What's On in Abu Dhabi: Big events, shows and concerts coming soon
So much to look forward to…
Looking to hit up the biggest and best festivals, shows, concerts, and more coming to Abu Dhabi in the next few months? Bookmark this piece and start circling your calendars.
Here are the best events coming to Abu Dhabi.
December
Andrea Bocelli
It is official Time to Say Goodbye to 2024, and Andrea Bocelli will be lending his unmistakeable voice to an intimate performance at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental tonight. The renowned Italian tenor will put on a show-stopping concert at one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious hotels to usher in 2025, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks lighting up the skies over the Corniche and an exclusive after-party well into the early hours. The full New Year’s Eve packages are inclusive of a stay, dinner, concert and after party, priced from Dhs13,750.
Andrea Bocelli, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, Dec 31, from Dhs13,750. @mo_emiratespalace
January 2025
Coldplay
Headlining at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi for four sold-out shows this January will be Coldplay, performing their only Middle Eastern gigs of their world tour right here in the emirates. When the tour lands in Abu Dhabi, on January 9, 11, 12 and 14, fans can expect to hear some of the biggest tracks from their ninth studio album, Music of the Spheres, including We Pray and Feels Like I’m Falling In Love. But those who’ve been listening to Chris Martin and co since the beginning of their musical journey can also look forward to belting out some of the biggest anthems from their backlog of mega hits, including Yellow, The Scientist, Clocks, Fix You, Viva La Vida, Paradise, A Sky Full Of Stars, and Adventure Of A Lifetime.
Live Nation presents Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour, Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, January 9, 11, 12 and 14. livenation.me
Jimmy Carr
One of the UK’s leading laughmakers is heading to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, and you’ll have your chance to begin the new year with plenty of laughs when Jimmy Carr performs in the UAE capital on January 11, 2025. The famed British comedian is all set to bring the laughs to Yas Island, with his new brand-new standup show, ‘Laughs Funny’ coming to town for an uproarious performance that is sure to leave you in splits.
Jimmy Carr Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, January 11 2025, from Dhs295. etihadarena.ae
Michael Bublé
One of the great white North’s most successful exports, Michael Bublé has spent the last 20 years bringing out a roster of sing-along pop songs. As well as mining a repertoire of old swing songs, made famous by the likes of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone and Van Morrison; he’s released a collection of his own tracks, resulting in 75 million records sold worldwide. When he makes his Abu Dhabi debut on January 16, fans can expect to hear some of Buble’s best-loved tracks, like Hollywood, It’s A Beautiful Day, and Feelin’ Good. Tickets start from Dhs295.
Saadiyat Nights presents Michael Buble, January 16, from Dhs295. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
Leningrad
Popular Russian rockers Leningrad will add some more international flavour to the Saadiyat Nights line-up when they perform in Abu Dhabi for the first time on January 24. Leningrad are established as one of the most prominent and culturally significant acts to come out of Russia in decades. Made up of more than 14 musicians, the group’s back catalogue includes Kolshchik, Bolsche Nikovo, and Nikogo Ne Zhalko. Tickets start from Dhs200.
Saadiyat Nights presents Leningrad, January 24, from Dhs200. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
Boyz II Men
American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men will perform at hugely-popular Saadiyat Nights, when the open-air music fiesta returns to Abu Dhabi. The multi-date musical extravaganza returns this December for its second edition, with Boyz II Men announced as one of the first headliners, although you’ll need to wait until January 25 until you can hear their roster of hits including End Of The Road, I’ll Make Love to You, and One Sweet Day. Tickets are available now via ticketmaster.ae, priced from Dhs225 for the raised grandstands and Dhs495 for floor seating.
Saadiyat Nights presents Boyz II Men, Saadiyat Island, January 25, 2025, from Dhs225. ticketmaster.ae, @saadiyatnights
February
Christina Aguilera
Global sensation Christina Aguilera, who returns to Abu Dhabi for the first time in 17 years, will put her four-octave vocal range to a string of her best hits from the last two decades on Saturday February 15. Regarded as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, the American popstar will belt out renditions of her biggest hits including Genie in a Bottle, What a Girl Wants, and Beautiful. Tickets start from Dhs295.
Saadiyat Nights presents Christina Aguilera, Saturday February 15, from Dhs295. ticketmaster.ae. @saadiyatnights
April
Sting
He’s performed twice in Abu Dhabi in the last two years, and it seems he just can’t get enough of his UAE fans, as British music icon Sting is returning to the capital next year. Sting, the British songwriting stalwart with classics such as Desert Rose and Englishman in New York in his hit-making repertoire, will bring his STING 3.0 world tour to the Etihad Arena on April 3, 2025. The 17-time Grammy Award winner will perform alongside virtuoso guitarist and longtime collaborator, Dominic Miller, and dynamic drummer Chris Maas (Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers). The band promise to deliver all the best-loved songs from Sting’s extensive discography as a solo artist and his time in renowned band The Police when they headline next year.
Live Nation presents STING 3.0, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, April 3, 2025, from Dhs395. livenation.me
Les Misérables
Les Misérables is coming to Abu Dhabi to Etihad Arena in April 2025. Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular builds on the success of Les Misérables The Staged Concert which ran for over 200 performances at London’s West End. The adaptation is going to be even grander bragging an all-new design crafted for larger venues and an immersive experience that amplifies the emotional and visual power of the show. Les Misérables will enchant audiences from April 10 to 20, 2025. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on October 14, 2024, so ensure you register on etihadarena.ae and platinumlist.net. The general sale will go live on October 17, 2024.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, April 10 to 20, 2025, ticket prices tbc. etihadarena.ae
Club Social Abu Dhabi
Club Social Abu Dhabi is the place to be when you want to take a stroll down memory lane. Scheduled for April 18-20 at Etihad Park, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the finest hits from Usher, Snow Patrol, and The Kooks, among other performers. This celebration of feel-good music is sure to transport you back in time, blending pop, rock, and indie hits. With a mix of live music, creative activations, and more, Club Social is the perfect festival for music lovers and nostalgia seekers alike.
Club Social, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, April 18 to 20, tickets available January 2025 from Dhs295. clubsocial.ae
OFFLIMITS
OFFLIMITS 2025 is turning up the heat. Joining Ed Sheeran on April 26 at Etihad Park are the Kaiser Chiefs, bringing indie rock anthems like Ruby and I Predict a Riot to Abu Dhabi. With their electrifying energy and timeless hits, the Leeds-born band is set to light up the stage alongside Sheeran’s epic two-hour set. More artists will be announced soon, but what we know is, you’re going to want to pull an all-nighter to enjoy this festival.
OFFLIMITS Festival, Etihad Park, Yas Island, April 26, 2025, from Dhs495. platinumlist.net
May
Hanz Zimmer Live
Veteran German composer and Hollywood soundtrack stalwart Hans Zimmer will be bringing his musical mastery to the UAE capital for the very first time, when he arrives in Abu Dhabi for what is certain to be a stellar performance at the Etihad Arena on May 31, 2025. The living legend, accompanied by a skilled orchestra has become a premier brand in scoring some of the biggest box-office busters in cinema history, including Interstellar, Dune, Dune: Part Two, Inception, The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, and Gladiator. You can also look forward to a special touch at his Abu Dhabi performance, as Zimmer will celebrate the capital city’s role in the Dune movie series.
Hans Zimmer Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, May 31, 2025, pre-sale January 2, general sales January 3. etihadarena.ae
Media: Instagram, What’s On archive, Unsplash, Getty
