18 Incredible Events Happening In Abu Dhabi This Year – Coldplay, Backstreet Boys, SZA, Akon & More

With only 3 months left of the year, Abu Dhabi has outdone itself with the number of extraordinary events lined up for the city. From World-renowned bands to music festivals, art fairs, cultural events, and sporting spectacles, there is no shortage of excitement in the capital city! And to make sure you don’t miss a second of the action, I’m here to tell you who, when, and where everything is happening this 2024! Come with me, and let’s experience Abu Dhabi like never before!

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Concerts & Music Festivals

1. Backstreet Boys – DNA Tour

The Backstreet Boys, one of the most iconic boy bands of all time, are bringing their DNA Tour to the city. Get ready to sing along to their timeless hits! Get your tickets here!

• When: 23rd October, 2024
• Where: Abu Dhabi

2. Take That

British pop legends Take That are set to perform at Etihad Park, bringing their decades of hits to fans in Abu Dhabi. Get your tickets here!

• When: 25th October, 2024
• Where: Etihad Park

Also read: Diljit Dosanjh To Make His UAE Debut This November! Pre-Register to Get Priority Tickets!

3. Diljit Dosanjh – Dil-Luminati Tour

For the first time ever, Punjabi music superstar Diljit Dosanjh is bringing his high-energy Dil-Luminati Tour to Yas Island. Get ready for an electrifying performance! Get your tickets here!

• When: 9th November, 2024
• Where: Yas Island

4. Wireless Festival Middle East

Some of the biggest names in music will be performing in the capital city under one epic music festival – Wireless Middle East! Get ready to party the nights away with the likes of SZA, 21 Savage, Yeat, FRIDAYY and many more! Get your tickets here!

• When: 23rd November, 2024
• Where: Yas Island

Also read: Wireless Middle East 2024 Ultimate Guide – Tickets Now On Sale For Less Than AED 300

5. Yasalam After-Race Concerts

During the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, global music icons Maroon 5, Muse, Eminem and many more will be lighting up the stage each evening. Get your tickets here!

• When: 5th-8th December, 2024
• Where: Yas Island

6. Bryan Adams, Anastasia & Akon – World Tennis League After Concerts

This trio of music legends will grace the stage at Etihad Arena for a night packed with chart-topping hits to celebrate the World Tennis League. Don’t miss out on seeing Bryan Adams, Anastasia, and Akon live! Get your tickets here!

• When: 19th – 21st December, 2024
• Where: Etihad Arena

Also read: The Ultimate Guide For The F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 – Concerts, Races, Tickets & More

7. Andrea Bocelli – New Year’s Eve Performance

End 2024 on a magical note with a special performance by Andrea Bocelli. His timeless voice and signature style will make for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. Stay tuned for when tickets launch!

• When: December 31, 2024
• Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

8. Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour

• When: 11th January, 2025
• Where: Zayed Sports Stadium

Coldplay is coming to Abu Dhabi in 2025, so I’m technically cheating here. But there is no way you can wait till 2025 to get your hands on their tickets because once you miss the chance, it’s gone (unless you’re ready to pay crazy high prices from resellers). Pre-sale goes live on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, and regular sale goes live on Friday, September 27th, 2024, both at 12 pm local time! While Coldplay is no stranger to the UAE and has performed in Dubai before, this is one concert you want to attend! Get your tickets here!

Also read: Coldplay In Abu Dhabi: Ticket Prices & Categories Unveiled

Cultural Events

9. International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards

Bollywood royalty is coming to Abu Dhabi as Shah Rukh Khan hosts the IIFA Awards for an unprecedented third time. This event celebrates the best of Indian cinema with all the glitz and glamour you’d expect. Get your tickets here!

• When: 27th September, 2024
• Where: Etihad Arena

10. Traditional Handicrafts Festival

This festival showcases the artistry and craftsmanship behind some of the most treasured Emirati handicrafts. If you appreciate traditional art, this is an event you’ll love. Get your tickets here!

• When: 29th October to 17th November, 2024
• Where: Abu Dhabi

Also read: UAE: See An Ultra Rare Comet Next Month Without A Telescope

11. Abu Dhabi Art Fair

Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, which brings together established and up-and-coming artists from across the UAE and beyond. It’s a must-see for anyone passionate about art. Get your tickets here!

• When: 20th – 24th November, 2024
• Where: Abu Dhabi

12. Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial

For the first time ever, Abu Dhabi will host the Public Art Biennial, featuring installations and performances by over 70 artists from the UAE and around the world. It’s a celebration of creativity in public spaces, and it’s totally free!

• When: November 2024 (dates not specified)
• Where: Across Abu Dhabi

Also read: Ultimate Winter Wonderland – Yas Winter Fest Returns To Abu Dhabi

13. Abu Dhabi Classics 2024

From Renaissance ballet performances to the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and Swan Lake on Ice, Abu Dhabi Classics 2024 offers a lineup of cultural events that will leave audiences spellbound. Get your tickets here!

• When: Throughout 2024
• Where: Various Venues

Sports Events

14. NBA Abu Dhabi Games

Basketball enthusiasts can enjoy two NBA preseason games right here in Abu Dhabi, plus a special NBA Fan Appreciation Day. It’s a must for any NBA fan! Get your tickets here!

• When: 4th & 6th October, 2024
• Where: Etihad Arena

Also read: Get A Chance To Meet Lewis Hamilton During The 2024 Abu Dhabi GP

15. UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway

UFC fans, get ready! UFC 308 is coming to Abu Dhabi, headlined by Topuria vs. Holloway. It’s going to be an action-packed event that you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets here!

• When: 25th October, 2024
• Where: Abu Dhabi

16. Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Watch the world’s best golfers compete at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this November. It’s one of the highlights of the global golfing calendar. Get your tickets here!

• When: 7th – 10th November 2024
• Where: Abu Dhabi

Also read: The MICHELIN Guide Food Festival Is Back In Abu Dhabi – Early Bird Tickets Open For Less Than AED 100!

17. AD T10 2024

Cricket lovers, this one’s for you! The fast-paced AD T10 2024 tournament will take over Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, bringing some of the sport’s top talent to Abu Dhabi. Get your tickets here!

• When: November 2024 (dates to be announced)
• Where: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium

18. F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

One of the most anticipated motorsport events of the year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises high-speed thrills and unforgettable moments. Coupled with nightly concerts, it’s the ultimate weekend of adrenaline and entertainment. Get your tickets here!

• When: 5th – 8th December, 2024
• Where: Yas Marina Circuit

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