Abu Dhabi will come alive in the coming season with major music, sport and cultural events

Abu Dhabi will cement its position as a major entertainment capital of the world with a season of A-list performances, shows and events in the coming months.

Abu Dhabi Calendar has announced its events for the 2024-2025 season with highlights including major live music stars, top international sport and entertaining festivals.

Highlights include, Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi return, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, a doubleheader of NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ, an MMA spectacle with UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway, the debut of anime event Animenia and the return of Liwa Village, Liwa International Festival, and Al Hosn Festival, enriching the wide variety of experiences on offer.

Image: Instagram/@Coldplay

Music and entertainment in Abu Dhabi

The excitement kicks off in September with the star-studded International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards festival, which will be hosted by the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. Returning to Abu Dhabi for an unprecedented third time, this celebration of cinema sets the stage for a season filled with remarkable moments.

October will see American boy band icons the Backstreet Boys bring their DNA Tour to the city. The same month, Animenia debuts in Abu Dhabi, offering anime and comic book fans a celebration of Japanese pop culture with cosplay, gaming, and exclusive fan experiences.

Take That will also perform at Etihad Park, adding to the October excitement. The same month, Abdul Majeed Abdullah takes the stage at Etihad Arena, with comedian Matt Rife also bringing his world tour to the same venue.

November brings an array of musical talent. SZA is headlining Wireless Festival Middle East. The legendary A.R. Rahman fame will pump up the crowd at Etihad Arena, while Diljit Dosanjh brings his energetic Dil-Luminati Tour to Yas Island for the first time.

December in Abu Dhabi promises a packed schedule of standout events. During the Formula 1Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, music icons Maroon 5, Muse, and Eminem will light up the stage each evening. This year will also see the region’s first-ever Afterlife event, with top DJs headlining the Yasalam Official After-Party.

For even more live music in December, Bryan Adams, Akon and Anastacia will take the stage at Etihad Arena. Meanwhile, Ben Elton will entertain audiences with his signature wit and humour, adding comedic flair to the month’s line-up.

Closing out the year in style, Saadiyat Nights returns for its second edition, running from December to February. The event will feature local, regional, and global talent – including legendary Egyptian composer Omar Khairat and American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men.

Andrea Bocelli will deliver a special New Year’s Eve performance at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, captivating the audience with his timeless voice and signature style.

2025 starts with Coldplay’s eagerly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi. In February, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Masquerave will blend art and music, while April sees the return of BRED Abu Dhabi, the region’s neo-culture festival, featuring a dynamic mix of global performances, cutting-edge fashion, diverse street food, and sports challenges.

Culture events in Abu Dhabi

Encounter art in the coming months, starting with the Traditional Handicrafts Festival in October, which celebrates the artisans and craftsmanship behind some of the most cherished Emirati handicrafts.

Explore public art in November when the city hosts the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial for the first time, featuring art installations and performances by more than 70 UAE-based and international artists.

Art lovers have much to admire with the Abu Dhabi Art Fair taking place in the same month, presenting pieces by a diverse range of renowned and up-and-coming artists from the UAE, the region, and beyond.

Mark your calendars for even more cultural performances throughout the season, including Authentic Flamenco’s international tour, Abu Dhabi Classics 2024 featuring the Renaissance Ballet, Lang Lang Plays Disney, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra with Jaap Van Zweden, and Swan Lake on Ice.

Discover history and heritage at Al Hosn Festival, in January. The annual event is a living expression of the emirate’s culture and is held at Al Hosn.

Abu Dhabi has been selected by UNESCO as the global host city for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. In partnership with UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the celebrations will take place on April 30, 2025, honouring artistic expression under the theme: “Embodying the Power of Jazz to Unite in Our Shared Humanity.”

Culture Summit returns in spring 2025 as the region’s forum for knowledge exchange, debate, and policy development. The three-day summit will feature a series of panels and workshops with leading experts in art, museums, cultural heritage, media, and technology.
Image: NBA

Live sport in Abu Dhabi

In October the NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ will feature two preseason games and a special NBA Fan Appreciation Day.

The highly anticipated UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway will add to the excitement of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which includes the thrilling UAE Warriors and Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship events.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship welcomes the world’s top golfers this November, shortly before AD T10 2024 brings fast-paced cricket action to Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

December brings the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix 2024, promising high-speed thrills at the season-ending climax and one of the most anticipated motorsport events of the year.

Get ready for more horsepower in 2025. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, The President’s Cup will return in February 2025 for its 32nd edition, with more than 100 horses expected to participate.