Abu Dhabi Events Calendar 2025 – Monthly Guide to the Capital

When you thought the events calendar couldn’t get any more jam-packed than 2024 – from Hamilton to the Grand Prix – wait until you see what’s in store for Abu Dhabi in 2025.

We’ll continue updating this page, so bookmark it in your browser and return to it whenever you are after some event inspiration in Abu Dhabi!

You may also want to check out our guides to:

• The best time of year to visit Abu Dhabi – weather and other religious events that may impact your Abu Dhabi trip explained.
• Abu Dhabi Public Holidays 2025 and 2026; plan your travels around known long weekends and national celebrations.
• Plan ahead with an advance look at upcoming events in Abu Dhabi for 2026

We have included links where possible to platforms such as TicketMaster, Fever and Platinumlist, who are major ticket sellers in the UAE authorised to sell tickets for the mentioned events. We may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases you make after clicking on these links. This does not change the price you pay.

Abu Dhabi Events January 2025

• New Year’s Day, 1 January 2025, is always a UAE Public Holiday
• Catch the last few days of Liwa International Festival, concluding for the season on 4 January 2025 – Liwa Village
• Team Cup Golf will take place from 10-12 January 2025 – Abu Dhabi Golf Club
• Coldplay’s Music of The Spheres World Tour will take place on 9, 11, 12 & 14 January 2025 (get planning now with these suggested places to stay and dine pre-concert) – Zayed Sports City Stadium
• In-Concert Series will feature epic movies performed with a live orchestra, including Star Wars, The Lion King, Top Gun: Maverick, Frozen and Jurrasic Park – a truly unique experience taking place 17-18 January 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Saadiyat Nights, a brilliant open-air concert series, returns for winter 2025. So far, Michael Buble has been announced for 16 January and Boyz II Men on 25 January 2025 – Saadiyat Island
• Disney’s live stage show The Magic Box will take place from 29 January to 9 February 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Kayan Wellness Festival – abruptly aborted last year due to the floods, we look forward to a return in 2025 from 31 January to 2 February 2025 – Fahid Island
• Emirati Cultural Event Al Hosn Festival will take place from 25 January to 9 February 2025 – Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi City

Abu Dhabi Events February 2025

• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Tennis WTA 500 (Women’s Tournament) will take place from 1 to 8 February 2025 – Abu Dhabi International Tennis Centre
• Disney The Magic Box musical is taking place on Yas Island from 6 to 15 February 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Peak By Pura, a one-of-a-kind outdoor event, focused on fitness and wellness, will take place on 8 February 2025 – Jubail Hafit Desert Park
• The UCI Cycling World Tour will include a women’s race in the UAE from 6-9 February 2025 – various locations
• Popular sporting event TriYAS is back for its 15th edition on 8 February 2025 – Yas Marina Circuit
• Al Hosn Festival will conclude its winter season on 9 February 2025 – Qasr al Hosn
• Enjoy the continuation of the Saadiyat Nights concert series, with legendary Egyptian composer Omar Khairat on 1 February, Christina Aguilera performing on 15 February 2025, Jennifer Lopez on 20 February 2025, and closing the season, Lionel Ritchie on 22 February 2025 – Saadiyat Island
• Romance is in the air as Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated at venues across the city. Most offers for Valentine’s Day run only on 14 February, but some hotels have week—or even month-long offers to look out for.
• WSL Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will take place from 14-16 February 2025 – Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island
• Masquerave with Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee will take place on 15 February 2025 – Louvre Abu Dhabi
• The Laughter Factory, touring both Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month, will make an Abu Dhabi apperance on Thursday 20 February 2025 – The Club
• Potted Potter parody stage show will take place on 21 & 22 February 2025 with two daily performances – Cultural Foundation
• Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – off-roading event held 21-27 February 2025 – Liwa Desert
• Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival concludes Mid-February 2025 – Al Wathba
• For some more local culture, head along to the Maritime Heritage Festival – dates TBC 2025 – A’l Bahar, Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi Events March 2025

• The Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on or about the evening of 1 March 2025 and lasts approximately 29-30 days. Note that most live entertainment stops at this time – all religious dates are subject to Moon Sighting.
• Non-Muslims should be aware of daylight fasting over Ramadan, but why not locally join in with an Iftar for breaking of the fast or overnight Suhoor to mark the occasion?
• International Women’s Day will be widely marked in events and special offers across the city on 8 March 2025 – various locations
• Get your colour on for Holi Festivities, set to occur this year on 13 March 2025 – various city venues
• The World Triathlon Championship Series has traditionally occurred in Abu Dhabi in March, 2025 TBC with Ramadan – Yas Marina Circuit
• St Patrick’s Day will be widely marked across the city on Friday, 17 March 2025 – various city venues
• Mother’s Day is marked at many city-wide restaurants, cafes, and spas offering specials for the ladies (UAE 21 March; UK 30 March 2025) – various locations
• Pluma Circus by Cirque du Liban will make a return to the Capital, starting from 28 March 2025 running to 6 April – Circus Tent, Yas Island
• The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-al Fitr celebrations across the city, with special deals on dining extravaganzas /and fireworks. The Public holiday is estimated for 29 March – 1 April 2025 (Ramadan 30 to Shawwal 3)- venues across the city.
• Due to Ramadan falling over almost the entirety of the month, most events with live music and entertainment will be rescheduled for February or April this year. Schools will be on break from late March to early April.

Abu Dhabi Events April 2025

• TBC exact date for the continuation of Eid Al Fitr National Holiday
• International Grammy Award-winning singing legend Sting 3.0 will be performing on 3 April 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular will be in town from 10 to 20 April 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Middle East Film and Comic Con – making a return 18-20 April 2025 – ADNEC
• Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra will perform live on 18 April 2025 – NYU Abu Dhabi
• Grand opening of Team Lab Phenomena Abu Dhabi on 18 April 2025 – Saadiyat Island
• Easter in Abu Dhabi, although not formally marked as a holiday in the UAE, is widely celebrated in the retail and hospitality industry (Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 for Catholics and Orthodox Christians) – church services and events across the city
• Club Social 2025 brings 3 days of music festivities to town from 18 to 20 April 2025, with confirmed artists so far including The Kooks, Snow Patrol, Usher, Raye, and London Grammar – Etihad Park
• BRED Abu Dhabi Neoculture Festival will take place from 25 to 27 April 2025 – Yas Marina Circuit
• Off Limits Festival has also been announced, with Ed Sheeran headlining this open format 12-hour event on 26 April 2025 – Etihad Park
• Abu Dhabi’s Comedy Season kicks off with Trevor Noah on 26 April 2025 – Etihad Arena
• The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will take place from April 26 to May 5, 2025, at ADNEC, featuring talks, technical and creative workshops, live music, children’s activities, and the opportunity to purchase books from around the world.
• Your last chance to catch exhibits in the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, which will draw to a conclusion on 30 April 2025 – installments across Abu Dhabi & Al Ain

Abu Dhabi Events May 2025

• Legendary rockers TOTO will bring their electrifying show to the stage on 7 May 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Yas Island is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a spectacular fireworks show set to be held at 9:00 pm 7 May 2025 – Yas Waterfront
• Indian sensation Arjit Singh will be performing live on 9 May 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Abu Dhabi Comedy Season continues with a great lineup of events, headline acts already announced for May, including Michael McIntyre, Kevin Hart, Gad Elmaleh, and Jo Koy, as well as several debut UAE performers – Etihad Arena
• For the kids, watch out for Town Mouse and Country Mouse stage show 16-17 May 2025 – Cultural Foundation
• The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four brings the biggest showdown in European basketball to Abu Dhabi 23 to 25 May 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Rock legends Guns & Roses are back again, performing live on 27 May 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer will appear live on 31 May 2025 and 1 June 2025 – Etihad Arena

Abu Dhabi Events June 2025

• Eid Al Adha celebrations and public holidays, including Arafat Day – est. 5 to 8 June 2025 (Dhu al Hijjah 9-12) – expect deals and discounts, fireworks, and so much more – a very busy weekend across the Gulf
• Disney Jr Live on Tour: Let’s Play will entertain the little kids from 6 to 8 June 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Smash-hit stage musical Mamma Mia will be in town from 11 to 22 June 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Blue Fever at the Movies a Cappella experience will take place on 13 & 15 June 2025 – The Club
• See renowned guitarist Jesse Cook perform live in concert on 14 June 2025 – Cultural Foundation
• Hijri New Year (1 Muharram*) is expected to fall on 26 June 2025, with a public holiday possibly being observed (not always)
• Abu Dhabi Comedy Season continues with Pete Davison on 25 June and Dave Chappel on 27 June – Etihad Arena
• Most local schools will break up for the summer on 27 June 2025

Abu Dhabi Events July 2025

• Liwa Dates Festival, dates for 2025 TBC – Western Region
• Motocross enthusiasts won’t want to miss Arena Cross World Tour Finals on 5 July 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Catch the end of Comedy Season with Bill Burr on 12 July 2025 – Etihad Arena
• UFC Fight Night returns to the capital on 26 July 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Jennifer Lopez will be hitting the stage with her tour Up All Night Live on 29 July 2025 – Etihad Arena

Abu Dhabi Events August 2025

• Opening on 31 July 2025, Harry Potter: The Exhibition continues throughout the month of August – Manarat al Saadiyat
• Limp Bizkit brings their live show to town on 12 August 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Paw Patrol Live – The Great Pirate Adventure will take place live on stage 29 to 31 August 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Catch Faraj Suleiman Live in Concert on 29 August 2025 – the Arts Center NYU

Abu Dhabi Events September 2025

• ADIHEX – The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will take place from 30 August to 7 September 2025 – ADNEC
• Harry Potter Film Concert Series with live orchestra will take place on 6 & 7 September 2025 – Etihad Arena
• The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will be observed on 5 September 2025 by the public sector
• The Laughter Factory tour of the UAE will be in town on 14 September 2025 – The Club
• Harry Potter: The Exhibition will conclude on 21 September 2025 – Manarat al Saadiyat
• Saudi National Day on September 23 is widely celebrated in the UAE community – often marked with fireworks at prominent locations – TBC
• The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are back, this time it’s a Glow Party!! Experience epic stunts with a fiery twist on 27 & 28 September 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Candlelight: Tribute to Adele performed by pianist Aldo Dotto will take place on 27 September 2025 – New York University Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Events October 2025

• Starting the month, the NBA will bring its annual action to town with the New York Knicks facing the Philadelphia 76ers in a double header on 2 and 4 October 2025 (and look out for more NBA activations around town)- Etihad Arena
• American Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco brings his It Ain’t Right Tour to town on 8 October 2025 – Etihad Arena
• The Smashing Pumpkins Rock Invasion 2025 tour comes to town on 9 October 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer by Aldo Dotto will take place on 10 October 2025 – The Ritz-Carlton
• Legend of Khaleeji music Abdul Majeed Abdallah will be live on stage on 11 October 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Andre Rieu and his John Strauss Orchestra will perform on 18 October 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Diwali is always widely celebrated with the local expat community; expect plenty of dancing and fireworks on and around 21 October 2025.
• Writing ‘K-Pop History’ Dream Concert will take place on 22 November 2025 – Etihad Park
• Legendary German rock group Scorpions will bring their 60 Years of Scorpions tour to the capital on 21 October 2025 – Etihad Arena
• The next UFC Fight Night is scheduled for 25 October 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Halloween is widely marked both by expat families and the hospitality industry across the city on 31 October.

Abu Dhabi Events November 2025

• Latin pop legend Enrique Iglesias will take the stage 1 November 2025– Etihad Arena
• Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay will take place on 1 November 2025 – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
• Afrobiano Festival will be bringing African beat to the beach on 1 November 2025 – Yas Beach
• Flag Day is an annual celebration taking place on 3 November
• The incredible Fontana’s water circus returns under the big top from 5 November 2025 and runs throughout winter – Abu Dhabi Marina Mall
• Symphony of Stars: The Soulful Experience featuring Sami Yusuf and Atif Aslam will take place on 7 November 2025 – Etihad Arena
• The European World Tour Golf returns from 6 to 9 November 2025 – Yas Links, Yas Island
• Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey will be making a return this winter on 8 & 9 November 2025 – Etihad Park
• The annual Bedouin heritage festival, the Sheikh Zayed Festival, will return for the winter season from mid-November 2025 – Al Wathba
• Fontana Water Circus returns for winter on 13 November 2025 – Marina Mall Big Top
• Outdoor favourite foodie event Taste Abu Dhabi will return from 14 to 16 November 2025 – Yas Gateway Park
• Stranger Things: The Experience opens their immersive experience from 14 November 2025 – Yas Island, opposite Etihad Arena
• Enjoy live music and rugby action at Dagdrome in Abu Dhabi, 15 November 2025 – Baloo’s Social Bar & Grill
• Hip-Hop Sensation Travis Scott – The Circus Maximus Tour hits town on 15 November 2025 – Etihad Park
• Art exhibition Manar 2.0 ‘The Light Compass‘, will return from 15 November to 4 January 2026 – locations TBC
• Direct from Broadway, Beetlejuice: The Musical will hit the stage 20-30 November 2025 – Etihad Arena
• The ultimate K-Pop experience Dream Concert will take place on 22 November 2025 – Etihad Park
• US Thanksgiving will be widely celebrated on Thursday, 27 November, in the expat community with elaborate dinners – Various locations
• If you’ve not had your fill of food yet, finish the month off with the Michelin Guide Food Festival from 21 to 23 November 2025 – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
• SailGP returns to Abu Dhabi on 29-30 November 2025 – we await news of ticketing and the entertainment line-up
• Abu Dhabi International Boat Show and the ADIPEC conference are two big events that usually occur in November
• Commemoration Day occurs 30 November 2025, not always a public holiday and has been moved in the past to align with National Day.

Abu Dhabi Events December 2025

• Eid al Etihad (National/Union Day) – fixed public holidays from 2 to 3 December (may be a 5-day long weekend this year)
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—Yas Marina Circuit, 5 to 7 December 2025—book tickets early to guarantee entry to this four-day event and the after-concerts Yasalam held from Thursday to Sunday.
• Catch Calvin Harris at the GP after party on 6 December 2025 – Garden on Yas, W Hotel
• Or why not try one of these special Grand Prix Brunches and special events to catch the action? Many include entry to the Yasalam after-race concert series, which this year features Benson Boone, Katy Perry, and Metallica – Etihad Park
• For thrills and spills in the dunes and a good dose of modern Bedouin life in the desert, head out to the Liwa Festival TBC 2025 (2023 was 8-31 Dec as a guide) – Liwa, Al Dhafra (Western Region)
• MOTN – Mother of the Nation Festival – Abu Dhabi Corniche and side events in Al Dhafra and Al Ain – exact event dates and timing for 2025 TBC
• Outdoor winter celebration Winter Fest returns to Yas Island 2025 dates TBC – Gateway Park South, Yas Island
• Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sir Rod Stewart will be performing on 17 December 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Catch Indian singing sensation Arjit Singh Live in Concert on 19 December 2025 – Etihad Arena
• Christmas – 25 December. Despite being a Muslim country, the occasion is widely marked, and you’ll find many festive celebrations occurring across the city, including Christmas Day brunches.
• New Year’s Eve 20025/26 – always a spirited night out in Abu Dhabi with special dining and drinks deals across the city, along with spectacular fireworks in key city locations, including Yas Bay, Al Maryah Island, the Corniche, and Al Wathba.
• The biggest NYE event in town will be John Legend performing at Emirates Palace from 8pm to late.

Ongoing Events Throughout the Year in Abu Dhabi

Many celebrations and events are ongoing throughout the year; you may also want to check out:

• The best ladies’ night deals in Abu Dhabi throughout the week
• Superb Family Brunches in Abu Dhabi – very much an event in themselves, on every weekend (summer months may bring changes to their regular entertainment programs)

Visiting Dubai? You’ll want to head overhere for the complete calendar of Dubai events in 2025

Where to Stay Near the Action in Abu Dhabi

If you’re looking for the best places to stay close to the major events in Abu Dhabi, you’ll no doubt notice most of the action is at Yas Bay on Yas Island and at ADNEC – the National Exhibition Centre on the main Abu Dhabi island.

You can find all our advice on the best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi here.

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