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Must-see concerts in the UAE: From Backstreet Boys to Take That

Whether you’re a K-popper or a teenybopper, here are the best concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this year.

Live entertainment is well and truly back in the UAE with a slew of artists taking to stages across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, if you’re a lover of live concerts these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in the UAE.


Enrique Iglesias: 13 September 2024

Do you need a hero? Well, you may just find that in the form of Enrique Iglesias. The Latin superstar has announced that he is performing at Coca-Cola Arena on 13 September. We’re hoping that Enrique sings his famous hits, from Bailamos to Hero. He was born in Madrid, Spain to the Spanish singer Julio Iglesias and Filipino journalist Isabel Preysler. When he launched his career, he originally had a pseudonym, so that he could distance himself from his father. Today, he is one of the best-selling Latin music artists, as he has sold more than 70 million records worldwide.

O: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for tickets and more information.


Suho: 20 September 2024

K-pop acts are descending on Dubai, and South Korean star Suho is set to perform at The Agenda in Dubai Media City on 20 September. Suho is the lead singer of the K-pop group EXO. In 2020, he released his solo EP, Self-Portrait, and its lead single was Let’s Love. In 2022, he released his second album, Grey Suit. He has also starred in film and TV shows including How Are U Bread, One Way Trip, Rich Man and The Universe’s Star.

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.


Terra Solis by Tomorrowland: 21 September

Returning for a third season, Terra Solis by Tomorrowland will be headlined by Chris Avantgarde. For those unversed in the artist, he is a powerhouse in the electronic music scene and a familiar face at Tomorrowland. He is known for his electrifying tracks like Inside, Mind Control and The Last Time. Other names performing on the night include Agents of Time, Alok, Claptone, Indo Warehouse, Kevin De Vries, Lost Frequencies, Mahmut Orhan and Solardo.

GO: Visit www.terrasolisdubai.com for more information.


Carla Bruni: 27 September 2024

Carla Bruni was born in Turin, Italy. Carla will perform at Dubai Opera on 27 September. She was a fashion model and singer and later became the First Lady of France when she married the then President, Nicolas Sarkozy. She previously wrote songs for Julien Clerc and featured on his album. In 2003, she released her debut album, Quelqu’un M’a Dit. Over her career, she has sold five million albums.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.


Kasabian: 13 October 2024

Kasabian last performed in the UAE 10 years ago, so this is a rare chance to see them in action. The band hails from Leicester, United Kingdom and formed in 1997. The members include Tom Meighan on lead vocals, and Tim Carter, Chris Edwards and Ian Matthews. After Meighan’s departure in 2020, guitarist and songwriter Serge Pizzorno took on the role of frontman, guiding the band through a remarkable comeback. The group’s hit songs include Club Foot, Fire, LSF, and Underdog. Over their career, they have scored seven number one albums in the UK—only their first album did not reach the top spot. Kasabian are currently on tour and promoting their new album, Happenings. Tickets to see Kasabian in Dubai start from AED 295 and are available now.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information. 


Tyga: 19 October 2024

Tyga was originally scheduled to perform a show at Zero Gravity early this year, but the performance was called off due to unprecedented rainfall in the city. Now, the rapper will perform live in Dubai on Saturday, 19 October 2024 at Coca-Coca Arena. The rapper, who was originally part of the Young Money collective alongside Drake, Lil’ Wayne and Nicki Minaj, rose to fame on the hit single Bedrock in 2009. In 2014, he dropped his debut album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, featuring the Chris Brown-assisted single Loyal, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Tyga has continued to release albums, including Kyoto and Legendary, exploring trap, dancehall, and even Latin influences, proving his willingness to experiment and evolve. His recent hits include Ayy Macarena, Sheikh Talk and Vacation.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


Backstreet Boys: 23 October

Backstreet’s back. One of the biggest-selling boybands of all time is returning to the capital. The American pop group Backstreet Boys will perform at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, 23 October. Nineties kids will be buzzing with excitement, as this is your chance to see Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean and Brian Littrell. Unfortunately, fan-favourite Kevin Richardson will be absent from the show due to scheduling conflicts. We’re expecting them to play their greatest hits including We’ve Got It Goin’ On, Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) and As Long As You Love Me.

GO: Visit www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.


Take That: 25 October 2024

Abu Dhabi, it’s time to Take That. The British band are heading to Etihad Park on Yas Island on Friday, 25 October 2024. The trio will perform their greatest hits in the capital, including Back For Good, Never Forget and Relight My Fair. Now, the three members — Gary, Howard and Mark — are bringing their This Life on Tour to Abu Dhabi. 

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information. 


Calvin Harris: 26 October 2024

Calvin Harris will headline at the opening of Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. His show will set the tone for what’s to come — until May 2025 — as the venue promises an array of shows. For those unversed with Calvin Harris’ repertoire, he’s got over 56 billion streams, ranking amongst the biggest streaming artists in the world, and is one of the most viewed artists on YouTube. Throughout his career, he’s won two of 14 MTV VMA nominations and garnered five Grammy nominations. In 2013, he received a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for his hit song We Found Love, a collaboration with Rihanna. His career also features collaborations with international superstars like Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, The Weeknd and Travis Scott.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


KT Tunstall: 26 October 2024

Scottish singer and songwriter KT Tunstall is heading to Dubai. Her hit songs include Hold On, Other Side of the World, and Suddenly I See. She released her first studio album in 2004, which was Eye to the Telescope. KT Tunstall will be performing inside The Tent at Bla Bla Dubai. It’s a rare chance to watch the singer in a serene setting, which has welcomed some of the world’s biggest stars.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information. 


Sophie Ellis-Bextor: 26 October 2024

Dubai Opera has announced an exciting line-up of shows for autumn and winter. The highlights include the British singer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who is best-known for her single Murder on the Dancefloor. Sophie Ellis-Bextor hails from Hounslow, London. Sophie will perform at Dubai Opera on 26 October. She first came to prominence in the early 2000s. She topped the charts with her single, Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love). She is famous for her disco meets electronic sound, and her singles include Get Over You, Mixed up World and Music Gets the Best Of Me. The 2001 hit Murder on the Dancefloor returned to the charts in 2024, thanks to its inclusion in the film Saltburn.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.


Mixtape Dubai: 2 November

If iPods, Popworld and Heat magazine mean something to you, then you’ll be excited about Mixtape Dubai. Taking place at Bla Bla Dubai on Saturday, 2 November, the concert brings together the biggest names from the noughties. The line-up includes Gareth Gates, Melanie C, Peter Andre and S Club. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, S Club will perform their greatest hits to Dubai, including ‘Bring It All Back,’ ‘Don’t Stop Movin’ and ‘Never Had a Dream Come True’.

GO: Visit https://www.livenation.me for more information. 


Guy Manoukian: 3 November

Dubai Opera will host a special performance by the renowned pianist and composer Guy Manoukian on Sunday, 3 November. Known for his spellbinding performances, Guy Manoukian is bringing his concert, A Tale of Two Shores, to the stage, offering a journey through the beautiful traditions of Arab and Greek music. Joining him on this magical night are three extraordinary Greek musicians, Thanassis Vassilopoulos on the clarinet, Thanos Giouletzis on the violin, and Andreas Karantinis on the bouzouki.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.


Beenie Man: 9 November 2024

The carnival is coming to town. The Butterfly Carnival Festival is fluttering into Dubai. Expect the best of London’s Notting Hill Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago’s beats, and the wild spirit of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro Carnival right to Dubai. The event will be headlined by Beenie Man, who is known for the hits “Who Am I” and “Girls Dem Sugar” featuring Mya and collaborations with artists like Janet Jackson. The Butterfly Carnival Festival’s set-up spans five stages, and performances also include acrobats, dancers, drummers and more. Plus, there will be street food trucks and bars, so you can refuel.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


Defected Dubai: 9 and 10 November 2024

Get ready to groove because Defected, the ultimate house music brand, is returning to Dubai and it has unveiled its epic plans for an insane event. Picture this: two days, one venue and non-stop beats that will leave you breathless. We’re talking electrifying music, mind-blowing entertainment and a weekend that will redefine the word ‘unforgettable’. The lineup for Defected Dubai 2024 has been announced and includes the likes of A-Trak Dul, Eats Everything, Eliza Rose, Folamour, Girls of the Internet, Gorgon City, Low Steppa, Monki, Oden & Fatzo, Olive F, Rio Tashan and Sam Divine.

GO: Visit https://fever.pxf.io for tickets and more information.


Diljit Dosanjh: 9 November

After months of anticipation, Diljit Dosanjh is bringing his much-awaited Dil-Luminati Tour to Abu Dhabi. On Saturday, 9 November, at Etihad Park on Yas Island, Diljit Dosanjh will turn up the capital with his Punjabi beats, which have sold out shows across the world. Last year, Diljit Dosanjh made history as the first Indian artist to perform at Coachella. He also performed alongside Ed Sheeran during the British singer’s concert in India. Some of his biggest hits include Lover, G.O.A.T., Born to Shine and Lemonade.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


Ministry of Sound Classical: 9 November

Dubai is turning up the volume with Ministry of Sound Classical. The event takes place on Saturday, 9 November at Coca-Cola Arena Dubai, and showcases dance music to the masses. Classic tunes are reimagined and rearranged by Ministry of Sound Classical Orchestra, and conducted by David Mahoney. Previous set lists boast 90s tracks including The Chemical Brothers’ Hey Boy Hey Girl, Dario G’s Sunchyme, Faithless’ Insomnia, Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now and more.

GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information. 


Adriatique: 16 November

Adriatique will set the stage on fire with their X show at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. This DJ set promises an immersive experience with mind-bending digital artistry, state-of-the-art lighting, and an out-of-the-box production. The upcoming concert is poised to be one of Adriatique’s most significant shows of 2024, making it one that you cannot miss. For those unversed with Adriatique, it’s a duo of Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer hailing from Zurich, Switzerland. They’ve been producing music for over a decade, featuring a sound that resonates with the audience, offering an out-of-body experience. Some of their biggest hits include Home, Mystery and Rollox.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


Martin Garrix: 16 November 2024

Dubai, get ready to party. The world-famous DJ and producer, Martin Garrix, is coming to the city. He will perform as part of ATLANTIS LIVE at Atlantis, The Palm, on 16 November. Over the years, Martin has scored hit singles, which include AnimalsIn the Name of Love and Scared to be Lonely. He has collaborated with Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan. He has also played at major music festivals including Coachella, Creamfields, MDLBeast and Tomorrowland. Martin is no stranger to the region, and last performed at ATLANTIS LIVE in May 2024. Plus, the show will welcome surprise supporting acts and state-of-the-art production. 

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information. 


B*Witched: 22 November 2024

The British girl group B*Witched will perform at Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium as part of The Irish Village Garhoud’s Back to the 90s events. B*Witched hail from Dublin, Ireland, and were famous for their bubble gum pop songs. Dressed in double denim, the group Irish danced their way to the top of the charts. Their hit singles include Blame It On The Weatherman, Jesse Hold On, Mickey and Rollercoaster. However, it was their debut song C’est La Vie, which garnered them worldwide attention and made them the youngest girl group to get a number-one song in the UK. 

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.


Lang Lang: 22 November 2024

Disney fans, this one’s for you. Taking place on 22 November, Lang Lang will take over the stage at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, to bring some of Disney’s most beloved songs to life. This special performance — called Lang Lang Plays Disney — will feature classics like Let It Go from Frozen, You’ll Be in My Heart from Tarzan, The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book, and many more. Accompanied by a full orchestra and some surprise guests, this event promises to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Tickets start from AED 145.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.


From The Oyster Comes The Pearl: 23 November 2024

From The Oyster Comes The Pearl festival will be held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Four rock bands will take to the stage with The Mission headlining the show. Formed in 1985, the upcoming concert will mark their debut in the Middle East. Expect to bang your head to hits like Wasteland, Tower of Strength, and many more. Apart from The Mission, Claytown Troupe will also take to the stage alongside IST IST and The Chameleons. Together, these bands promise a night of head-banging rock glory. Early bird tickets start at AED 199.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.


Wireless Middle East: 23 November 2024

Brits will be familiar with Wireless Festival, one of the UK’s biggest music events which brings together the biggest names in hip-hop, rap, R&B, grime and dance. Now, as the festival prepares to make its return to the capital with Wireless Middle East 2024, FACT can reveal the first 12 artists to perform at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park on Saturday, 23 November. SZA, 21 Savage, Flo Milli and Yeat will all make their Middle East debuts, alongside Dina Ayada, Faris Shafi, Fridayy, Lancey Foux, Mazen, Raf Saperra, Seedhe Maut, and the locally-based group Stick No Bills.

GO: Visit https://wirelessfestival.me for more information. 


Afterlife: 6 December 2024

Electronic fans, here’s some news that will be music to your ears. Afterlife will be making its debut in the Middle East. Afterlife festival is known for its deep, atmospheric music and mind-bending visual installations, providing revellers with a multi-sensory experience designed to take attendees on a transformative journey. For its debut in Abu Dhabi, Afterlife has curated an extraordinary lineup, featuring Layla Benitez, Rebūke, and Cassian. The evening will also include two special showcases: MRAK presents ‘We Don’t Follow’ and Anyma presents ‘Genesys,’ giving attendees a taste of the cutting-edge artistry that defines the Afterlife experience. The night will reach its peak with a closing set by Tale Of Us. 

GO: Visit www.after.life for more information. 


Maroon 5: 6 December 2024

Rihanna, Eminem, Foo Fighters and The Weeknd are just some of the names that have performed live at the F1 Yasalam After-Race Concerts in Abu Dhabi, and now Maroon 5 will soon be added to the mix. Led by Adam Levine, Maroon 5 will be treating fans to an unmissable live show at Etihad Park on 6 December, performing hits like US Diamond breakout single “Girls Like You”, platinum-selling “Beautiful Mistakes”, and more. The Los Angeles-based band not only boasts multiple Grammy Awards, but it has also become one of the most successful groups on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With over 750 concerts in more than 30 countries worldwide behind it, Maroon 5 now reaches over 61 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.


Eminem: 7 December 2024

The upcoming Yasalam After-Race concert marks Eminem’s return to the capital. He had previously performed in Abu Dhabi back in 2012. Eminem’s career spans over two decades. Throughout his musical journey, he’s produced hits such as The Real Slim Shady, Mockingbird, Without Me, Lose Yourself, and many more. It’s been a busy year for the artist known as Slim Shady, who released his 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) in July.

GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.


Muse: 8 December 2024

Abu Dhabi is turning up the volume, as it has announced a stellar act for the F1 Yasalam after-race concerts. English rock sensation Muse will be heading to Abu Dhabi to wow crowds with an electrifying performance. This rock band—consisting of Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard, and Chris Wolstoneholme—was formed in 1994 and has been dominating the music scene ever since. With its unique fusion of rock, electronic, R&B, and a dash of rock opera, Muse has managed to stay in the game for 30 years. With chart-topping albums like The 2nd Law, Absolution, and Drones, and hits including Hysteria, Psycho, and Uprising — not to forget a cabinet full of awards, including Grammys, Brit Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and NME Awards — Muse has solidified their spot as one of the biggest acts in the world.

GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.


Thirty Seconds to Mars: 12 December 2024

The countdown is on. The American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars have announced that they will be performing at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Thirty Seconds to Mars was formed in Los Angeles, California, and includes the brothers Jared and Shannon Leto. Jared is better known for his acting credentials, as he has starred in films including American Psycho and House of Gucci. Thirty Seconds to Mars is famous for its alternative rock sound. The songs include A Beautiful Lie, Closer to the Edge and The Kill. The band have sold more than 15 million albums, and toured the world and headlined festivals. Tickets start from AED 295. 

GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information. 


Sole DXB: 13 to 15 December 2024

Taking place from 13 to 15 December, Sole DXB 2024 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience once again. This festival offers a dynamic mix of events, including live music, DJ sets, fashion shows, film screenings, talks, workshops, sports tournaments, youth clinics and much more. The lineup is yet to be unveiled, but past performers and guests have included the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Central Cee, Jorja Smith, Nas, Scottie Pippen, Stormzy, Tobe Nwigwe and Wu-Tang Clan.

GO: Visit https://sole.digital for more information.


Eternal: 14 December 2024

The British R&B group Eternal will perform at Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium as part of The Irish Village Garhoud’s Back to the 90s events. Eternal hail from London, United Kingdom, and were known for their signature soul sound. The original line-up included sisters Easther and Vernie Bennett, Kelle Bryan and Louise Redknapp. The group’s hit singles include I Am Blessed, Power of a Woman and Stay. It was I Wanna Be The Only One, which scored them their first UK number one. Get ready for some nineties nostalgia when the girl group performs at The Irish Village this winter.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.


Bryan Adams: 19 December 2024

Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams will perform at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as part of the World Tennis League 2024. His hits such as (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, Heaven, and Summer of ’69 have become timeless anthems, and having previously performed in Dubai at the Autism Rocks Arena in 2017 and at Coca-Cola Arena in 2023, Adams’ return to the UAE promises to be a momentous occasion. Tickets are available via Platinumlist from AED 199.

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


Ludovico Einaudi: 19 January 2025

Get ready to welcome Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. While it’ll be his first time in the capital, he’s no stranger to the UAE, having sold out three shows in Dubai already. Born in Turin, Einaudi’s musical journey began under the guidance of his mother, who introduced him to the piano at a young age. His early experimentation with music eventually led him to pursue formal training in Milan, where he honed his composition skills. Einaudi’s music draws inspiration from minimalism and contemporary pop. Some of his most famous works include the likes of Experience, Nuvole Bianche, and I Giorni. Tickets for the event are on sale now, starting at just AED 250. 

GO: Visit www.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.


Green Day: 27 January 2025

American hitmakers Green Day are set to perform for the first time in the Middle East. The talented trio will perform in a purpose-built open-air stadium at Expo City Dubai, which can accommodate 30,000 people. The landmark show will see the group perform their old and new hits. The group has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and their hit songs include American Idiot, Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Wake Me Up When September Ends. Plus, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), which is often played at the end of their concerts. Plus, they will be supported by the American rock group, The Offspring.

GO: Visit https://greendaydxb.com for more information.


CAS: 31 January 2025

CAS will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 31 January 2025. The upcoming concert will heavily feature tracks from the band’s upcoming album, X. The songs take inspiration from CAS frontman, Greg Gonzalez’s personal life — taking listeners back to the 70s and the 80s. Formed in 2008, CAS is led by Greg Gonzalez, along with Jacob Tomsky and Randall Miller. With music that dives deep into the intricacies of relationships and emotions, the band shot to fame in 2015 with Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby. Other hits include Apocalypse and Sunsetz. Tickets start at AED 195.

GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.


REWIND Festival: 22 February 2025

REWIND is returning to Dubai for its third year with a lineup packed full of your favourite 80s icons. The 2025 edition is set to take place at Bla Bla Dubai and will showcase a stellar lineup, headlined by the legendary Tony Hadley. The festival will be a vibrant affair filled with top-notch entertainment, including fantastic food, numerous bars, and live performances from Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Midge Ure, Tunde (voice of the Lighthouse Family), The Christians, Katrina, Toyah, Tiffany and Disco Inferno.

GO: Visit https://www.rewindfestdxb.com/ for reservations and more information.


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David Tapley - Editor-in-Chief
As editor-in-chief of the region’s most fiercely local lifestyle publication, David is a self-proclaimed hip-hop aficionado, championing all things food, travel, street art, and streetwear across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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