September always feels like a turning point in Abu Dhabi. The new school term starts again, the summer heat begins to ease, and the city’s calendar suddenly becomes very difficult to ignore. And this September, there is plenty to get excited about.
With major sporting debuts, global conventions, live music, family shows, and some seriously good brunching, the capital is coming back to life with a packed programme of things to see and do.
If you are planning a big weekend out or looking for something different to add to your calendar, these are some of the best things happening in Abu Dhabi this September.
Abu Dhabi Comic Con 2026
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves movies, comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, and meeting some of the biggest names, fly over to ADNEC in a fortnight.
Middle East Film & Comic Con is returning to Abu Dhabi with another huge celebration of pop culture, and this year’s guest list already has a particularly impressive name at the top.
John Cena is heading to the capital, giving fans the chance to see the WWE icon and Hollywood star in person. He will be joined by a growing list of actors and entertainment personalities, while the convention itself will bring together panels, exciting workshops, and fan experiences.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Middle East Film & Comic Con | MEFCC 2026.
Dates: 11 – 13 September 2026
Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Euroleague Basketball SuperCup
Basketball is getting a major moment in the capital this September as the inaugural Euroleague Basketball SuperCup heads to Etihad Arena.
The new competition brings four major European clubs together for a two-day tournament featuring Olympiacos, Fenerbahçe, Real Madrid, and Dubai Basketball.
There will be plenty of European basketball talent and a particularly exciting opportunity to see the sport’s growing presence in the UAE up close. With four games across the weekend, it’s set to be one of the standout sporting occasions this month.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Euroleague Basketball SuperCup Abu Dhabi 2026.
Dates: 18 – 19 September 2026
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
September is also a good month to slow things down a little, and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is the perfect place to do exactly that.
Taking place at the ADNEC Centre, the 35th edition of the fair will bring rare books, authors, and cultural conversations together for six days. There will be plenty to browse, speakers, and perhaps find a book you didn’t realise you were looking for.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony will also take place during the fair, adding another significant cultural moment to the programme.
For further information, visit Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026.
Dates: 13 – 18 September 2026
Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
PAW Patrol Live
For something that will have the whole family very excited, PAW Patrol is coming to Etihad Arena this month.
The popular pups are jumping from the screen to the stage for a live adventure filled with familiar characters, music, and plenty of action. It is an easy September option for parents to win some serious brownie points.
If you have a PAW Patrol fan at home, they probably won’t need much convincing.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Paw Patrol Live Abu Dhabi.
Dates: 11 – 13 September 2026
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Candlelight: Coldplay Vs. Imagine Dragons
You won’t have to wait until the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to get your Imagine Dragons fix. Candlelight: Coldplay Vs. Imagine Dragons is bringing the music of two of the world’s biggest modern bands to Abu Dhabi in a completely different setting this September.
Rather than the huge stadium atmosphere you might associate with these artists, their music will be reimagined in a more intimate candlelit performance.
It is a chance to hear some very familiar songs in a setting that feels a little more relaxed, and perhaps a little more romantic…cue date night idea.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons Abu Dhabi.
Date: 26 September 2026
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
K-POP FEVER
K-pop continues to take over the world, and Abu Dhabi is getting its own dose of the phenomenon at the end of September.
K-POP FEVER is heading to Etihad Arena for an evening dedicated to the music and high-energy performances that have helped make the genre a global powerhouse.
Whether you are already deep into the K-pop world or simply curious to see what all the excitement is about, this will be an energetic night out.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit K-Pop Fever Live Abu Dhabi.
Date: 26 September 2026
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Barcelona Flamenco Ballet
For something a little more theatrical, Barcelona Flamenco Ballet is bringing its interpretation of Romeo and Juliet to the Cultural Foundation this month.
The production takes Shakespeare’s famous love story and gives it a flamenco-inspired treatment, combining dance and drama to create a very different take on one of the world’s best-known romances.
It’s a strong choice for a sophisticated evening out, particularly if you are looking for something with a little more spectacle.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Barcelona Flamenco Ballet.
Date: 26 September 2026
Location: Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
Ahmed Saad & Disco Misr Live
Space42 Arena is set to get lively as Ahmed Saad and Disco Misr join forces for a night of Egyptian music.
Ahmed Saad will bring his instantly recognisable vocals and popular Arabic hits, while Disco Misr will add their electronic, dance-focused sound to proceedings.
Put the two together, and you have a compelling reason to swap a quiet Saturday night at home for a few hours of music and dancing.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Ahmed Saad & Disco Misr.
Date: 19 September 2026
Location: Space42 Arena, Al Rahah, Abu Dhabi
Mid-Autumn Festival
Rounding out the month is a celebration of Chinese culture, with the Mid-Autumn Festival bringing A Moonment to Remember to Abu Dhabi.
The event will feature Peking Opera, giving audiences the chance to experience one of China’s most distinctive traditional performing arts. Providing elaborate costumes and performances unlike anything you might normally see on a night out in the capital, it promises a memorable cultural experience.
For further information and to get your tickets, visit Ahmed Saad & Disco Misr.
Date: 17 September 2026
Location: Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
SUSHISAMBA Rio Brunch Returns
If your ideal Saturday involves great food, cocktails, and a party that refuses to end at lunchtime, SUSHISAMBA has you covered.
The Rio Brunch returns for a new season on the first weekend of September, bringing back their lively Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours alongside entertainment and the energetic atmosphere that has made it a popular weekend choice.
It’s a brunch where you shouldn’t make too many plans for later in the day, as it’s easy to find yourself quite happy staying exactly where you are.
For further information and to book a table, visit RIO BRUNCH | SUSHISAMBA Abu Dhabi.
Location: Conrad, Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi.
The summer may be coming to an end, but Abu Dhabi’s September calendar is only getting started. With big sporting events, live music, cultural experiences, and plenty of reasons to get out and about, there’s a lot to look forward to this month.
Follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events, and key updates in the capital and beyond.
