15 upcoming concerts, shows and festivals in Abu Dhabi to get excited for
So much to look forward to…
Looking to hit up the biggest and best festivals, shows, concerts, sporting events, and more coming to Abu Dhabi in the remainder of 2024? Bookmark this piece and start circling your calendars.
Here are 15 of the best events coming to Abu Dhabi this year.
September
Chicago the Musical
When: September 12 to 22
Where: Etihad Arena
Tip your fedoras to this: Chicago the Musical is coming to town this year. This theatrical masterpiece, set in The Windy City is the newest exciting show to be confirmed for the capital as part of an electric 2024 events calendar, and capitalites will now be able to witness the longest running American musical in Broadway history at the Etihad Arena when it plays from September 12 to 22.
Chicago the Musical, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, September 12 to 22, from Dhs185. platinumlist.ae
October
NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024
When: October 4 and 6
Where: Etihad Arena
A brand-new duo arrives in the capital this October, as 17-time NBA champs Boston Celtics will take on defending champions Denver Nuggets in two pre-season games on October 4 and October 6 at the Etihad Arena, as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ. Star-studded rosters on either side will guarantee electrifying, slam-dunk action in the capital, with plenty of thrilling fan-centric activations also expected courtside.
NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 4 and 6. @etihadarena.ae
Stick Man Live on Stage
When: October 4 and 6
Where: ERTH Hotel
Stick Man Live on Stage will arrive in Abu Dhabi all the way from London’s West End, and this adaptation of the much-loved story book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is about to share a touching, funny and original production with you. One for the family.
Stick Man Live on Stage, ERTH Hotel, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, October 11 and 12, shows at 3pm and 6pm, from Dhs155. virginmegastore.me
Disney On Ice
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When: October 16 to 20
Where: Etihad Arena
All-star family entertainment extravaganza Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate will return to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena from 16 to 20 October, 2024. Meet Mickey and the gang, set sail with Moana, bring back summer with Anna and Elsa, and sing and dance with the Disney Princesses and the Toy Story gang. Get your tickets now at etihadarena.ae.
Disney on Ice Let’s Celebrate, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 16 to 20, from Dhs75. etihadarena.ae
Backstreet Boys
As part of UFC Showdown Week this year, get set to throw it back with one of the greatest manbands in history, Backstreet Boys, on October 23. Tickets are priced from Dhs295, and will get you through the doors so you can sing along to iconic super hits such as I Want It That Way, Shape Of My Heart, Quit Playing Games, and Everybody. We hope to see you there.
Backstreet Boys, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Wednesday October 23, from Dhs295. livenation.me
Power Slap
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As part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC CEO Dana White is bringing Power Slap to Abu Dhabi for its international debut. Headlining the event in the UAE capital will be a clash of legends of the sport, as reigning Super Heavyweight Champion Da Crazy Hawaiian with a 15-1 record (including 13 KOs) will defend his crown against top-ranked Vasilii “Dumpling” Kamotskii. Hear from the man himself in the above clip.
Power Slap 9, Space 42 Arena, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, Thursday October 24. @powerslap. @adshowdownweek.
Take That
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When: October 25
Where: Etihad Park
The iconic boyband, comprising musicians Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen will return to the capital for their second performance of the year, on Friday October 25. With over 45 million records sold globally, the band will bring some of their biggest hits to Etihad Park, following their performance at SailGP back in January.
Take That Live, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Friday October 25, tickets from Dhs299. ticketmaster.ae
UFC 308
When: October 26
Where: Etihad Arena
It’s that time of year again, and UFC 308 is coming to the Etihad Arena on October 26. With a great featherweight contest confirmed against Ilia Topuria and second-ranked Max Holloway, as well as No.3 ranked Robert Whittaker taking on Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event, this is going to be a fight night to remember.
UFC 308, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 26. etihadarena.ae
Matt Rife
When: October 27
Where: Etihad Arena
Internationally-renowned comedian Matt Rife descends on the Etihad Arena for a show on October 27, as part of his global ProbleMATTic tour. We’re told his current tour has sold over 600,000 tickets in less than 48 hours, so now might be a great time to get yours to his Abu Dhabi show.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 27, from Dhs295. livenation.me
November
Life of Pi
When: November 15 to 17
Where: Etihad Arena
Winner of three Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards including Best New Play, Life of Pi, will arrive in the capital this November to captivate audiences from November 15 to 17. The story of perseverance and hope will wow fans in Abu Dhabi, and you can grab your tickets here.
Life of Pi, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 15 to 17. etihadarena.ae
Lang Lang
When: November 22, 2024
Where: Etihad Arena
Lang Lang Plays Disney, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 22, from Dhs145, Tel: (600) 511 115, etihadarena.ae
Wireless
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When: November 23
Where: Etihad Park
Wireless will have Abu Dhabi on its feet later this year, with the electrifying spectacle ready to wow fans on November 23. One of the hottest music festivals in the UAE, last year’s edition saw big names like Travis Scott and Lil Uzi Vert in action. Who will we see this November?
Wireless Festival, Abu Dhabi, November 23, Etihad Park. details TBC. ticketmaster.ae
December
Yasalam After-Race Concerts
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When: December 5 to 8
Where: Etihad Arena
Formula One equals Yasalam After-Race Concerts in Abu Dhabi, and English rockers Muse have been confirmed as the first big-ticket artist to perform at this year’s after-race concert series, as part of the upcoming Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 8, 2024. Global music powerhouses Maroon 5 will will bring some of their most iconic hits on Friday, December 6, 2024, while rap superstar Eminem is expected to bring the house down on Saturday, December 7 after F1 qualifying.
Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 5 to 8. yasmarinacircuit.com
Afterlife
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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 years and above, presale August 26 at 6pm, general sale August 30 at 6pm, from Dhs295. after.life
Bryan Adams
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. etihadarena.ae
Media: Instagram, What’s On archive, Unsplash, Getty
