UAE Gears Up for a Packed Autumn Season of Major Concerts, Festivals, and Comedy Shows

More than 100 major events remain confirmed on the UAE calendar this year, as the live events industry prepares for the busy months following the traditionally quieter summer. Spanning concerts, arts festivals, book fairs, and stand-up comedy, the programme highlights the industry’s resilience in the face of logistical upheaval caused by the Iran war. While there have been some changes this week, including the cancellation of the Offlimits Festival in Abu Dhabi, most of the programming is set to continue as planned.

Arabic music heads the bill for the upcoming major arena shows. Lebanese singer Najwa Karam performs at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on October 2, followed by fellow Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram at the same venue on October 24. Egyptian singers Tamer Hosny and Tamer Ashour share a bill at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 17, while Amr Diab returns to Coca-Cola Arena on November 7. Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji joins trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf at Dubai Opera on November 27. Meanwhile, Emirati composer Mohammed Al Qahoom leads the Heritage Symphonic Orchestra in Nagham at Abu Dhabi's Space42 Arena on October 9. The Abu Dhabi Festival returns for its 23rd edition, featuring film composer Hans Zimmer at Etihad Arena on November 13 and American Ballet Theatre at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace on November 20. Additionally, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi launches its 2026–27 season on September 5 with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Fanfarai, while Dopa World runs from December 18 to 20 at Jubilee Park in Expo City Dubai, featuring Saint Levant.

The UAE concert calendar also reflects its multicultural communities. Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam launches his Revolution Tour at Etihad Arena on August 21, and devotional singer Radhika Das brings Lightfall to Coca-Cola Arena on September 20, with Atif Aslam returning to the venue on November 27. Filipino artists feature prominently, with rock musicians Ely Buendia and Chito Miranda performing at Coca-Cola Arena on August 30, followed by singers TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan on October 11. The Tinig ng Kapayapaan Philippine Choral Festival also takes place on August 30 at The Fridge Warehouse at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai.

Stand-up comedy will fill theatres and arenas throughout the season. Dubai Comedy Festival runs from October 9 to 18, featuring British comedian Mo Gilligan on October 12. Jamie Lever brings her Hindi-language show to Emirates Theatre on October 10, and Lebanese comedian John Achkar presents Feena Nehke in Arabic at Dubai Opera on October 17. The Abu Dhabi Comedy Season includes Russell Peters at Etihad Arena on October 25, Mo Amer on November 6, Maz Jobrani on November 7, and Andrew Schulz on November 27. Furthermore, South African comedian Trevor Noah has two stand-alone shows at Dubai Opera on November 25 and 26.

Festivals and fairs celebrating books, art, design, and food are also scheduled. The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair returns to Adnec from September 13 to 18. Frieze Abu Dhabi makes its debut at Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 20 to 22. Dubai Design Week runs from November 3 to 8 at Dubai Design District alongside Downtown Design from November 4 to 8. Sharjah’s Focal Point runs from December 11 to 13 at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, while the ninth Sharjah Film Platform takes place from October 30 to November 8 at Mirage City Cinema. Food events include Taste of Abu Dhabi at Gateway Park North from November 13 to 15 and Summer in Nashville at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on October 31.