December in Abu Dhabi arrives with its signature energy – world-class concerts, national celebrations, open-air festivals, candlelit concerts, and spectacular fireworks lighting up the skyline.
Whether you’re here for the Race Weekend thrills, festive nights under the stars, major international artists, or family-friendly cultural experiences, the capital’s calendar is packed with unforgettable ways to close out the year.
It’s a pretty packed calendar – so take a look and get booking some of the best December events in Abu Dhabi 2025 to add to your plans.
The ultimate guide to December events in Abu Dhabi
Eid Al Etihad celebrations
UAE citizens and residents are preparing to enjoy a long weekend, as the UAE Cabinet has officially announced the National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi.
Public and private sector workers will get a long weekend in celebration of the UAE’s 54th National Day. Authorities announced that employees would be granted leave on Monday and Tuesday, i.e., December 1 and 2.
Fireworks are usually a key feature in National Day celebrations, and the 54th Eid Al Etihad extravaganza is no different. Several places across the capital are sure to light up over the long weekend – take a look and get there early for the best front-row seats.
Brunch by Secret Abu Dhabi x Cafe Del Mar
Brunch by Secret is back once more, this time taking over Café del Mar Abu Dhabi for the ultimate kick off to a thrilling race weekend in town!
For this F1 Weekend edition, Brunch by Secret is inviting 15 of our readers to join us at Café del Mar Abu Dhabi. It’s a chance to enjoy the Pit Stop Weekend Brunch the way we do; up close, in great company and right in the heart of the action.
Details
What: Pit Stop Weekend Brunch at Café del Mar Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Brunch by Secret
When: Saturday, 6 December
Time: Brunch: 1 pm to 4 pm, with full beach club access from midday until sunset
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025
The future of sport is here – physical meets digital in Abu Dhabi at the Games of the Future, an international tournament that brings together the next generation of phygital athletes from around the world.
Get ready for adrenaline at its finest as competitors battle it out across diverse disciplines that blend real-world skill with digital innovation. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or sports fan, this is your chance to see emerging sporting heroes!
Details:
Date: 18-23 December 2025
Time: 10 am to 11:59 pm
Price: Starting AED 25. For tickets, visit GOTF
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
The season finale of the Formula 1 World Championship returns to Yas Marina Circuit, bringing four days of high-octane racing, after-race concerts, fan zones, and entertainment across Yas Island.
Expect a packed programme with practice sessions, qualifying, and the race day spectacle, along with exclusive hospitality experiences and live music after sundown. As always, global F1 fans will descend on the capital for one of the sport’s most anticipated weekends of the year.
Details:
Where: Yas Marina Circuit
When: 4-7 December 2025
Price: From AED 450 (general access)
Website: Visit F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Benson Boone
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is going to be beautiful, of course, with none other than Benson Boone on board!
The popular artist will kick off the race weekend as the opening act for the Yasalam After Race Concerts, performing live at Etihad Park on Thursday, December 4. With plenty of action taking place both on and off tracks, and all of Yas Island set to come alive in a massive way for the race weekend.
Details:
Date: 4 December 2025
Time: TBA
Price: Starting AED 1025. For tickets, visit Yas Marina or Abu Dhabi GP
Keinemusik
The Kloud touches down in the capital as Keinemusik makes its long-awaited UAE return, ready to take over Yas Gateway Park on the race weekend for one of the most exciting December events in Abu Dhabi!
Mark 5 December on your calendars to witness the depths of Berlin’s legendary underground scene in Abu Dhabi. From 10.30 pm all the way into the early hours, the Abu Dhabi GP Weekend is all set for the ultimate after-party for those chasing an unforgettable, all-consuming electronic experience.
Details:
Date: 5 December 2025
Time: Starting 10:30 pm
Price: Starting AED 295. For tickets, visit Live Nation and Ticket Master
Metallica
Are you ready to welcome all For Whom The Bells Toll? YES YES YES – Metallica is making their way to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stage for the Yasalam After Race concerts!
The American metal band is all set to have UAE headbanging after 12 long years on Saturday, December 6. As always, access to the crazy Metallica show is exclusive to those who have tickets to the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Details:
Date: 6 December 2025
Time: TBA
Price: Starting AED 1025. For tickets, visit Yas Marina or Abu Dhabi GP
Katy Perry
Are you ready to Roar like a Firework? If you haven’t secured your spot at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2025 just yet, you’re going to want to ASAP because Katy Perry is coming!
Closing out the race weekend, the iconic California Girls star will light up the stage on Sunday December 7, the final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 at Etihad Park.
Details:
Date: 7 December 2025
Time: TBA
Price: Starting AED 1025. For tickets, visit Yas Marina or Abu Dhabi GP
Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla
Witness one of the cultural highlights of the year as Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla takes the stage at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.
Blending music through poetry, spectacular stage design, and spellbinding performances, this landmark production celebrates Arab heritage. This spectacular production unites original music by Maestro Maroun Al-Rahi and a live symphonic performance by the Lanzhou Symphony Orchestra, celebrated for its Silk Road–inspired repertoire.
Details:
Date: 9-14 December 2025
Time: TBA
Price: Starting AED 180. For tickets, visit Platinumlist
MOTN (Mother of the Nation Festival)
MOTN returns to the Abu Dhabi Corniche with its signature blend of entertainment, gastronomy, immersive zones, live shows, and family-friendly experiences.
This year’s edition spans the festive season, offering everything from pop-up dining concepts and shopping pavilions to global performers and themed installations. With activities for all ages, it’s one of the capital’s most anticipated annual festivals – perfect for celebrating winter outdoors.
Details:
Date: 10 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Price: From AED 25
Website: Visit MOTN
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles
Candlelight concerts are always a favourite in the UAE, and this one’s no different. Get ready to witness the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island.
Discover the music of Queen and The Beatles under the gentle glow of candlelight. Late arrivals are not permitted, so be sure to get there at least 45 minutes prior to the start, as doors close 5 minutes before! It’s definitely one of the more ethereal musical December events in Abu Dhabi – don’t miss out.
Details:
Date: 12 December 2025
Price: From AED 200
Website: Visit Fever
Arabian Days Festival
Launched in 2023, Arabian Days Festival is an award-winning annual cultural initiative organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre- Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Arabic language and its ever-evolving identity.
Bringing together language, art, music, literature, and technology, the festival is one of the more immersive December events in Abu Dhabi that highlights the beauty of Arabic and its power to inspire creativity and connection across generations.
Details:
Date: 13-15 December 2025
Price: From AED 95
Website: Visit Platinumlist
Rod Stewart
Legendary two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted singer-songwriter Rod Stewart is set to perform in Abu Dhabi!
The icon will be hitting the Etihad Arena stage on 17 December 2025 for a smashing night that’s sure to see a packed auditorium. These tickets are going to go faster than hot potatoes – you don’t want to miss out.
Details:
- What: Rod Stewart at Etihad Arena
- When: 17 December
- Tickets: Presale on April 17, General sale on April 18
Arijit Singh
Save the date 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: 19th December, Doors open at 6 pm
- Tickets: Starting AED 700, visit Platinumlist
Melodies of a Golden Age: Live Under the Dome
In celebration of the Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire exhibition, Louvre Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, is hosting an enchanting musical evening that bridges eras and cultures.
Renowned Egyptian singer Mohamed Mohsen, accompanied by an exceptional ensemble led by Maestro George Kolta, brings beloved classics to life in a 90-minute performance filled with rhythm and nostalgia. Experience the golden age of Arab music in a live performance where contemporary Arabic melodies meet Eastern instrumental arrangements, offering a vibrant and unforgettable musical experience.
Details:
Date: 20 December 2025
Time: 8 pm- 9:30 pm (doors open 7 pm; last admission 7:55 pm)
Tickets: AED 100, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights
Ready for Abu Dhabi to be on fire? 17-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, pianist, producer, entrepreneur, and author Alicia Keys is coming back to town for a huge Saadiyat Nights concert on New Year’s Eve!
Following her breakout single, I Keep On Fallin’, the artist remains one of the most popular artists on the music scene today. Get ready to sing along to hits like Girl on Fire, No One, and Empire State of Mind for what’s sure to be a power-packed NYE at Saadiyat Nights!
Details:
What: Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi
When: 31 December 2025
Tickets: Starting AED 308, visit TicketMaster
Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe
Get ready to end the year with a bang with Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe at Space42 Arena, the perfect way to welcome 2026 in style! Welcome the new year with Nassif Zeytoun, celebrated as one of the leading voices of the Arab world, who has reimagined the essence of contemporary pop.
Haifa Wehbe, a defining icon of modern Arabic music, has long captured audiences across generations. This promises to be a night filled with passion, rhythm, and unforgettable moments, as two of the region’s most influential stars light up the stage to ring in the New Year.
Details:
- What: Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe at Space 42 Arena
- When: 31 December
- Tickets: Starting at AED 495, visit Platinumlist
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
New Year’s Eve Abu Dhabi events are always ‘extra’ with some of the largest firework displays in the world, not to mention fantastic parties and lavish brunches and banquet feasts.
Whether you are spending New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi as a tourist or living in the Emirate, we have all the bases covered. Check out this complete list of all the New Year Celebrations in Abu Dhabi – covering every inch of the city.
Follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events and all the hottest updates in the capital and beyond
