Summer’s here, and so are some of the hottest events in the capital! So if you’re planning to check out some of the best events taking place through May in Abu Dhabi, we have you covered.
From top comedians arriving as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season to specially curated film festivals and more, there’s something for everyone to do this month.
And if you’re as much of a planner as us, you might just want to take a look at all the events, concerts and music festivals happening across 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Keep scrolling and secure your front seat to the hottest events in town.
The best events to check out this May in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season
Get ready for a side-splitting month of laughs as an unmissable lineup of comedic sensations descend on the Etihad Arena on Yas Island between April and July for the perfect summer!
The line-up features all the who’s who of the comedic world, including giants like Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, Gad Elmaleh, Michael McIntyre, Fluffy, Bill Burr and many more.
Prepare to double over with laughter as Abu Dhabi announces the second iteration of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season.
Details:
- What: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season at Etihad Arena
- When: Until 31 May
- Tickets: AED 495, visit Platinumlist.net
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Last chance to check it out! The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is almost done so you might want to hit it up while you can.
It’s the ultimately opportunity to explore a wide selection of local and international books, graphic design and illustrations from book illustrators and graphic novelists, professional workshops, seminars and panel discussions.
Details:
Tickets: Visit ADIBF
What: 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair at ADNEC
When: 26 April – 6 May
Toto Tour 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable night of rock as legendary band Toto bring their highly anticipated tour to Etihad Arena. Known for timeless hits like Africa, Rosanna, and Hold the Line, the multi-Grammy-winning group promises an electrifying live performance!
One of the most celebrated and influential rock bands of all time, Toto has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Toto IV. Their signature blend of rock, pop, jazz, and funk has made them a household name across generations. Over the years, their music has been widely recognised for its technical brilliance, with each member being among the most accomplished musicians in the industry.
Details:
- What: Toto Tour 2025 at Etihad Arena
- When: 7 May
- Tickets: Starting AED 225, visit Etihad Arena
Arijit Singh
Block Friday, May 9th off your calendar and head to Etihad Arena on Yas Island to catch the maestro in action at one of the biggest events in Abu Dhabi!
Known for his soulful lyrics and enchanting vocals, Arijit Singh has mastered a variety of genres. Having delivered massive chartbusters like Tum Hi Ho, Mere Yaara, Chaleya and so many more – you don’t want to miss out on this magical night!
Details:
- What: Arijit Singh live in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena
- When: 9th May, Doors open at 6pm
- Tickets: AED 200, visit Platinumlist.net
Ladies Day at Yas Waterworld
Abu Dhabi’s most popular ladies-only water park event is making a splash every Friday – and it’s all girl gang vibes.
Starting 1 pm to 10 pm, it’s a whole day of fun with the utmost comfort. What makes Yas Waterworld’s Ladies Day epic is the complete privacy it offers with a dedicated all-female staff. Get ready for an action-packed lineup of live music, live female DJs, and watch this space for some special extras that will be announced soon.
For more information, visit Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Yé ! | Water! – Circus Baobab
Flying acrobats, contortionists, and breakdancers bring African circus to life right here in the capital! These artists have a fruitful dialogue with their history and their own cultural heritage, while being aware of the inevitable transformation of this traditional world.
Yé ! uses the African circus in a poetic evocation of environmental issues, calling upon us to build a better world for tomorrow together – one in which we’ll take better care of nature and its future. Don’t miss out!
Details:
- What: Yé ! | Water! – Circus Baobab at The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
- When: 9-10 May
- Tickets: Starting AED 52.5, visit PlatinumList
European Film Festival
If you’re a lover of cinema or simply looking for something interesting that doesn’t involve brunching about – this one’s perfect for you!
The European Film Festival 2025 returns to Abu Dhabi to make this May a memorable one indeed. Highlighting universal themes of identity, resilience, and social change, you also stand to learn from European and UAE filmmakers in panel discussions. Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi is giving you the chance to explore Europe through the lens of passionate filmmakers – don’t miss out.
Details:
- What: European Film Festival at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
- When: 19-25 May
- Tickets: TBA
Guns N’ Roses
Lighting up Etihad Arena, Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi on May 27th, the world tour will see the band stopping off in various cities around the world.
The night is giving fans of incredible rock anthems a real treat and a “One In A Million” chance to experience history. Famed for rocking out stadiums globally for nearly four decades, this is an unmissable chance for residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi to witness a true musical phenomenon.
Details:
- What: Guns N’Roses at Etihad Arena
- When: 27th May
- Tickets: Starting AED 325, visit Etihad Arena
Shrek the Musical
This one’s perfect for all, from millennials to Gen Alpha! Buckle up for a hilarious and heartwarming adaptation of the popular animated film, bringing the fairytale misfit story to life on stage.
Abu Dhabi’s most beloved community theatre company premieres their production of Shrek The Musical. The show follows Shrek, a grumpy but lovable ogre, who embarks on a quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona from the scheming Lord Farquaad, in exchange for reclaiming his swamp.
Details:
- What: Shrek the Musical at The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
- When: 29 May to 1 June
- Tickets: Starting AED 52.5, visit Platinumlist
Hans Zimmer
If you’re a fan of Interstellar, The Lion King and other magnificent scores, you’re in for a treat with Hans Zimmer announcing another date in Abu Dhabi!
Following his first concert ever in Abu Dhabi on May 31 2025, the Abu Dhabi events calendar has been blessed with a second official concert by the film score maestro. Tickets are already live and selling out, so you’ll want to get your hands on this Hans Zimmer spectacle ASAP.
Details:
- What: Hans Zimmer at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
- When: 31 May and 1 June
- Tickets: Starting AED 299, visit PlatinumList