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
Gabriel Iglesias
Gear up for a laugh riot in Abu Dhabi this May with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias bringing his world-class humour to the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season!
Better known as ‘Fluffy’, the iconic comedian will hit the stage on 3rd May to what we’re sure is going to be a packed house! Who can resist that mix of storytelling, voices, and sound effects? If you haven’t already, this is your last chance to grab those elusive tickets before the show hits town this weekend.
Details:
- What: Gabriel Iglesias at Etihad Arena
- When: 3 May
- Tickets: Visit Etihad Arena
La Vida Loca Evening Drunch at Lexx
Head to Lexx at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi to dance the night away to the rhythm of Latin America.
Transforming into the ultimate La Vida Loca destination from 8 pm to 11 pm, sample a specially curated selection of Latin tapas and elegant mixed drinks as the amazing live singer sets the vibes to perfection.
With live entertainment and a wild, vibrant selection of Latin tapas, it promises to be a legendary night you won’t want to miss.
Details:
Date: Saturdays
Time: 8 pm to 11 pm
Price: AED 249 including soft beverages, AED 349 including 2-hour free flow of house beverages (both packages include selection of Latin tapas)
For reservations, call 02 510 1234
‘La Famiglia’ Saturday Brunch at Verso
Nothing says wholesome family day out like the La Famiglia brunch at Verso. Full of amazing food and even better vibes – it’s the ultimate way to level up your weekends in Abu Dhabi this May.
Sip, savour, laugh and play at Verso’s interactive brunch experience. Tuck into a sharing-style menu accompanied by tableside service, with a kids’ corner with interactive activities and the opportunity to turn the brunch into a daycation with pool and beach access included.
Details:
Date: Saturdays
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Price: AED 199 for Soft Package, AED 299 for House Package.
For reservations, call 02 510 1234
Taste of Summer
Discover an entire world of flavours right here in the UAE capital at Yas Plaza Hotels. With something for every palate, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
For those looking to unwind in the underground-inspired pub, head to Y Bar for the seamless blend of South American and Asian flavours. If Indian is on your mind, there’s no better place than Rangoli, whereas Ramen Bar at Blue Grill is the place for Japanese lovers.
The culinary journey continues with Mediterranean flavours at Stills, boasting Abu Dhabi’s longest bar. For those looking for a spirited meal out, Amerigos brings you all things bold from Mexican cuisine to a lively atmosphere.
Make the most of summer weather Filini Garden’s breezy terrace replete with authentic Italian plates. Or you could step back in time at the Belgian Café, a cozy 1920s-inspired pub serving Belgian classics and signature drinks.
So which place are you heading to first?
Details:
For more information, follow @myyasplaza on Instagram
Chef’s Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
This Chef’s Brunch prepared à la minute has long been a favourite among foodies in Abu Dhabi. It’s the ultimate opportunity to savour global gourmet dining, extending from succulent Wagyu beef to a wide range of seafood options.
Enjoy luxe vibes as the experts dish out freshly shucked oysters, pan-fried foie gras, sushi, and dumplings; the options are endless.
Details:
Date: Saturdays
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Price: Starting from AED 399
For reservations, call 02 818 8282
Spritz @ The Ritz
Kick off the weekend in style with the best of both classic and signature Spritz mixed drinks at Sorso. Of course, you could always enhance the experience with free-flowing house beverages, grapes and hops.
Enjoy an antipasti plate or a selection of bar snacks as you relax and sip in the chic surroundings of Sorso. Gather your gang and head out for a well-deserved weekend treat!
Details:
Date: Friday
Time: 5 pm to 12.30 am
Price: For reservations, call 02 818 8282
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
Biggest fireworks display at Yas Island
How can Yas Island turn 15 without a massive showcase? Get ready for the biggest fireworks show in Abu Dhabi!
Watch the skies light up at Yas Bay Waterfront on May 7 at 9 pm. You seriously don’t want to miss the vibe and the views.
Details:
- What: Fireworks at Yas Bay Waterfront
- When: 7 May
- Tickets: Free
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