International concerts, shows, sporting action and much, much more.
The Abu Dhabi Calendar has been revealed and there are 180 days of spectacular concerts, heart-stopping shows and incredible sporting action, and more, heading to the capital for the remainder of 2022 and in 2023.
And we can’t wait! Can you?
The line ups were revealed during a TV talk show-style launch event that revealed extraordinary concerts by regional and international artists, exhilarating sporting and e-sports action, immersive cultural festivals, live interactive family shows, crowd-pleasing concerts, and unmissable theatre, opera and dance performances.
What concerts and music events are coming to the capital?
A melodic musical lineup and electric nightlife events await and you’re in for a treat as many regional and international stars and festivals head to the stage.
First to mention is the incredible Wireless Festival: The popular rap and urban music festival from London that is heading to Abu Dhabi on 4 March 2023.
Sting: The 17-time Grammy Award winner will arrive at Etihad Arena as his critically acclaimed My Songs tour on 27 January 2023.
Andrea Bocelli: The Italian tenor returns to Abu Dhabi for a night of enchanting classical music at Etihad Park on 24 November 2022.
A. R. Rahman: The two-time Academy Award winner will perform for the first time in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena on 29 October.
Amplified Music Festival: The three-day musical extravaganza will take place from 11 to 13 November 2023 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Concerts: The iconic museum will present a series of unique concerts to celebrate its 5th anniversary, presenting Majid Al Mohandis on 11 November and Omar Khairat on 13 November 2023.
Club Social Festival: Promising a weekend of music, food and drinks from 28 to 30 October 2022, this event will feature Liam Gallagher, Kaiser Chiefs, and Clean Bandit.
IIFA Awards Abu Dhabi 2023: The Bollywood film fraternity will return to Abu Dhabi on 11 and 12 February 2023 for a star-studded weekend at Etihad Arena.
Middle East Film & Comic Con 2023: The world-famous festival will unite movie, TV and comic lovers of the UAE with the region’s largest pop-culture festival in March 2023.
National Day Concerts: A series of concerts will mark this year’s National Day celebrations at various locations from 1 to 3 December 2022.
Arabic Concerts: Top DJs and singing sensations of the Arab world will perform in Abu Dhabi in a series of concerts till 21 December. The artists include Nancy Ajram, George Wassouf, Melhem Zein, Mouhamad Khairy, Wael Kfoury, Ahmed Saad, DJ Aseel, BiGSaM, Aziz Maraka and Siilawy
What sporting events are coming to the capital?
All your championship-chasing, crowd-cheering sporting action is here.
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week (ADSW) 2022: Exciting concerts, workshops, pool parties and city-wide activations, featuring some of the biggest UFC stars, will run till 23 October 2022, headlined by the highly anticipated UFC 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV on 22 October at Etihad Arena.
Matchroom Boxing: BIVOL vs RAMIREZ: WBA Light-Heavyweight belt holder Dmitry Bivol will defend his world title against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez on 5 November 2022.
UAE Warriors: Featuring local and international fighters, the spectacle will return on 20 and 21 October 2022 and again in December 2022.
Abu Dhabi T10 League: The sixth edition of the popular cricketing league will take place from 23 November to 4 December 2022 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
BLAST: Eight of the world’s best e-sports organisations will tussle for the prestigious World Final trophy, a slice of a $1 million prize pool, and a chance to claim bragging rights as the 2022 champions of Counter-Strike on 17 and 18 December 2022.
Liwa Festival: The motoring event will take place from 22 November to 4 December 2022, along with Khaleeji concerts, culture and heritage activations, food stalls, an outdoor cinema and a night market.
How about family shows, fun leisure and family days out?
Disney’s The Lion King: Etihad Arena will host a month-long run of the landmark Broadway musical from 16 November to 10 December this year.
Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival: Offering family-friendly fun and cultural awareness, the event will return from 9 to 18 December 2022 with a jam-packed schedule, featuring exciting zones and live entertainment, including Miami Band.
World Cup Fanzone: Building on the football fever, Yas Links Abu Dhabi will host Abu Dhabi’s flagship World Cup Fanzone from 20 November to 18 December 2022, to offer fans a high-energy viewing experience, an array of dining options, an e-gaming zone and other football activations.
Abu Dhabi Culinary Season: The emirate’s annual celebration of food will take place from October to December this year across Abu Dhabi’s cafés and restaurants, featuring a diverse schedule of culinary experiences, range of cuisines, styles and price points.
Blippi The Musical: The popular children’s entertainer and educator is bringing an energetic, live musical show for young children and families 18 and 19 February 2023 at Etihad Arena.
Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023: This culinary-themed event will feature guest dinners and discussions, alongside the reveal of the organisation’s rundown of the top 50 restaurants in the region.
Are there any cultural events on the horizon?
There certainly are cultural events on the horizon; after all, this is Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Art 2022: The annual art fair is returning from 16 to 20 November, bringing together local and international galleries, alongside exhibitions, artist commissions and installations.
The Traditional Handicrafts Festival 2022: The annual festival held at Al Qattara Heritage District of Al Ain will return from 1 to 20 November, inviting visitors to experience traditional crafts by UAE artisans
So, can you handle it? We suggest you get your calendar out and starting pencilling the dates in from now.
Abu Dhabi rocks!
For more information on the Abu Dhabi Calendar, please visit inabudhabi.ae.
For more happenings in the capital, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi Events
