UAE's Event Extravaganza: From Global Pop Stars to Acclaimed Comedians and Cultural Festivals

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 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The coming months promise a packed schedule for enthusiasts of live entertainment.

Marking a significant return, 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 will host Najwa Karam, while Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is set to feature Palestinian-American star Mo Amer and American comic Aries Spears.

Looking ahead to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, Jennifer Lopez is confirmed to headline the after-race concerts at Etihad Live. She will be joined by a star-studded lineup including Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, and The Script. Further into 2027, Shah Rukh Khan is set to curate the inaugural Unifyd festival at Etihad Live, with Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, and Sonu Nigam among the initial artists announced.

Here's a curated list of notable upcoming concerts and live events in the UAE:

• The Fridge Concert Series Season 50 Special: October 27 at The Fridge Warehouse, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. A special reunion night celebrating 20 years of performances, with a surprise lineup.
• Titize: A Venetian Dream: October 29-31 at Dubai Opera. A unique blend of circus, theatre, dance, and live music inspired by Venice.
• Nass: October 30 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Choreographer Fouad Boussouf presents a work merging hip-hop with North African music traditions.
• Abdul Majeed Abdullah: October 31 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. A performance by the renowned Saudi singer featuring his extensive catalogue of Khaleeji and Arabic pop.
• Riverdance: October 31 - November 1 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The iconic Irish dance show celebrates its 30th anniversary with updated choreography and staging.
• Benjamin Clementine: November 1 at Dubai Opera. The Mercury Prize-winning British artist will perform a program of experimental pop, classical music, jazz, and poetry.
• Jony: November 4 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. A performance by the popular Russian-Azerbaijani pop singer.
• Mo Amer: November 6 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The Palestinian-American comedian brings his unique perspective on displacement and cultural identity to the stage.
• Maz Jobrani: November 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The Iranian-American comedian returns with material focused on immigrant experiences and cultural nuances.
• Ministry of Sound Classical: November 7 at Dubai Opera. Classic dance anthems are reimagined with a full orchestral performance.
• Abdelkader Secteur: November 8 at Emirates Theatre, Dubai. Algerian comedian Abdelkader Secteur presents his signature storytelling humor.
• American Ballet Theatre: November 20 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. One of the world's leading ballet companies performs a special program for the Abu Dhabi Festival.
• Aries Spears: November 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The veteran American comedian known for his impressions and crowd work.
• Synthony x Faithless: November 21 at Bla Bla by McGettigan's, Dubai. An orchestral reimagining of electronic dance anthems, featuring Faithless Sound System.
• Trevor Noah: November 25-26 and November 28-29 at Dubai Opera. The Emmy Award-winning comedian and former host of The Daily Show presents his latest stand-up show.
• Algarabia: November 26 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. A theatrical production combining flamenco with Arabic poetry.
• Bader Saleh: November 27 at The Hive, Dubai. Saudi comedian Bader Saleh brings his stand-up show 'Bliss of Ignorance'.
• Hiba Tawaji and Ibrahim Maalouf: November 27 at Dubai Opera. A unique performance blending French musical heritage with contemporary composition.
• Atif Aslam: November 27 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The Pakistani superstar returns for his fifth consecutive year of sold-out shows.
• Tarkan: November 27 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The Turkish pop icon makes his Abu Dhabi debut.
• Wasla Festival: November 28 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. Featuring headline act Marcel Khalife, Le Trio Joubran, TootArd, and Fatima.
• Ramy Sabry: November 28 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Egyptian singer Ramy Sabry presents his romantic Arabic pop and ballads.
• Artbat Present Upperground: November 28 at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour. Ukrainian electronic duo Artbat bring their event series with support from Miss Monique, R3hab, and 7 Skies.
• Verdi’s Opera Gala: November 29 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. A celebration of Giuseppe Verdi's works, featuring renowned opera singers.
• Ghostly Kisses: November 29 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Canadian singer-songwriter Margaux Sauve brings her atmospheric pop project.
• Andrea Bocelli: December 2 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The legendary Italian tenor performs as part of his 30th Anniversary Romanza World Tour.
• The Tsar's Bride by the Bolshoi Theatre: December 2 at Dubai Opera. The Bolshoi Theatre begins its UAE tour with Rimsky-Korsakov's opera.
• Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra: December 3. A symphonic concert by the renowned orchestra as part of their UAE tour.
• Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson: December 3 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi. Kicking off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts with individual sets.
• Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren: December 4 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi. J.Lo returns to Abu Dhabi, sharing the stage with US singer-songwriter Alex Warren.
• Shimza: December 4 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. South African DJ Shimza brings his Afro-tech sound.
• Mont Rouge and Moojo: December 4 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi. Swiss duo and French DJ perform during the Grand Prix weekend.
• The Nutcracker by the Bolshoi Theatre: December 4-6 at Dubai Opera. A festive tradition featuring the Bolshoi Theatre's dancers and orchestra.
• Anyma: December 4 at Yas Gateway Park, Abu Dhabi. Italian-American DJ and producer Anyma performs as part of the Grand Prix after-party series.
• Imagine Dragons: December 5 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi. The Grammy-winning band headlines the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert.
• CamelPhat: December 5 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. British electronic duo CamelPhat perform their hits.
• Gordo: December 5 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi. DJ and producer Gordo brings his house-focused sound.
• The Chainsmokers and The Script: December 6 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi. Closing the Grand Prix after-race concert series with separate performances.
• Black Coffee: December 6 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee closes the 16/360 programme.
• Carl Cox: December 6 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi. The pioneering DJ closes Bagatelle's Grand Prix weekend lineup.
• Enrico Macias: December 10 at Dubai Opera. The French-Algerian singer presents a concert of chanson and Mediterranean music.
• Lisa Batiashvili and Giorgi Gigashvili: December 10 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Georgian musicians perform works by Beethoven, Bartok, and Franck.
• Minsoo Sohn: December 11 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Pianist Minsoo Sohn performs Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier.
• Sole DXB: December 11-13 at The Square, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. A three-day festival celebrating music, DJ sets, fashion, art, and street culture, featuring Lola Young, Overmono, Nia Archives, and Fatoumata Diawara.
• Bamboo and Cup of Joe: December 11 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. Filipino acts Bamboo and Cup of Joe share the stage for a night of OPM.
• Guy Manoukian: December 11 at Dubai Opera. The Lebanese-Armenian pianist celebrates his 10th performance at the venue.
• Mariah Carey: December 12 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The global superstar returns with her popular Christmas show.
• Mahmut Orhan: December 12 at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience, Dubai. Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan performs his signature sound.
• Chicago the Musical: December 16-20 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The acclaimed Broadway production comes to Dubai for a limited run.
• Denis Matsuev: December 16 at Dubai Opera. Russian pianist Denis Matsuev presents a concert of classical repertoire and jazz.
• Abracadabra: December 18-19 at Dubai Opera. A suspense comedy play in Arabic, blending Gulf theatre and entertainment.
• Dopa World: December 18-20 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. A festival focused on young Arab music and culture, featuring Saint Levant.
• Dhafer Youssef: December 19 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Oud maestro Dhafer Youssef performs with his quintet, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions.
• Yassar Lemghari: December 25 at Emirates Theatre, Dubai. Moroccan comedian Yassar Lemghari brings his show 'Lamhayab'.
• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shah Zaman Ali Khan: December 26 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. A concert featuring Qawwali, Sufi music, and contemporary South Asian songs.
• Katy Perry: December 31 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. The pop superstar headlines the New Year's Eve gala.
• Vessbroz: December 31 at Cavo, Ramee Dream Hotel, Dubai. The duo headlines the New Year's Eve party with electronic house music.
• Tony Ann: January 12, 2027, at Dubai Opera. Canadian pianist and composer Tony Ann makes his Dubai debut.
• Swan Lake on Ice: January 14-17, 2027, at Dubai Opera. The Imperial Ice Stars present Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet on ice.
• Buena Vista Social Club Legacy Concert: January 24, 2027, at Dubai Opera. Featuring Ibrahim Ferrer Jr and Barbarito Torres, celebrating Cuban music traditions.
• Tamaas Festival: January 29, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Featuring Sami Galbi, Bombino, and Ibibio Sound Machine, exploring diverse musical genres.
• Harry Potter Film Concert Series: February 5-6, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The UAE National Orchestra performs scores from 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'.
• Ramadaniyat – The Handover: February 17, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. A trio featuring Aly Eissa, Ayman Asfour, and Jonas Cambien, blending Egyptian folk music with contemporary styles.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tribute to Ziad Rahbani by Faraj Suleiman: March 26, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Palestinian composer Faraj Suleiman pays homage to Ziad Rahbani with contemporary re-interpretations.
• 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.
• Richard Marx: June 6, 2027, at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. The acclaimed singer-songwriter performs his extensive catalogue of hits.