It's a packed month in Abu Dhabi
October is looking seriously busy in Abu Dhabi, and there’s plenty going on once you start looking beyond the usual weekend plans.
From big-name comedy and live music to art, family-friendly fun, fitness challenges and major sporting events, there’s a bit of everything.
You can laugh your way through a comedy show, check out a new exhibition, take the kids to meet some furry friends at the Royal Pet Festival or get stuck into HYROX and the Pink Run.
Then there’s the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to explore as the month rolls on.
Basically, there’s no excuse to stay home
The best things to do this October in Abu Dhabi
An Evening of Mohamed Abdelwahab at Cultural Foundation
2 October, 7.30pm, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Spend an evening with the music of Mohamed Abdelwahab, one of the most influential figures in Arabic music. The UAE National Orchestra celebrates the legacy of ‘The Musician of Generations’ with a symphonic performance bringing his much-loved compositions to life. Known for blending traditional Arabic melodies with Western influences, Abdelwahab helped shape the sound of the Arab world, making this a chance to hear his familiar works in a rich orchestral setting.
For tickets and more information, visit uaenationalorchestra.ae
Untitled 14km – Youness Atbane
1-2 October, The Black Box, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
What happens when art, identity and representation collide? Untitled 14KM takes audiences inside an imagined museum of North Africa, Middle East Contemporary Art, following a poet, museum director, curator and artist as they work together to create a fictional exhibition. The satirical performance explores Arab-Andalusian heritage, modernism and contemporary Arab art, while questioning who gets to define identity, culture and artistic legitimacy.
Tickets from AED 52.50 to AED 105. For more information and tickets, visit publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu
Encounters of Intelligences
3 October, Zayed Theatre, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Forget the usual concert blurb – this one is about seeing what happens when technology gets a seat at the musical table. Encounters of Intelligences brings soprano Isabel Cañada Luna and four musicians together with AI, electronic sounds and reactive visuals, moving from classical performance into something far more experimental. By the finale, the audience gets to influence a new AI-created piece live, making each performance part concert, part experiment and part glimpse into where music could be heading next
Tickets are AED 50. For more information, visit sorbonne.ae.
All Manner of Experiments: Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group
Until 3 January 2027, NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery
Art lovers have more time to explore one of Abu Dhabi’s standout exhibitions, with All Manner of Experiments: Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group now extended until 3 January, 2027. The exhibition delves into the influential Baghdad Modern Art Group, founded in 1951 by Iraqi artists Jewad Selim and Shakir Hassan Al Said, bringing together paintings, sculptures, works on paper and archival material. There’s also a new programme of Saturday talks, conversations and screenings planned for the autumn, exploring modern Arab art, archives, women artists and alternative modernities across the region.
For more information and details of the upcoming programme, visit publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu
The Laughter Factory
4 October, 7pm, The Club, Abu Dhabi
Thirty years, thousands of comedians and plenty of nights that have left audiences crying with laughter – The Laughter Factory is still going strong. This month’s line-up brings four comedians to the stage, with Marlon Davis, George Zach, Denisa Alexe and John Hague each bringing their own style, stories and plenty of punchlines. The long-running comedy club has built its reputation on bringing professional comedians from the international circuit to UAE audiences, making this one for anyone in need of a proper night out.
For more information and tickets, visit thelaughterfactory.com
Al Ain Zoo for Glow After Dark
5 September to 4 October, Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is getting an exciting glow-up this September with Glow After Dark, running from 5 September to 4 October. The evening festival brings the Zoo to life with illuminated animal displays, LED performers, glowing stilt walkers and the new Nature Venture storytelling show. Open from 2pm to 10pm, with festival activities starting at 5pm, it’s a great option for an evening out with the family. Make time for the safari, giraffe feeding and Lemur Walk, then refuel at one of the Zoo’s restaurants before heading home.
AED 31.50 for adults, AED 10.50 for children aged 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. For further information, visit alainzoo.com
Nagham at Space42 Arena
9 October, Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi
Arabic classics get a symphonic makeover at Nagham, with the Heritage Symphonic Orchestra taking to the stage under the direction of Maestro Mohammed Al Qahoom. Expect sweeping orchestral arrangements, powerful compositions and fresh interpretations of much-loved Arabic melodies, blending the region’s musical heritage with a contemporary symphonic sound. It’s an evening of music, culture and plenty of emotion.
Tickets cost AED 195 to AED 400. For further information, visit abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
UAE National Orchestra at Abu Dhabi Festival
10 October, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 kicks off with a spectacular evening of orchestral music as the UAE National Orchestra takes to the stage under conductor François López-Ferrer. Award-winning Georgian pianist David Khrikuli joins the orchestra for Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, before the programme continues with Franz von Suppé’s lively Overture to Light Cavalry. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, known for its warmth, lyrical melodies and folk-inspired sounds.
Tickets cost AED 225 to AED 500. For more information, visit abudhabifestival.ae
The Royal Pet Festival
10–11 October, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
The Royal Pet Festival returns to Abu Dhabi this October for a weekend dedicated to all things furry. Expect international dog and cat shows, agility competitions, pet fashion shows, grooming showcases and high-energy K9 demonstrations, alongside a huge pet product exhibition where you can shop and browse. It’s a fun day out for the whole family, with pets very much welcome.
Adult tickets start at AED 35, children aged six and above at AED 15, with VIP tickets costing AED 135. For more details, visit soulconcept.ae
Morgan Jay
11 October, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season 2026 welcomes Morgan Jay to Etihad Arena for a night of improvised comedy, crowd work and live music. Known for his spontaneous style and musical comedy, Morgan Jay brings a unique and unpredictable performance to the stage for an unforgettable night of laughs.
Tickets cost AED 275 to AED 695. For more information, visit etihadarena.ae
Miami Vibes
16 October–14 November, Marina Mall Abu Dhabi
Get ready for a month of Miami-inspired fun as Miami Vibes returns to Abu Dhabi this autumn. The 30-day drive-through experience will take over Marina Mall with food trucks, kiosks, local brands, retail and creative activities, bringing plenty of colour and energy to the capital. Whether you’re there for something to eat, a browse or simply to soak up the atmosphere, there’ll be plenty happening throughout the month.
For more updates, visit @miamivibes.ae on IG
Sondra Radvanovsky and Vincenzo Scalera
17 October, The Red Theater at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Opera fans can look forward to an evening of powerful vocals as acclaimed soprano Sondra Radvanovsky makes her Arab world premiere in Abu Dhabi alongside pianist Vincenzo Scalera. The recital will journey through Italian bel canto and verismo, featuring works by Bellini, Verdi and Puccini, alongside music by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Richard Strauss. You can expect soaring vocals, dramatic compositions and some of opera’s most celebrated repertoire.
Tickets cost AED 50 to AED 400. For more information, visit abudhabifestival.ae
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
23 October 2026–15 February 2027, various locations across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Art is heading out into the open once again as the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial returns for its second edition this autumn. The free city-wide showcase will bring contemporary artworks into public spaces across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, turning everyday surroundings into an open-air gallery. This year’s theme, Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place, explores how people, places and shared experiences shape our sense of belonging.
The biennial launches in Al Ain on 23 October before arriving in Abu Dhabi on 15 November. Locations are yet to be announced. For more details, visit paad.ae
Power Slap 25
23 October, Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi
The world’s leading slap-fighting championship returns to Abu Dhabi for another night of high-impact entertainment. Power Slap 25 will see top athletes go head-to-head in a test of power, precision and nerve, with intense rivalries and plenty of dramatic moments expected. The official fight card has revealed some very high profile contenders, but fans can already secure their seats for the latest edition at Space42 Arena.
Tickets cost AED 150 to AED 1,000. For tickets and more information, visit ticketmaster.ae
HYROX Abu Dhabi
23–25 October, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Get ready to run, lift and push yourself to the limit as HYROX Abu Dhabi returns to the capital this October. The weekend kicks off with a Women’s Only Race Day on 23 October, before competitors of different fitness levels take on the signature HYROX format of running and challenging workout stations. Whether you’re a seasoned HYROX athlete or looking for your next fitness challenge, expect plenty of sweat, energy and competition.
For more information, visit hyrox.com.
UFC 333
24 October, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi this October as UFC 333 lands in the capital as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. Expect elite mixed martial arts action, big fight-night energy and plenty of ways to get closer to the action, with premium seating, VIP experiences and exclusive fan opportunities available. It’s another major date for the UAE’s combat sports calendar.
Tickets cost AED 1,368 to AED 32,000. Register your interest and find out more at etihadarena.ae
ADCB Zayed Sports City Pink Run
24 October, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
The ADCB Zayed Sports City Pink Run returns for its 15th edition this October, bringing runners, walkers and families together to support breast cancer awareness. Choose from 10km, 5km and 3km routes, whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply joining the crowd in solidarity. The event supports the Al Jalila Foundation, with races starting from 6.30am.
Registration costs AED 90 to AED 140. Register at my.raceresult.com
Russell Peters
25 October, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
One of the world’s best-known comedians is heading to Abu Dhabi as Russell Peters joins the lineup for Abu Dhabi Comedy Season 2026. Expect his trademark mix of sharp observations, cultural humour and plenty of crowd interaction, with material covering everything from family and relationships to everyday life. Known for keeping audiences on their toes, Peters’ show promises plenty of unpredictable moments.
Tickets cost AED 275. For more Abu Dhabi events, visit etihadarena.ae
