UAE's Event Extravaganza: From Mariah Carey to Katy Perry, a Stellar Lineup of Concerts and Shows

The United Arab Emirates is set to host an electrifying live events season, featuring a diverse array of performances spanning pop, rock, comedy, ballet, opera, and musicals. Audiences across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah can anticipate a packed schedule in the coming months.

Global superstar Mariah Carey will grace Abu Dhabi with her festive Christmas show in December. November will see the Wasla Festival at Expo City Dubai, presenting regional talents such as Marcel Khalife, Le Trio Joubran, TootArd, and Fatima. Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena is set to host Najwa Karam's greatest hits, while the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season has announced performances by Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer and US comic Aries Spears.

The Abu Dhabi Festival promises a rich classical program, including the American Ballet Theatre and Dhafer Youssef. Dubai will also welcome comedian Trevor Noah for four shows, alongside concerts by Vir Das, Atif Aslam, and Hiba Tawaji with Ibrahim Maalouf. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend will be amplified by major performances from The Chainsmokers and The Script, closing the after-race concert series at Etihad Live, with Anyma also performing at Yas Gateway Park.

Looking ahead to 2027, Shah Rukh Khan is set to curate the inaugural Unifyd festival at Etihad Live, featuring artists like Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, and Sonu Nigam.

Here's a detailed look at some of the upcoming concerts and live events:

1. Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes: October 22 at Dubai Opera. Experience a symphonic rendition of Gipsy Kings' hits like 'Bamboleo' and 'Volare'.
2. Nancy Ajram: October 24 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The celebrated Lebanese pop singer returns with her iconic Arabic hits.
3. Black Coffee: October 24 at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. South African DJ and producer Black Coffee brings his Grammy-winning deep house sound.
4. Prateek Kuhad: October 24 at Dubai Opera. Indian singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad launches his Full Moon Chamber Tour.
5. Blue: October 25 at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Expo City Dubai. The British pop group celebrates 25 years of hits, including 'All Rise'.
6. Russell Peters: October 25 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The internationally acclaimed comedian performs his signature rapid-fire delivery and cultural observations.
7. Shaan: October 25 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. Indian playback singer Shaan presents his All of Me Tour, featuring hits from his three-decade career.
8. Titize: A Venetian Dream: October 29-31 at Dubai Opera. A captivating show blending circus, theatre, dance, and live music inspired by Venice.
9. Nass: October 30 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. A performance by choreographer Fouad Boussouf, connecting hip-hop with North African music.
10. Riverdance: October 31 and November 1 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The iconic Irish dance show celebrates its 30th anniversary with updated choreography and production.
11. Benjamin Clementine: November 1 at Dubai Opera. Mercury Prize winner Benjamin Clementine performs a unique blend of experimental pop, classical, jazz, and poetry.
12. Jony: November 4 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. Russian-Azerbaijani singer Jony brings his popular Russian pop hits.
13. Mo Amer: November 6 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The Palestinian-American comedian shares his experiences of displacement and immigration.
14. Maz Jobrani: November 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani returns with material on immigrant experiences.
15. Ministry of Sound Classical: November 7 at Dubai Opera. Club anthems are reimagined with a full orchestral performance.
16. American Ballet Theatre: November 20 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. One of the world's leading dance companies performs for the Abu Dhabi Festival.
17. Aries Spears: November 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The veteran comedian known for his impressions and crowd work takes the stage.
18. Synthony x Faithless: November 21 at Bla Bla by McGettigan's, Dubai. Electronic dance anthems are reinterpreted by a full orchestra, featuring Faithless Sound System.
19. Trevor Noah: November 25-26 and 28-29 at Dubai Opera. The Emmy Award-winning comedian and former host of The Daily Show presents a new stand-up show.
20. Algarabia: November 26 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. A theatrical production merging flamenco with Arabic poetry.
21. Hiba Tawaji and Ibrahim Maalouf: November 27 at Dubai Opera. A unique pairing of Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji and French-Lebanese composer Ibrahim Maalouf.
22. Atif Aslam: November 27 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The Pakistani superstar returns for his fifth consecutive year of sold-out shows.
23. Tarkan: November 27 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The Turkish pop icon performs in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
24. Wasla Festival: November 28 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. Featuring oud master Marcel Khalife and Palestinian ensemble Le Trio Joubran.
25. Ramy Sabry: November 28 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Egyptian singer Ramy Sabry presents his romantic Arabic pop repertoire.
26. Artbat Present Upperground: November 28 at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. Ukrainian electronic duo Artbat bring their event series, joined by Miss Monique, R3hab, and 7 Skies.
27. Verdi’s Opera Gala: November 29 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. A celebration of Giuseppe Verdi's works, featuring soprano Maria Agresta and tenor Giorgio Berrugi.
28. Andrea Bocelli: December 2 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The legendary Italian tenor brings his 30th Anniversary Romanza World Tour.
29. The Tsar's Bride by the Bolshoi Theatre: December 2 at Dubai Opera. The Bolshoi Theatre begins its first UAE tour with Rimsky-Korsakov's opera.
30. Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra: December 3. The orchestra performs a symphonic concert as part of the Bolshoi Theatre's UAE tour.
31. Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson: December 3 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi. These artists will open the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 after-race concert series.
32. Shimza: December 4 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. South African DJ Shimza brings his Afro-tech sound.
33. Mont Rouge and Moojo: December 4 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. Swiss duo Mont Rouge and French DJ Moojo perform.
34. The Nutcracker by the Bolshoi Theatre: December 4-6 at Dubai Opera. The Bolshoi Theatre presents Tchaikovsky's classic ballet.
35. Anyma: December 4 at Yas Gateway Park, Abu Dhabi. Italian-American DJ and producer Anyma performs as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert series.
36. Imagine Dragons: December 5 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi. The Grammy-winning US band headlines the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert series.
37. CamelPhat: December 5 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. British electronic duo CamelPhat perform their hits.
38. Gordo: December 5 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. DJ and producer Gordo brings his house-focused sound.
39. The Chainsmokers and The Script: December 6 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi. These artists close the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert series.
40. Black Coffee: December 6 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee closes the 16/360 programme.
41. Carl Cox: December 6 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. Pioneer of the acid-house movement, Carl Cox, performs.
42. Enrico Macias: December 10 at Dubai Opera. The French-Algerian singer performs his extensive catalogue of chanson and Mediterranean music.
43. Lisa Batiashvili and Giorgi Gigashvili: December 10 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Georgian musicians perform classical works.
44. Minsoo Sohn: December 11 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Pianist Minsoo Sohn performs Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier.
45. Guy Manoukian: December 11 at Dubai Opera. Pianist and composer Guy Manoukian celebrates his 10th performance at the venue.
46. Mariah Carey: December 12 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The global icon returns with her popular Christmastime show.
47. Chicago the Musical: December 16-20 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The acclaimed Broadway production comes to Dubai for multiple performances.
48. Denis Matsuev: December 16 at Dubai Opera. Russian pianist Denis Matsuev presents a concert blending classical and jazz.
49. Abracadabra: December 18-19 at Dubai Opera. A suspense comedy play in Arabic, featuring two theatre groups.
50. Dopa World: December 18-20 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. A three-day festival celebrating young Arab music and culture, featuring Saint Levant.
51. Dhafer Youssef: December 19 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Oud maestro Dhafer Youssef performs, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions.
52. Katy Perry: December 31 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. The pop superstar headlines the New Year's Eve gala.
53. Vessbroz: December 31 at Cavo, Ramee Dream Hotel, Dubai. The duo headlines the New Year's Eve party with electronic house music.
54. Tony Ann: January 12, 2027, at Dubai Opera. Canadian pianist and composer Tony Ann makes his Dubai debut.
55. Swan Lake on Ice: January 14-17, 2027, at Dubai Opera. The Imperial Ice Stars present Tchaikovsky's ballet on ice.
56. Buena Vista Social Club Legacy Concert: January 24, 2027, at Dubai Opera. A concert celebrating Cuban music traditions.
57. Tamaas Festival: January 29, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Featuring Sami Galbi, Bombino, and Ibibio Sound Machine.
58. Harry Potter Film Concert Series: February 5-6, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The UAE National Orchestra accompanies two Harry Potter films.
59. Ramadaniyat – The Handover: February 17, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Egyptian musicians make their UAE debut with a unique blend of styles.
60. The Phantom of the Opera: March 10-28, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical makes its Abu Dhabi debut.
61. Unifyd: March 20, 2027, at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi. The inaugural music festival curated by Shah Rukh Khan, featuring Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, and Sonu Nigam.
62. Tribute to Ziad Rahbani by Faraj Suleiman: March 26, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Palestinian composer Faraj Suleiman pays tribute to Ziad Rahbani.
63. A1 and Music Travel Love: April 17, 2027, at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. British-Norwegian group A1 and Canadian duo Music Travel Love share the stage.
64. Richard Marx: June 6, 2027, at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The acclaimed singer-songwriter brings his extensive catalogue to Dubai.