The UAE capital has a locked and loaded calendar for 2025, with some of the biggest events in Abu Dhabi featuring some massive global icons.
From Sting and Christina Aguilera to family-friendly musicals like Mamma Mia and laughter riots at the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season – this year is shaping up to be extremely promising and then some!
Take a look and get planning.
All the best events in Abu Dhabi in 2025
February
Saadiyat Nights, Omar Khairat, February 1st
Prepare for an extraordinary musical experience with the legend himself returning to Saadiyat Nights, an open-air event series set on Saadiyat Island.
Egypt’s legendary composer is all set to perform a collection of his iconic symphonies in the heart of Saadiyat Island.
A recipient of the 2023 Cultural Personality of the Year at the Sheikh Zayed Book Awards, Khairat’s musical works can be found in numerous popular films and dramas, including Qadeyat Am Ahmad, Dameer Abla Hekmat, and Afwan Ayoha El Kanoun. Don’t miss out!
Details:
- What: Omar Khairat at Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi
- When: 1 February
- Tickets: Starting AED 396, visit Platinumlist
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Tennis, February 1st to 8th
Prepare for the return of the ever-exciting Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.
This event will showcase top female players in nine days of intense competition, with 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams.
The weekly pass provides access to all nine days, and the Finals Pass offers a 20% saving on tickets for quarters, semi-finals, and finals (singles and doubles).
An annual highlight on the capital’s calendar – you definitely don’t want to miss out on one of the best events in Abu Dhabi this 2025!
Details:
- What: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- When: 1-8 February
- Tickets: Starting AED 95, visit MADO
Candlelight Open Air: Valentine’s Day Special, February 14th
With Valentine’s Day on everyone’s minds – you don’t want to miss out on making it extra special with a Candlelight concert!
Experience magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience like never seen before in Abu Dhabi.
Get your tickets now with an option of two shows to enjoy the music of Valentine’s Day Special at Lemoni Garden by Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. You could also pay a little more and enjoy a delicious dinner after for the perfect romantic day out!
Details:
- Tickets: Starting AED 200, visit Fever
- What: Candlelight Open Air: Valentine’s Day Special
- When: 14 February
Saadiyat Nights, Christina Aguilera, February 15th
The second edition of Saadiyat Nights is truly shaping up to a special February, with legendary international artist Christina Aguilera on the line-up!
Known to be a songwriter, actress, and television personality will captivate audiences with an unforgettable performance. Rose to prominence in the early 2000s, she is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 90 million records sold worldwide.
Details:
- What: Christina Aguilera at Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi
- When: 15 February
- Tickets: Starting AED 900, visit Ticketmaster.ae
Saadiyat Nights, Lionel Richie, February 22nd
Legendary American singer-songwriter Lionel Richie will grace the stage for Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi’s three-month series of open-air music concerts.
Set to say Hello to crowds in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 22 February, Richie promises to bring his energy and star power to performances of classic tracks such as Endless Love, Dancing on the Ceiling, All Night Long (All Night), and Three Times A Lady.
Details:
- What: Lionel Richie at Saadiyat Nights
- When: 22 February
- Tickets: Starting AED 295, visit Ticketmaster
April
Sting
It’s raining legends in Abu Dhabi! Get your tickets now to catch the STING 3.0 World Tour at Etihad Arena on April 3rd 2025.
One of the most anticipated events in Abu Dhabi in 2025, the dynamic duo accompanying him are guitarist and longtime collaborator, Dominic Miller, and drummer Chris Maas (from Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers). You definitely don’t want to miss out!
Details:
- What: Sting at Etihad Arena, Yas Island
- When: 3 April 2025
- Tickets: Starting AED 395, visit Etihad Arena
Amr Diab and Adam Port
Arabic Pop artist Amr Diab and record-breaking Afro House producer Adam Port are adding to the line-up of exciting events in Abu Dhabi by making history!
A first in the UAE, the king of Arab pop and member of the Keinemusik crew are slated to storm Yas Island’s Etihad Park for one night only on 5th April.
After dominating the charts on Anghami, as well as digital and social media platforms, these two legends will come together for a concert that’s going to be memorable to say the least.
Details:
- What: Amr Diab x Adam Port at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
- When: 5 April
- Tickets: Starting AED 272, visit Platinumlist
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular
Now entering its 40th year in London, Les Miserables: The Arena Spectacular is coming to Etihad Arena, Yas Island!
Running from 8-20 April, the show will feature a cast and orchestra of over 65 people as part of their World Tour.
Victor Hugo’s classic tale is an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
With a magnificent score of iconic songs including “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and more, don’t miss out on one of the world’s favourite musicals.
Details:
- What: Les Miserables: The Arena Spectacular
- When: 8-20 April 2025
- Tickets: Starting AED 130, visit Platinumlist
Club Social
The feel-good festival is back! Get ready for the ultimate music experience where music and good vibes come together for three unforgettable nights.
Happening at Etihad Park, Yas Island, Club Social promises to be bigger and better than ever. With Usher taking the stage on Day 2, he’s ready to bring his signature style and fresh beats to the festival, delivering a performance that promises to be nothing short of iconic.
Details:
- What: Club Social, Etihad Park
- When: 18-20 April 2025
- Tickets: Starting AED 395, visit Ticketmaster
Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)
You cannot talk about the best events in Abu Dhabi in 2025 without mentioning this one!
The capital is gearing up to welcome the 13th edition of the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC); and it just keeps getting bigger and better.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious to explore, this three-day extravaganza promises to be a haven for movie buffs, comic enthusiasts, gamers, cosplayers, and families alike.
This year, the celebrity line-up so far features Ian McDiarmid, who played Sheev Palpatine in Star Wars.
There’s also Hideo Ishikawa, famously known for Itachi Uchiha in Naruto, Jushiro Ukitake in Bleach, Squall Leonheart in Final Fantasy VIII & Kingdom Hearts, Auron in Final Fantasy X, Cait Sith in Final Fantasy VII, Kiccho Fukuda in Slam Dunk and more!
Watch this space for more line-up reveal.
Details:
- What: MEFCC at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
- When: 18-20 April 2025
- Tickets: Starting AED 150, visit MEFCC
BRED Abu Dhabi 2025
Ready or not, here comes the third edition of BRED Abu Dhabi! And we’ve got all the tea – from iconic artists on the line-up to theme reveals and more.
“Hena”, an exclusive track featuring regional Hip Hop artists drops on January 28th, available on all streaming platforms. Featuring The Synaptik, Asayel, and Karim Osama, you can also register on BRED Abu Dhabi’s official website to be among the first to hear the track!
In this edition, BRED Abu Dhabi goes back to the streets where neo-culture started, bringing together Arab subcultures from the Levant, North Africa, and the GCC, emphasising collaboration, creativity, and driving the regional music scene forward.
Details:
- What: BRED Abu Dhabi at Yas Island
- When: 23-27 April 2025
- Tickets: TBA, visit BRED Abu Dhabi
Offlimits Festival
Counting down the days to OFFLIMITS? Now you’ll be Counting Stars too with OneRepublic officially headlining the Offlimits festival in Abu Dhabi!
Headling for the UAE’s first open-format festival — the iconic band is marking their return to the capital at one of the biggest events in Abu Dhabi with another round of chart-topping hits! Taking to the stage at Etihad Arena on April 26th, the line-up just keeps getting hotter.
OneRepublic headlining at Offlimits festival is adding to an already stellar line-up featuring global icons like Ed Sheeran, Kaiser Chiefs and more!
Details:
- What: Offlimits at Etihad Arena
- When: 26 April
- Tickets: AED 495, visit Platinumlist.net
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: 26 April – 31 May
- Tickets: AED 495, visit Platinumlist.net
World Jazz Day 2025
If you’re a lover of those smooth tunes, you’re in for a massive treat, with Abu Dhabi being the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2025!
In just 50 days, the UAE capital will be swinging to the smooth sounds of jazz, blending its rich Arabian heritage with the timeless rhythms of the genre.
Expect a dazzling mix of haunting oud melodies, intricate qanoon harmonies and ney flutes weaving their magic with jazz improvisations – introducing the world to the hypnotic sounds of Arabic jazz. Don’t miss out!
Details:
- What: World Jazz Day 2025 across the city
- When: 30 April
- Tickets: TBA
May
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
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
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
June
Pete Davidson
American comedian and actor Pete Davidson is all set to make his debut in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena this summer and tickets are now live to catch the artist in action!
Davidson, who rose to prominence with his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and has made waves in the entertainment world with his stand-up specials and acting career, promises an unforgettable night of comedy that will leave the audience in stitches.
Details:
- What: Pete Davidson at Etihad Arena
- When: 25 June
- Tickets: Starting AED 295, visit Platinumlist
Dave Chappelle
The star is making his highly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi on June 27th at Etihad Arena.
Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless social commentary, Chappelle returns after headlining the inaugural Abu Dhabi Comedy Week in 2024 with a record-breaking sold-out show that drew over 14,000 guests and became the region’s largest-ever comedy event.
Details:
- What: Dave Chappelle at Etihad Arena Abu Dhabi
- When: 27 June
- Tickets: Visit livenation.me
July
Jennifer Lopez
Missed JLo the last time? Jennifer Lopez has just announced another concert in Abu Dhabi as part of the Up All Night tour. And it’s the only stop in the Middle East!
The global icon announced the same on Instagram, and she’s heading to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Tuesday, July 29. Expect all the iconic tracks – Let’s Get Loud, Love Don’t Cost a Thing, On the Floor and more and get ready to dance, sing and scream alongside in the concert of a lifetime.
We can’t wait!
Details:
Tickets: TBC, visit onthejlo.com
What: Jennifer Lopez concert in Abu Dhabi for the Up All Night Tour
When: 29 July at Etihad Arena
UFC Fight Night
UFC Fight Night is all set to take Abu Dhabi by storm very soon! Marking its return to Etihad Arena, save Saturday July 26th on your calendars for a night that’ll have you on the edge of your seats.
Tickets go on sale soon, so if you don’t want to miss the action, register your interest now! Watch this space for more updates, and visit UFCVIP.com for more information on upgraded package options in the interim!
August
Limp Bizkit
Making their long-awaited return to the UAE, Limp Bizkit will be taking the stage in Abu Dhabi on August 12.
For 30 years now, Limp Bizkit have defined a generation of rebellion and chaos with tracks like Break Stuff and Rollin’. With so many massive artists in the UAE capital and tickets selling like hotcakes, grab your spot ASAP!
Details:
Date: 12 August 2025
Time: TBA
Price: For tickets, visit Live Nation
October
André Rieu
Having set a record with his performance last year, the world’s favourite Dutch violinist and conductor, André Rieu, is all set to return to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi once more!
Slated for Saturday 18 October 2025, the icon will be accompanied by his renowned 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and international soloists.
With over 40 million albums sold, 500+ platinum awards, and a combined social media following of more than 16 million, plus billions of views on YouTube, André Rieu is among the world’s most celebrated musicians and performers.
Details:
- What: André Rieu at Etihad Arena
- When: Saturday 18 October
- Tickets: Starting AED 215, visit etihadarena.ae and platinumlist.net
NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2205
Get ready to witness the shooting stars in the fourth season of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025. Presented by ADQ, the games are returning on Thursday, 2 October & Saturday, 4 October at Etihad Arena, Yas Island!
Basketball fans’ favourite time of the year is getting even bigger, with the 2025 programme offering expanded interactive fan events, more appearances by current and former NBA players, exclusive VIP experiences and customised hospitality packages designed to make it a weeklong extravaganza.
Details:
Date: 2 and 4 October 2025
Time: TBA
Price: To register for early access, check out NBA Abu Dhabi Games
November
Enrique Iglesias
Can’t get enough of this Hero? You’re in for some great news, because Enrique Iglesias is going live in Abu Dhabi once more!
While the general tickets go on sale this Tuesday March 25th at 9 am – you can get yours earlier because they’re sure to sell out ASAP! Sign up now for the Live Nation Presale taking place a day earlier on March 24th at 9 am as well, so set your alarms and reminders and get ready to queue up.
Details:
- What: Enrique Iglesias at Etihad Arena
- When: 1 November 2025
- Tickets: Register for the presale on LiveNation
December
Benson Boone
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is heating up faster than we can keep up – and now they’ve got 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 – dare we say it’s worth it?
Details:
Date: 4 December 2025
Time: TBA
Price: Starting AED 1025. For tickets, visit Yas Marina or Abu Dhabi GP
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
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