Fireworks over Hilton Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi - image supplied

Awesome Abu Dhabi Events Calendar For 2023

by Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

With the abolition of the last COVID restrictions in late 2022, it promises to be an exciting year of live events and entertainment in the UAE capital in 2023.

We’ve compiled for you here a list of all the key international sporting, music, and entertainment we know is coming to Abu Dhabi in 2023, plus the usual lineup of local cultural events and celebrations not-to-miss each month.

You may also want to check out our guides to:

We have included links where possible to platforms such as TicketMaster and Platinumlist, which 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 2023

  • Kicking off an incredible month of entertainment returning to the capital, Terribly Funny Comedy with Jimmy Carr – 7 January 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • For thrills and spills in the dunes, head out to the Liwa Festival concludes on 6 January – Liwa, Al Dhafra (Western Region)
  • Emirati Cultural event Al Hosn Festival – 13 to 22 January 2023 – Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi City
  • One of the city’s biggest sporting and social events – the HSBC Golf Championships, will return from 19 – 22 January 2023 – Yas Links, Yas Island
  • Catch Imagine Dragons in Concert – 26 January 2023 – Etihad Park, Yas Island
  • Music Legend Sting will be performing 27 January 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • K-Pop stars – Black Pink on their Born Pink tour – 28 January 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay

Abu Dhabi Events February 2023

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Abu Dhabi Events March 2023

Abu Dhabi Events April 2023

  • 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, 9 April 2023; Orthodox Easter Sunday, 16 April) – church services and events across the city
  • The water circus show Fontana will start from 18 April 2023 – Abu Dhabi Marina Mall
  • The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-al Fitr celebrations across the city with special deals to fireworks – est. 22-24 April 2023 – venues across the city
  • Family entertainment with Mamsha and the Bear live on stage 29 & 30 April 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay

Abu Dhabi Events May 2023

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Abu Dhabi Events June 2023

  • Rock legends Guns N’ Roses will be bringing down the house on 1 June 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • Ryder and his gang from Paw Patrol will be hitting the stage on 8 June 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • Eid Al Adha celebrations and public holidays – est 27 to 30 June 2023 (could turn into a 9-day public holiday) – expect deals and discounts, fireworks, and so much more!

Abu Dhabi Events July 2023

  • End of Eid celebrations Sunday 2 July 2023
  • Last show for Fontana Circus 2 July 2023 – Abu Dhabi Marina Mall
  • Most local schools will break up for summer on 7 July 2023 (Expect the airports to be exceptionally busy)
  • Hijri New Year (1 Muharram*) is expected to fall on 19 July 2023, with a public holiday observed on 21 July 2023

Abu Dhabi Events August 2023

  • ADIHEX – The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will take place from 23 to 29 August 2023 – ADNEC
  • Full August lineup of events still to be confirmed for 2023

Abu Dhabi Events September 2023

  • The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on approximately 27 September 2023 – not always marked as a public holiday
  • September lineup of events still to be confirmed for 2023

Abu Dhabi Events October 2023

  • Disney on Ice returns for their 100 years of Wonder tour, 11 to 15 October – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • UFC 294 will return to Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 21 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • Halloween always makes a great family and friends event to enjoy across the city – 31 October.

Abu Dhabi Events November 2023

  • Diwali is always widely celebrated with the local expat community; expect plenty of dancing and fireworks on and around 12 November 2023.
  • Arijit Singh will be performing live in concert on 18 November 2023 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit 23 to 26 November 2023 – book tickets super early to guarantee your entry to this 4-day event and after concerts.
  • Or why not try one of these special Grand Prix Brunches and special events to catch the action?
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Abu Dhabi Events December 2023

  • Commemoration Day and National Day – fixed public holidays from 1 to 3 December.
  • The start of the annual winter event, the Sheikh Zayed Festival, held in specially dedicated showgrounds in Al Wathba
  • MOTN – Mother of the Nation Festival – Abu Dhabi Corniche – exact event dates and timing TBC
  • Christmas – 25 December. Despite being a Muslim country, the occasion is widely marked, and you’ll find many festive celebrations occur across the city.
  • New Year’s Eve – 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.

Ongoing Events Throughout the Year in Abu Dhabi

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

Visiting Dubai? You’ll want to head overhere for the complete calendar of Dubai events in 2023

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.

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


Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi

  • Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
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Feature image supplied – Fireworks at Hilton Yas Bay

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

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