Jonas Brothers, Ne-Yo and more announced for OFFLIMITS 2026

jonas brothers in front of a pink background

Some big names in the pop scene join Shakira at this year’s event

 

The excitement leading up to the second edition of the OFFLIMITS festival in April reached fever pitch a few weeks ago when it was revealed Shakira would headline the event, and now there is even more good news for music fans as a wave of new international artists have been announced.

Joining the bill, the Jonas Brothers are set to light up the T11 Stage, where you can expect a hit-filled set packed with fan favourites and the kind of electric energy that has made them one of the world’s biggest live acts.

And that’s not all. Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar NE-YO has officially been added to the festival. The hitmaker behind So Sick, Sexy Love, Closer and Miss Independent, which earned him Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 51st GRAMMY® Awards, has generated more than 23 billion streams since his 2005 breakthrough. He is sure to be a hit with the Abu Dhabi music faithful.

Vibrant scene at OFFLIMITS 2026 event in Abu Dhabi with fireworks and large crowd.

British breakout sensation Myles Smith also joins the line-up following a meteoric rise that has seen him surpass one billion global streams.

Rock fans won’t be left out either. Scottish heavyweights Biffy Clyro bring their explosive live presence and festival-defining anthems including Many of Horror, Mountains, and Bubbles.

Sharing the Meteor Stage are Icelandic blues-rock powerhouses KALEO, whose global hits Way Down We Go and No Good helped propel them to over six billion streams and more than 70 gold, platinum, and diamond certifications worldwide.

Adding regional flair, Bayou and Yara Mustafa join the bill, reinforcing OFFLIMITS’ commitment to spotlighting standout Arabic talent alongside global superstars.

Indie-pop favourites Scouting for Girls are set to light up the Meteor Stage with crowd-pleasers She’s So Lovely, Elvis Ain’t Dead, and Heartbeat. Joining them are festival veterans Toploader, bringing global hits Dancing in the Moonlight and Achilles Heel for guaranteed singalong moments.

Rising London pop talent YAZ also joins the bill, delivering diaristic lyrics and big-room hooks, including her viral single Mr Valentine, which has racked up millions of streams.

Having said all that, there’s no doubt that it will be the Columbian goddess Shakira who will excite fans most in the region. The worldwide star is bringing her tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, to the capital.

Together, the new additions further strengthen OFFLIMITS 2026’s genre-spanning line-up, blending nostalgia, fresh talent, and festival-ready anthems into one unmissable weekend.

The UAE’s first open-format and largest genre-blending music festival, organised by Theory Eleven, is coming back to Etihad Park, Yas Island, and bringing none other than the legend herself to the stage.

In what is just its second edition, OFFLIMITS festival secured one of the biggest stars worldwide – following Ed Sheeran as a debut headliner last year.

2025 also saw acts such like OneRepublic, Kaiser Chiefs, Faithless, ARTBAT, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Zeyne hit the stage. This year, Shakira is the first act to be announced but there will be more to come.

Speaking of the huge announcement, Sia Farr, CEO and Managing Director of Theory Eleven Entertainment, said: “Bringing one of the most influential artists of our time, Shakira, to OFFLIMITS Music Festival 2026 is a proud moment for us. Her global influence and ability to connect with audiences align perfectly with the festival’s open-format identity. This year’s edition builds on the success of our debut, and we are excited to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans on Yas Island.”

 

How to secure OFFLIMITS tickets in Abu Dhabi?

Okay so now you’re sold and you want to secure tickets. Make sure to add a calendar reminder for Saturday 24 January at 11am (UAE time), when tickets will go on sale exclusively at the OFFLIMITS official ticket website.

Prices start from AED 595, with more categories expected to be on sale.

Tickets from AED 595. 21 November 2026. For further information, visit offlimits.com

 

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Image credit OFFLIMITS Music Festival

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