60 Biggest Concerts and Events Heading to the UAE in 2025–2026, Featuring Maroon 5, Metallica, and More

The Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Events in the UAE 2025–2026

The UAE continues to cement its place as one of the world’s most vibrant entertainment destinations. From mega concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to dazzling theatre, opera, and comedy festivals, the Emirates are offering an eclectic lineup for the next year. Whether you’re a fan of rock, rap, pop, or classical music, the UAE concerts 2025 calendar is packed with unmissable performances.

From Maroon 5 and Katy Perry to Metallica and Travis Scott, some of the biggest names in global music are set to take centre stage. At the same time, cultural gems like Swan Lake, La Bohème, and Grease The Musical will bring timeless classics to local theatres, while the Dubai Comedy Festival ensures laughter remains front and centre.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top 60 concerts and live shows in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2025–2026.

A Diverse Mix of Music, Theatre, and Comedy

The coming months promise an extraordinary variety of entertainment across the Emirates. Expect everything from heart-pounding rock and rap concerts to family-friendly spectacles like the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. Internationally acclaimed artists including Post Malone, Elissa, Rod Stewart, and Enrique Iglesias will perform, alongside regional favourites such as Ramy Sabry, Haitham Yousif, and Abdul Majeed Abdullah.

Opera fans can look forward to Puccini’s La Bohème and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, staged by the Hungarian State Opera and Ballet, while K-pop lovers will be thrilled with Kostcon 2025 – Korean OST Concert, celebrating iconic drama soundtracks.

For those who love to laugh, stand-up comedy is in full swing. Zakir Khan, Tom Segura, Omid Djalili, Mo Amer, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Russell Peters are all lined up to keep audiences entertained.

Spotlight on Global Icons

Several shows stand out as highlights of the UAE’s entertainment season.

Metallica (December 6, 2025 – Abu Dhabi): The legendary heavy metal band brings their record-breaking M72 World Tour to Etihad Park. Expect hits like Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters.

Katy Perry (December 7, 2025 – Abu Dhabi): The pop superstar returns to the capital with tracks from her latest album 143, along with classics like Firework and Roar.

Maroon 5 (December 31, 2025 – Dubai): Ring in the New Year at Atlantis, The Palm with Adam Levine and the band’s biggest chart-toppers.

Rod Stewart (December 17, 2025 – Abu Dhabi): The British icon brings decades of hits in what may be one of his final large-scale world tours.

Travis Scott (November 15, 2025 – Abu Dhabi): The Grammy-nominated rapper brings his visually explosive Circus Maximus World Tour to Etihad Park.

Festivals and Special Performances

Beyond single concerts, the UAE is also home to major festivals and theatrical showcases:

Untold Dubai Festival (November 6–9, 2025): A four-day electronic music celebration featuring global DJs such as Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, and Steve Aoki.

Dubai Comedy Festival (October 2025): A month-long laughter fest featuring international and regional comedians.

Beetlejuice The Musical (November 20–30, 2025 – Abu Dhabi): The Broadway hit makes its Middle East debut.

Rewind Fest DXB 2026 (February 7, 2026 – Dubai): A nostalgic throwback featuring pop icons of the ’80s and ’90s, including Bananarama and Jason Donovan.

Why the UAE is Becoming a Global Entertainment Hub

With world-class venues like Etihad Arena, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, and The Agenda, the UAE offers state-of-the-art facilities that attract A-list performers. Its central location makes it a prime stop on global tours, while its multicultural audience guarantees diverse programming – from Arabic ballads and Bollywood hits to K-pop, EDM, and Western rock.

As the nation invests more in arts and entertainment, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are quickly being recognized alongside cities like London, New York, and Tokyo as premier destinations for live shows.

Plan Your UAE Concert Experience

Tickets for these events range from budget-friendly options to VIP experiences, ensuring that fans of all ages and preferences can join in. Since many shows sell out quickly – particularly New Year’s Eve concerts, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race shows, and international comedy specials – booking early is highly recommended.

Whether you live in the UAE or are planning a visit, 2025–2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime calendar of concerts, musicals, comedy, and cultural events. From the thunder of Metallica’s guitars to the elegance of Swan Lake, there’s something for every taste.

Final Thoughts

The next year promises to be a golden era for live entertainment in the UAE. With 60 major concerts and shows already announced – and more expected to follow – the Emirates are offering fans an unprecedented cultural feast.

So, mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and get ready to experience the best concerts and events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2025–2026.