Rod Stewart, Travis Scott & More: Abu Dhabi’s 2025-26 Lineup Promises A Blockbuster Year

Abu Dhabi is rolling out an ambitious calendar for 2025–26, positioning itself as one of the world’s most dynamic cultural and entertainment hubs. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has revealed a sweeping lineup that spans music, sport, art, and culinary festivals, promising residents and visitors an action-filled year across the emirate.

The season kicked off this September with the UAE Warriors 64 MMA showcase, while the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its headline exhibition, Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire. Alongside, families were treated to the Hot Wheels live show, setting the tone for a programme designed to appeal to audiences of every age.

October will raise the tempo with international acts like Smashing Pumpkins and André Rieu, alongside regional legend Abdul Majeed Abdullah. Comedy enters the mix with Sebastian Maniscalco, while sports fans will find plenty to cheer for at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and the city’s signature combat sports week featuring UFC 321. Cultural moments like the Sheikh Zayed Festival and exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat, including Golden Ink and Two Clouds in the Night Sky by Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, will run in parallel, giving art enthusiasts their share of highlights.

Concerts, Festivals And Global Sporting Spectacles

November promises a particularly intense lineup. Pop heavyweight Enrique Iglesias and rapper Travis Scott are set to headline major concerts, while food lovers will find plenty to savour at events like the Michelin Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi and Taste of Abu Dhabi. Theatrical fans will also see Broadway come to Etihad Arena with Beetlejuice The Musical.

Heritage and creativity will be in focus through the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, Maritime Heritage Festival, and Abu Dhabi Art. Adding to the spectacle, Manar Abu Dhabi will transform public spaces with large-scale light installations, melding innovation with culture.

By December, the season hits full throttle. Music legends Rod Stewart and Arijit Singh will perform in the capital, while Saadiyat Nights returns with an eclectic bill including Ludovico Einaudi and Lewis Capaldi. The month culminates with the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, a highlight of the international sporting calendar, drawing fans from across the globe. Parallel festivals like Liwa Village and Mother of the Nation Festival will ensure that celebrations extend beyond Yas Marina Circuit, spreading across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi city.

The packed schedule highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global cultural player. By anchoring the season around a steady stream of international names and regional traditions, the emirate is positioning itself as a destination where heritage, sport, and world-class entertainment converge.

With more announcements promised in the months ahead, the 2025–26 Abu Dhabi Calendar suggests one clear takeaway: there will be few quiet weekends in the capital.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Abu Dhabi Calendar 2025–26?
The Abu Dhabi Calendar is the emirate’s official lineup of cultural, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle events for the year. The 2025–26 season features global concerts, heritage festivals, art exhibitions, food events, and major sporting spectacles like the F1 Grand Prix and NBA Games.

Q2. Which concerts are happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025?
The 2025–26 season will host international stars such as Rod Stewart, Enrique Iglesias, Travis Scott, Smashing Pumpkins, and Arijit Singh, alongside regional icons like Abdul Majeed Abdullah. Classical, rock, pop, and regional music all feature across venues like Etihad Arena and Saadiyat Nights.

Q3. When is the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2025?
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 will take place in December at Yas Marina Circuit. It is one of the biggest highlights of the season, accompanied by live concerts, after-race events, and citywide celebrations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

Q4. What food festivals are part of the Abu Dhabi Calendar?
Food lovers can look forward to the Michelin Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi, Taste of Abu Dhabi, and Liwa Village culinary showcases. These events bring together Michelin-star chefs, global cuisines, and local Emirati traditions for immersive food experiences.

Q5. How can I buy tickets for Abu Dhabi Calendar events?
Tickets for Abu Dhabi Calendar events can be purchased online via the official Abu Dhabi Calendar website and authorized ticketing partners. Many major venues like Etihad Arena, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and Yas Marina Circuit also list tickets directly on their platforms.