UAE's Entertainment Extravaganza: From Global Superstars to Local Talents

The United Arab Emirates is set to host an unparalleled 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 entertainment enthusiasts.

Headlining the festive season, Mariah Carey will grace Abu Dhabi with her Christmas show in December. November will see the Wasla Festival at Expo City Dubai, showcasing regional artists such as Marcel Khalife, Le Trio Joubran, TootArd, and Fatima. Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena will welcome Najwa Karam, while Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is set to feature Palestinian-American star Mo Amer and US comedian Aries Spears.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is set to be a major draw, with Jennifer Lopez headlining the after-race concerts at Etihad Live. She will be joined by a star-studded lineup including Lewis Capaldi, Kings of Leon, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, and The Script. Looking ahead to 2027, the inaugural Unifyd festival at Etihad Live will be curated by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, with Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, and Sonu Nigam among the first announced artists.

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

• The Fridge Concert Series Season 50 Special: On October 27 at The Fridge Warehouse, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, The Fridge celebrates its 50th season with a reunion night featuring past performers. Details of the lineup are under wraps, promising collaborations and jam sessions. Entry is free with pre-registration required.
• Titize: A Venetian Dream: From October 29 to 31 at Dubai Opera, this show blends circus, theatre, dance, and live music, inspired by Venice. A 10-member cast will use acrobatics and physical theatre to depict a dreamlike Venice. Shows are at 2pm and 8pm, with tickets starting from Dh275.
• Nass: On October 30 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, French-Moroccan choreographer Fouad Boussouf presents a work by seven male dancers that merges hip-hop with North African musical traditions. Inspired by the group Nass El Ghiwane, the performance starts at 7:30pm, with tickets from Dh52.50.
• Abdul Majeed Abdullah: On October 31 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Saudi singer Abdul Majeed Abdullah will perform his extensive catalogue of Khaleeji and Arabic pop music. Known for his significant influence on Gulf music, his hits include 'Mn Mithlek' and 'Tetnafasek Denyaay'. The show begins at 9:30pm, with tickets from Dh495.
• Riverdance: Performing on October 31 and November 1 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, the renowned Irish dance show celebrates its 30th anniversary with updated choreography, costumes, and lighting, while retaining Bill Whelan’s Grammy Award-winning score. Performance times vary, with tickets from Dh215.
• Benjamin Clementine: On November 1 at Dubai Opera, British artist Benjamin Clementine will perform a mix of experimental pop, contemporary classical music, jazz, and poetry. His debut album, 'At Least for Now', won the Mercury Prize. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh500.
• Jony: On November 4 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Russian-Azerbaijani singer Jony, a prominent figure in Russian pop, will perform his popular songs like 'Kamin' and 'Kometa'. The show starts at 9pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• Mo Amer: On November 6 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer will perform as part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. His comedy explores themes of displacement and cultural identity, drawing from his experiences creating the Peabody Award-winning Netflix series 'Mo'. Show time and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Maz Jobrani: On November 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani returns with material focused on immigrant experiences and cultural misunderstandings. He previously performed at the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Show time and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Ministry of Sound Classical: On November 7 at Dubai Opera, classic club anthems will be reinterpreted by a full orchestra, combining electronic music with live instrumentation, vocals, and visuals. Conducted by David Mahoney, show time and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Abdelkader Secteur: On November 8 at Emirates Theatre, Dubai, Algerian comedian Abdelkader Secteur will present a stand-up show rooted in North African humour, focusing on family life and cultural traditions. The show starts at 7:30pm, with tickets from Dh195.
• American Ballet Theatre: On November 20 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, the acclaimed American Ballet Theatre will perform a special show for the Abu Dhabi Festival, featuring works such as Frederick Ashton’s 'Birthday Offering' and Paquita. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh125.
• Aries Spears: On November 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, comedian Aries Spears, known for his impressions and crowd work from his time on Mad TV, will perform. Doors open at 9pm, with the show starting at 10pm. Tickets are from Dh120.
• Synthony x Faithless: On November 21 at Bla Bla by McGettigan's, Dubai, Synthony makes its Middle East debut, with a full orchestra performing electronic dance anthems. Faithless Sound System, led by Sister Bliss, will also feature. Doors open at 6pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• Trevor Noah: From November 25-26 and November 28-29 at Dubai Opera, Emmy Award-winning comedian Trevor Noah will present a new stand-up show. The former host of The Daily Show is also the author of 'Born a Crime'. Shows start at 8pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• Algarabia: On November 26 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, this theatrical production combines flamenco with Arabic poetry, performed by musicians from the University of Navarra Symphony Orchestra alongside dancers and actors. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh100.
• Bader Saleh: On November 27 at The Hive, Dubai, Saudi comedian Bader Saleh will bring his stand-up show 'Bliss of Ignorance' to Dubai. He gained fame through the YouTube series 'Eysh Elly'. The show starts at 9pm, with tickets from Dh175.
• Hiba Tawaji and Ibrahim Maalouf: On November 27 at Dubai Opera, Lebanese-French composer Ibrahim Maalouf and Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji will perform a unique concert blending French musical heritage with contemporary composition. The show starts at 8:30pm, with tickets from Dh355.
• Atif Aslam: On November 27 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam returns for his fifth consecutive year of sold-out concerts in Dubai. His performance will span Bollywood hits, pop-rock, and devotional music. Doors open at 9pm, with tickets from Dh350.
• Tarkan: On November 27 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Turkish pop icon Tarkan, known for his global hit 'Simarik', will make his Abu Dhabi debut, highlighting the growing popularity of Turkish pop in the region. The show starts at 8:30pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• Wasla Festival: On November 28 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, Lebanese composer and oud player Marcel Khalife will headline the festival, joined by Palestinian ensemble Le Trio Joubran, Syrian duo TootArd, and Emirati-Honduran singer Fatima. The festival starts at 6pm, with tickets from Dh350.
• Ramy Sabry: On November 28 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Egyptian singer Ramy Sabry will perform his romantic Arabic pop and ballads. Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 9pm. Tickets are from Dh295.
• Artbat Present Upperground: On November 28 at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour, Ukrainian electronic duo Artbat will host their Upperground event series, featuring Miss Monique, R3hab, and 7 Skies. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets from Dh150.
• Verdi’s Opera Gala: On November 29 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, this gala celebrates Giuseppe Verdi with performances led by soprano Maria Agresta and tenor Giorgio Berrugi, featuring selections from his famous operas. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh125.
• Ghostly Kisses: On November 29 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Canadian singer-songwriter Margaux Sauve brings her atmospheric pop project Ghostly Kisses to the UAE. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh215.
• Andrea Bocelli: On December 2 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform his 30th Anniversary Romanza World Tour, celebrating his iconic album 'Romanza'. Doors open at 6pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• The Tsar's Bride by the Bolshoi Theatre: On December 2 at Dubai Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre begins its first official UAE tour with Rimsky-Korsakov's opera. The opera centres on political intrigue and jealousy during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Show time and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra: On December 3, the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra will present a symphonic concert as part of the company’s UAE tour. Showtime and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Lewis Capaldi and Kings of Leon: On December 3 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi, Lewis Capaldi and Kings of Leon will kick off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert series. Capaldi returns to Abu Dhabi following his previous performance, while Kings of Leon mark their return to the F1 concerts. Access is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders.
• Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren: On December 4 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi, Jennifer Lopez will share the stage with US singer-songwriter Alex Warren for the Grand Prix concert series. Lopez's hits include 'If You Had My Love', while Warren makes his UAE debut. Access is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders.
• Shimza: On December 4 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, South African DJ Shimza will bring his Afro-tech sound to the Grand Prix weekend. Access is exclusive to selected 16/360 Grand Prix hospitality ticket holders, with packages from Dh1,250.
• Mont Rouge and Moojo: On December 4 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, Swiss duo Mont Rouge and French DJ Moojo will perform. Tables are from Dh7,000.
• The Nutcracker by the Bolshoi Theatre: From December 4 to 6 at Dubai Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre will present Tchaikovsky's ballet, a Dubai Opera tradition. Yuri Grigorovich's choreography will be featured. Show times and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Anyma: On December 4 at Yas Gateway Park, Abu Dhabi, DJ and producer Anyma will perform as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after party concert series, known for his audiovisual shows and melodic techno. Presales begin September 10, with general sales on September 11. Show time and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Imagine Dragons: On December 5 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi, the US band Imagine Dragons will headline the Grand Prix after-race concert series. Known for hits like 'Believer' and 'Radioactive', the group last performed in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Access is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders.
• CamelPhat: On December 5 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, British electronic duo CamelPhat will perform. Their hits include the Grammy-nominated 'Cola'. Access is exclusive to selected 16/360 Grand Prix hospitality ticket holders, with packages from Dh1,250.
• Gordo: On December 5 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, DJ and producer Gordo will join the race-weekend programme with his house-focused sound. Tables are from Dh10,000.
• The Chainsmokers and The Script: On December 6 at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi, The Chainsmokers and The Script will close the Grand Prix after-race concert series with separate sets. The Script are known for 'Breakeven', while The Chainsmokers have hits like 'Closer'. Access is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders.
• Black Coffee: On December 6 at 16/360, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee will close the 16/360 programme with his blend of deep house and African percussion. Access is exclusive to selected 16/360 Grand Prix hospitality ticket holders, with packages from Dh1,250.
• Carl Cox: On December 6 at Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, DJ Carl Cox will close Bagatelle's Grand Prix weekend programme. He is a pioneer of the acid-house movement and founded Carl Cox Motorsport. Tables are from Dh10,000.
• Enrico Macias: On December 10 at Dubai Opera, French-Algerian singer Enrico Macias will perform his extensive catalogue of chanson and Mediterranean music. This concert is reportedly among his final international appearances. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• Lisa Batiashvili and Giorgi Gigashvili: On December 10 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, Georgian musicians Lisa Batiashvili and Giorgi Gigashvili will perform works by Beethoven, Bartok, Franck, and Josef Bardanashvili. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh150.
• Minsoo Sohn: On December 11 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, pianist Minsoo Sohn will perform Bach’s 'Well-Tempered Clavier, Book One'. The recital explores the landmark work's intellectual depth and emotional breadth. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh150.
• Sole DXB: From December 11 to 13 at The Square, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Sole DXB returns with three days of live music, DJ sets, fashion, art, and street culture, featuring artists like Lola Young, Overmono, and Fatoumata Diawara. Runs from 4pm to 2:30am daily, with three-day tickets from Dh495.
• Bamboo and Cup of Joe: On December 11 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Filipino acts Bamboo and Cup of Joe will share the stage for a night of OPM. Bamboo brings hits like 'Masaya', while Cup of Joe's catalogue includes 'Multo'. The show starts at 7pm, with tickets from Dh129.
• Guy Manoukian: On December 11 at Dubai Opera, Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer Guy Manoukian marks Dubai Opera's 10th anniversary with his 10th performance at the venue. His repertoire blends Arabic melodies and contemporary arrangements. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh330.
• Mariah Carey: On December 12 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Mariah Carey returns with her Christmas show, featuring festive songs and hits from her wider catalogue. This is her second Abu Dhabi performance of the year. Doors open at 7pm, with tickets from Dh249.
• Mahmut Orhan: On December 12 at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience, Dubai, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan returns to Dubai Harbour, known for his deep house and indie dance sound. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets from Dh150.
• Chicago the Musical: From December 16 to 20 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, the Broadway production of 'Chicago' will have eight performances. Set in the Jazz Age, the musical features iconic songs like 'All That Jazz'. Performance times vary, with tickets from Dh49.
• Denis Matsuev: On December 16 at Dubai Opera, Russian pianist Denis Matsuev will perform a concert titled 'Classics and Jazz'. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh350.
• Abracadabra: On December 18 and 19 at Dubai Opera, this Arabic language suspense comedy follows two theatre groups facing challenges. The production blends Gulf theatre, suspense, and entertainment. Show times vary, with tickets from Dh230.
• Dopa World: From December 18 to 20 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, this three-day festival focuses on young Arab music, culture, and creative businesses. Palestinian-Algerian performer Saint Levant is the first announced artist. Doors open at 4pm daily, with tickets from Dh245.
• Dhafer Youssef: On December 19 at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, oud maestro Dhafer Youssef will perform with his quintet, blending jazz, Arab, North African, and electronic elements. He is expected to perform material from his latest album 'Shiraz'. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh150.
• Yassar Lemghari: On December 25 at Emirates Theatre, Dubai, Moroccan comedian Yassar Lemghari will bring his show 'Lamhayab', performed in Moroccan Darija, to Dubai. Doors open at 8pm, with the show starting at 8:30pm. Tickets are from Dh169.
• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shah Zaman Ali Khan: On December 26 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan returns for his eighth appearance, joined by Shah Zaman Ali Khan. The concert will feature Qawwali, Sufi music, and contemporary South Asian songs. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh95.
• Katy Perry: On December 31 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, Katy Perry will headline the New Year's Eve gala, performing hits such as 'Teenage Dream' and 'Roar'. The event includes a 30-piece live band and fireworks. Doors open at 7pm, with tickets from Dh6,500 for children and Dh8,500 for adults.
• Vessbroz: On December 31 at Cavo, Ramee Dream Hotel, Dubai, Vessbroz will headline the New Year's Eve party with electronic house music. Doors open at 10pm, with tickets from Dh150.
• Tony Ann: On January 12, 2027, at Dubai Opera, Canadian pianist and composer Tony Ann makes his Dubai debut with a programme blending contemporary piano and classical influences. He has co-written tracks for The Chainsmokers.
• Swan Lake on Ice: From January 14 to 17, 2027, at Dubai Opera, the Imperial Ice Stars will present Tchaikovsky’s 'Swan Lake' reimagined on ice, combining figure skating, ballet, and theatrical choreography. Show times vary, with tickets from Dh300.
• Buena Vista Social Club Legacy Concert: On January 24, 2027, at Dubai Opera, Ibrahim Ferrer Jr and Barbarito Torres will present 'Una Noche En La Habana', featuring Cuban music traditions. Show time and ticket prices are to be announced.
• Tamaas Festival: On January 29, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, the festival returns with acts like Sami Galbi, Bombino, and Ibibio Sound Machine, blending traditional forms with electronic music. The festival starts at 7pm, with free passes upon registration.
• Harry Potter Film Concert Series: On February 5 to 6, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, the UAE National Orchestra will accompany screenings of 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire', performing John Williams’ and Patrick Doyle’s scores respectively. Doors open at 6:30pm, with shows starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are from Dh120.
• Ramadaniyat – The Handover: On February 17, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, Egyptian oud player Aly Eissa, violinist Ayman Asfour, and keyboard player Jonas Cambien will perform as The Handover, blending Egyptian folk music with improvisation and electronic textures. The show starts at 9:30pm, with tickets from Dh52.50.
• The Phantom of the Opera: From March 10 to 28, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'The Phantom of the Opera' makes its Abu Dhabi debut for its 40th anniversary year. Runs from March 10 to 28, with tickets from Dh240.
• Unifyd: On March 20, 2027, at Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi, the inaugural Unifyd music festival, curated by Shah Rukh Khan, will feature Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, and Sonu Nigam, alongside over 15 artists spanning Indian music genres. General sale opens October 20. Ticket prices are to be announced.
• Tribute to Ziad Rahbani by Faraj Suleiman: On March 26, 2027, at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, Palestinian composer and pianist Faraj Suleiman will present a programme dedicated to Ziad Rahbani, re-orchestrating his material through contemporary piano, jazz, and Arabic composition. The show starts at 7:30pm, with tickets from Dh78.75.
• A1 and Music Travel Love: On April 17, 2027, at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, British-Norwegian pop group A1 and Canadian duo Music Travel Love will share the stage. A1 are known for hits like 'Everytime', while Music Travel Love features twin brothers Bob and Clint Moffatt. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh295.
• Richard Marx: On June 6, 2027, at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, American singer-songwriter Richard Marx will perform his extensive catalogue, including hits like 'Right Here Waiting'. His songwriting credits include hits for artists such as Luther Vandross. The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from Dh225.