Exciting Events in Abu Dhabi – 2024 Calendar

We might still be in the throws of an action-packed 2023 in Abu Dhabi, but we know you like to keep ahead of the times and plan your events calendar a little further out.

2023 saw large public events come back with a vengeance post-COVID and a mega lineup of superstars gracing the shores, particularly at the capital’s coveted new entertainment venue, Etihad Arena in Yas Bay.

2024 is already shaping up to be even bigger and better in the Cpatial From sports to musical festivals, comedy acts, and stage musicals, we’ve got a lot going on in Abu Dhabi to celebrate.

We’ll continue updating this page throughout the year, so bookmark it in your browser and return to it whenever you are after some event inspiration.

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 2024 – plan your travels around known long weekends and national celebrations

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 2024

• For thrills and spills in the dunes, head out to the Liwa Festival TBC 2023-24 l – Liwa, Al Dhafra (Western Region)
• Emirati Cultural event Al Hosn Festival – 2024 dates TBC – Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi City
• Smash-hit Musical Hamilton will be taking centre stage on Yas Island from 17 January to 4 February 2024 – Etihad Arena, Yas Bay
• NB – note that the Golf Championships, usually held in January, has now been moved to November

Abu Dhabi Events February 2024

• Middle East Film and Comic Con – making a return 9-11 February 2024 – ADNEC
• Romance is in the air with Valentine’s Day 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.
• For some local culture, head along to the Maritime Heritage Festival – 2024 dates TBC – A’l Bahar, Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Tennis – dates for 2024 TBC, but expected February – Abu Dhabi Tennis Center

Abu Dhabi Events March 2024

• Get your colour on for Holi Festivities, set to occur this year on 25 March 2024 – various city venues
• St Patrick’s Day will be widely marked across the city on Friday, 17 March 2024 – 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 10 March 2024) – various locations
• Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival concludes on 17 March 2024 – Al Wathba
• The Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on or about the evening of 11 March 2024 and lasts approximately 29 days. Most live entertainment stops at this time.
• 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 occassion?
• 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, 31 March 2024; Orthodox Easter Sunday, 7 April) – church services and events across the city
• NB: Locally, many schools have a Spring term break from the end of March to early April, so look out for special term break camps and events that may be running.

Abu Dhabi Events April 2024

• The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-al Fitr celebrations across the city with special deals to dining extravaganzas and fireworks – est. 10-12 April 2024 – venues across the city
• Full April lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events May 2024

• Full May lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events June 2024

• Eid Al Adha celebrations and public holidays, including Arafat Day – est 16 to 19 June 2024 (expect deals and discounts, fireworks, and so much more!
• Full June lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events July 2024

• Most local schools will break up for summer on 8 July 2024 (Expect the airports to be exceptionally busy in early July)
• Hijri New Year (1 Muharram*) is expected to fall on 7 July 2024, with a public holiday likely to be observed observed on Monday 8th
• Full July lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events August 2024

• Full August lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events September 2024

• ADIHEX – The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will take place in the late summer, dates TBC – ADNEC
• The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on approximately 15 September 2024 – not always marked as a public holiday, possible Monday off
• Saudi Nation Day on September 23 is widely celebrated in the UAE community – often marked with fireworks at prominent locations – TBC
• Full September lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events October 2024

• Halloween always makes a great family and friends event to enjoy across the city – 31 October.
• Diwali is always widely celebrated with the local expat community; expect plenty of dancing and fireworks on and around 31 October 2024.
• Full October lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2024

Abu Dhabi Events November 2024

• The European World Tour Golf has changed dates for 2024; expect the Abu Dhabi Championships to take place 7 to 10 November 2024 – Yas Links, Yas Island
• The annual Bedouin heritage festival, the Sheikh Zayed Festival, will return to its permanent grounds for the winter season from 17 November 2023 – Al Wathba

Abu Dhabi Events December 2024

• Commemoration Day and National Day – fixed public holidays from 1 to 3 December.
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit 6 to 8 December 2024 – book tickets early to guarantee 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?
• MOTN – Mother of the Nation Festival – Abu Dhabi Corniche – exact event dates and timing for 2024 TBC
• Outdoor winter celebration Winterfest returns to Yas Island 2024 dates TBC – Gateway Park South, Yas Island
• 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:

• 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 2024

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.

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Feature image supplied – Fireworks at Hilton Yas Bay

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