 in Abu Dhabi, it only makes sense that 50 Cent will make his way to Dubai for a concert at the iconic Sky 2.0. The concert will take place back to back on the same night as his Abu Dhabi performance – December 21. The platinum-selling superstar was last in Dubai in September 2022, where he headlined a gig at the Coca-Cola Arena. The rapper cemented himself into the hip-hop hall of fame thanks to a string of huge hits including In Da Club, Candy Shop and 21 Questions.

50 Cent at Sky 2.0 Dubai, Dubai Design District, December 21. @sky2.0dubai

Matteo Bocelli

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

Chris Brown

That’s right, the American R&B legend, Chris Brown will be making his way to the Coca-Cola Arena on December 22 alongside Beautiful Girls hitmaker and reggae singer, Sean Kingston. The two are set to perform at the arena on Friday, December 22 at 8pm. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Sunday, December 3 at 12pm. Prices start from Dhs295 for seating or from Dhs795 for standing.

Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Downtown Dubai, Fri Dec 22, tickets from Dhs295, coca-cola-arena.com

Sean Paul and T.I

Sean da Paul and T.I. will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 30 after a postponed show earlier in the year. Dancehall personified, Sean Paul has had chart-topping hits that include Got To Luv U, Temperature, and Get Busy. Tickets from Dhs150.

Sean Paul, Coca-Cola Arena, City, December 30, 2023, tickets start from Dhs150. Standing area strictly 16+. dubai.platinumlist.net

Lost Frequencies

After releasing the global smash hit Are You With Me in 2014, Lost Frequencies skyrocketed to fame and was the first Belgian to hit number one on the UK charts. He will be headlining Bohemia at Beach by Five at Five Palm Jumeirah on December 30, so get ready for a build up to New Years eve like no other.

Bohemia at Beach by Five, Five Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dec 30. Tel :(0)4 455 9989. palmjumeriah.fivehotelsandresorts.com, @beachbyfive

Fedde Le Grand

If you’re the kind of person who would prefer to sink your toes into the sand than wear a black tie and have heels on all night – then this is the New Year’s Eve celebration for you. The incredible Fedde Le Grand will make his way to Barasti Beach for a massive New Year’s Eve 2023.

Fedde Le Grand at Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Water Park, Sun Dec 31, doors open 8pm, tickets start from Dhs150 inclusive of one drink. dubai.platinumlist.net @barastibeach

Sting

The musical journey will see fans of this Englishman [not] in New York bring his Message in a Bottle to Fields of Gold at the iconic Palm Jumeirah hotel. With Every Breath You Take, you’ll be taken on a nostalgic journey through Sting’s diverse musical repertoire as the headline act at Atlantis, The Palm’s legendary New Year’s Eve gala dinner on December 31.

John Newman

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. 

John Newman at Rixos Premium, JBR, tickets from Dhs3,000 per person. Tel: (0)4 520 0000. @rixopremiumdubai 

Upperground

Ringing in the New Year and rounding out the 2023 Soho Garden Festival at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. The record label, Upperground will be bringing their list of A-List performers, We’re talking Arbat, Argy and many more. Tickets are already on sale via platinumlist.net and are priced from Dhs200.

Soho Garden Festival, Media City Amphitheatre, 8pm, Dec 31, from Dhs200. @sohogardenfestival

Images: Supplied, social and Getty