From major public holidays and cultural celebrations to headline sporting events, live entertainment and family-friendly festivals, Abu Dhabi’s 2026 calendar is packed with moments worth marking down.
This easy-to-refer guide brings together the key dates residents need to know throughout the year, whether you’re planning time off, booking experiences in advance, or simply making the most of life in the capital.
Expect a mix of local traditions, international events and seasonal highlights that shape the rhythm of the year in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Events Calendar 2026: Public Holidays, Festivals & Major Sporting Events
Sheikh Zayed Festival
Running from January through 22 March 2026, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic cultural celebrations.
Held during the cooler months, it showcases Emirati heritage on a grand scale through traditional crafts, heritage villages, international cultural pavilions, live performances and nightly fireworks, making it a firm favourite for families and visitors alike.
Qasr Al Hosn Festival
Taking place from 17 January to 1 February 2026, the Qasr Al Hosn Festival is centred around Abu Dhabi’s oldest standing structure.
The festival offers a deep dive into the emirate’s history through storytelling, exhibitions, workshops and cultural performances that highlight the city’s roots and traditions.
Liwa Festival
Running until 3 January 2026, the Liwa Festival is held in the Al Dhafra region and celebrates Bedouin culture and desert traditions.
Visitors can experience camel competitions, falconry displays, heritage markets and traditional sports, with the action at Moreeb Dune adding a high-energy element through dune bashing and off-road challenges.
Linkin Park, Etihad Arena
On 20 January 2026, Linkin Park brings their global tour to Abu Dhabi with a full-scale arena show at Etihad Arena, marking one of the biggest rock concerts confirmed in the capital for 2026.
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
From 31 January to 7 February 2026, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open brings world-class women’s tennis to the capital.
Alongside elite on-court competition, the event features food experiences, entertainment and family-friendly fan zones, making it a popular fixture on the sporting calendar.
Muse, Etihad Arena
Taking place on 4 February 2026, British rock band Muse returns to Abu Dhabi with their signature high-energy live production, delivering one of the year’s largest standalone arena concerts.
Saadiyat Nights
Held across January and February 2026, Saadiyat Nights is an open-air concert series on Saadiyat Island featuring international artists.
It has become a firm favourite in Abu Dhabi’s live entertainment calendar, combining music with a relaxed outdoor setting.
Confirmed performances include:
- Diana Ross & Seal 9 Jan (legendary soul and pop icons)
- Ludovico Einaudi, 10 Jan (renowned Italian pianist and composer)
- Lewis Capaldi 17 Jan (Scottish singer-songwriter)
- John Mayer, 24 Jan (Grammy-winning guitarist and singer)
- Max Richter,29 Jan (acclaimed composer)
- Ricky Martin, 31 Jan (Latin pop superstar)
- Mariah Carey, 7 Feb (global pop icon)
- Bryan Adams 11 Feb (rock legend)
Kayan Wellness Festival
Running from 6 to 8 February 2026, the Kayan Wellness Festival focuses on movement, mindfulness and holistic health. The programme includes talks, classes and immersive experiences designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Valentine’s Day
Taking place on 14 February 2026, Valentine’s Day in Abu Dhabi is marked by romantic dining experiences, couples’ spa packages and themed events across hotels, beach clubs and restaurants, making it a popular date for special celebrations in the city.
The Calling, Hudayriyat Island
On 14 February 2026, early-2000s rock favourites The Calling are set to perform at 321 Sports on Hudayriyat Island as part of a wider music and lifestyle festival.
Ramadan Night Markets, Iftars and Suhoors
Expected to begin around 17 February 2026, subject to moon sighting, Ramadan transforms Abu Dhabi after sunset. Iftar tents, suhoor gatherings and night markets appear across the city, blending traditional dining with cultural programming and social experiences.
Eid Al Fitr
Expected around 19 March 2026, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrations across Abu Dhabi include fireworks, family events, staycations and special dining offers throughout the emirate.
Hydrofoil World Cup
Taking place from 7 to 12 April 2026, the Hydrofoil World Cup brings elite kiteboarders to Fahid Island. The event combines high-level competition with beachside energy, outdoor entertainment and a lively spectator atmosphere.
FAB Cycling Festival
Held from 18 to 20 April 2026, the FAB Cycling Festival promotes active lifestyles through multiple ride formats, family-friendly routes and wellness activities suitable for all ages.
Easter Celebrations
On 5 April 2026, Abu Dhabi’s multicultural community marks Easter with family-friendly brunches, themed dining and seasonal events hosted across hotels and restaurants.
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Running from 11 to 20 April 2026, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a major cultural fixture bringing together authors, publishers and readers from around the world. The event features talks, workshops and extensive children’s programming.
Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi
On the 18th of April, one of the region’s most exciting K-pop and contemporary music festivals, Hyperound K-Fest returns with massive energy, electric stage production and a fan-centric atmosphere.
The 2026 line-up is expected to feature major K-pop acts, making it a standout music festival in the spring calendar.
Studio Ghibli Exhibition
Opening on 30 May 2026, the Studio Ghibli Exhibition invites visitors into the imaginative world of the iconic Japanese animation studio. Expect immersive sets, original artwork and themed installations inspired by beloved characters and scenes.
Eid Al Adha
Expected in early June 2026, Eid Al Adha is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar. It is marked by community gatherings, cultural programming and family-focused celebrations across Abu Dhabi.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
Expected in mid-June 2026, the Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year and is observed as a one-day public holiday across the UAE.
UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
Expected in July and again in October 2026, UFC Fight Night delivers high-profile bouts and global attention, with events at Etihad Arena often selling out quickly.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi)
Expected in late August 2026, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is observed across the UAE as a one-day public holiday, with religious gatherings and cultural programming marking the occasion.
Halloween
Taking place on 31 October 2026, Halloween has become a recognised fixture in Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle calendar, with themed brunches, family events and costume-friendly celebrations across hotels and venues.
Diwali
Celebrated on 8 November 2026, Diwali brings colour and festive energy to Abu Dhabi, with dining offers, cultural events and community gatherings marking the Festival of Lights.
Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
Running from 5 to 8 November 2026, this championship is a standout event on the global golf calendar, blending world-class competition with premium hospitality and social experiences.
IRONMAN 70.3 Abu Dhabi
Taking place from 13 to 22 November 2026, IRONMAN 70.3 Abu Dhabi transforms Yas Island into a global endurance sports hub.
Beyond race day, the event includes fitness expos, fan zones and community activations that create a festival-like atmosphere throughout the week.
Taste of Abu Dhabi
Expected in mid-November 2026, Taste of Abu Dhabi is an outdoor food festival celebrating the city’s dining scene, featuring restaurant pop-ups, chef demonstrations and live entertainment.
Michelin Guide Food Festival
Expected: (likely mid-to-late November). Building on its previous editions in Abu Dhabi (most recently at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental), the food festival brings together world-class chefs, Michelin-recommended restaurants, live culinary demonstrations and interactive tasting experiences. It’s a highlight of the city’s culinary calendar for food lovers and gastronomes alike
Abu Dhabi Boat Show
Taking place from 19 to 22 November 2026, the Abu Dhabi Boat Show showcases luxury yachts, marine innovation and watersports, attracting enthusiasts and industry professionals from across the region.
Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition
Held from 24 to 26 November 2026, this major industry event focuses on food and hospitality, often running alongside the Abu Dhabi Date Festival and highlighting regional produce and culinary heritage.
Thanksgiving
Observed on the 26th of November 2026, Thanksgiving is marked across Abu Dhabi with special dining experiences reflecting the city’s international community.
Mansour Festival
Expected: Late November 2026. The Mansour Festival transforms Yas Gateway Park North on Yas Island into a vibrant, family-focused celebration of imagination and creativity.
Featuring immersive worlds inspired by the beloved cartoon character Mansour, live performances, workshops, camel and horse rides, lively parades, drone shows, fireworks and food experiences.
SailGP
On 28 and 29 November 2026, SailGP returns to Abu Dhabi with high-speed racing as international teams compete in cutting-edge catamarans close to the shoreline.
Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Season
Expected in November 2026, Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Season features a rotating programme of exhibitions, installations and talks, reinforcing Saadiyat Island’s role as a cultural hub.
Abu Dhabi Marathon
Expected in mid-December 2026, the Abu Dhabi Marathon attracts runners from around the world, offering multiple race distances and strong community participation.
UAE National Day
Celebrated on 2 December 2026, UAE National Day is marked by patriotic displays, fireworks, concerts and large-scale community events across Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Taking place from 4 to 6 December 2026, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the biggest event on the city’s calendar.
Yas Island comes alive with racing, entertainment and nightlife, while the legendary Yasalam After-Race Concerts see global artists headline massive post-race parties.
Sunburn Festival, Abu Dhabi
Expected in December 2026, Abu Dhabi will host the first full-scale Sunburn Festival, Asia’s biggest electronic dance music (EDM) festival, marking its UAE debut with world-class DJs and high-energy dance line-ups. This edition is set to bring immersive production and large audiences to the capital’s dance music scene
Bike Abu Dhabi Grand Fondo
Expected in December 2026, this long-distance cycling challenge welcomes both amateur and experienced riders, offering scenic routes and a strong sense of community.
Yas Winterfest
Expected in December 2026, Yas Winterfest is a festive family favourite featuring winter-themed attractions, markets, entertainment and seasonal dining.
Mother of the Nation Festival
Expected in December 2026, the Mother of the Nation Festival is a large-scale celebration of community and creativity, with live performances, food trucks, retail pop-ups and interactive zones.
Festive Season Events
Taking place throughout December 2026, festive season events include Christmas markets, themed brunches and end-of-year celebrations reflecting Abu Dhabi’s diverse international community.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
On 31 December 2026, the year ends with large-scale fireworks, drone shows and city-wide celebrations, often featuring record-breaking displays across multiple locations.
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