Whether you’re a K-popper or a hip-hop head, here are the best concerts in the UAE 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 music, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in the UAE.
Paul Oakenfold: 18 September 2026
British DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold is returning to Dubai for The Legends of Trance at The Agenda on 18 September 2026. A key figure in the rise of electronic dance music, Oakenfold helped bring Balearic beats, progressive house and trance into the mainstream during the late 1980s and 1990s. Across a career spanning more than four decades, he has worked with Madonna, U2 and The Rolling Stones, while releasing enduring tracks including “Ready Steady Go,” “Southern Sun,” “Starry Eyed Surprise” and “Faster Kill Pussycat.” Oakenfold has also performed in unusual locations, including Mount Everest Base Camp and Stonehenge.
Where: The Agenda, Abdullah Omran Taryam Street, Dubai Media City, Dubai
When: Friday, 18 September 2026 at 8pm
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Richard Marx: 3 October 2026
There are numerous concerts happening in the UAE this year, but October is about to skew unapologetically nostalgic. Richard Marx is heading to Dubai for a one-night-only show at Coca-Cola Arena, marking what organisers describe as his first performance in the Middle East. Born in Chicago, Marx began his career as a songwriter and producer before his self-titled debut album was released in 1987, kickstarting his rise to international fame. From there, the accolades came fast. He remains the only male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 of the Billboard charts, a stat that neatly sums up the dominance of his run. Fan favourites include “Right Here Waiting,” “Hazard,” “Hold On to the Nights”, and “Satisfied,” songs that still land with the same earnest punch decades later.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Al Satwa, Dubai
When: Saturday 3 October 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Carl Cox: 9 October 2026
Few DJs have influenced electronic music quite like Carl Cox. The British artist rose through the acid house and rave movements, becoming famous for his technical ability, marathon sets and pioneering use of three turntables. His career has covered house, techno and everything in between, while his long association with Ibiza has made him one of the island’s most celebrated selectors. Tracks such as “I Want You (Forever)” and “Phuture 2000” remain important parts of his catalogue, while his remix of Ninetoes’ “Finder” has become another fan favourite. His Pacha Icons appearance will officially launch the Dubai season.
Where: Pacha Icons, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Friday, 9 October 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Sonny Fodera: 10 October 2026
Australian-born and London-based, Sonny Fodera has built a career around groove-heavy house music with big vocals and festival-ready hooks. His crossover success has helped push contemporary house into the mainstream, with “Asking”, alongside MK and Clementine Douglas, reaching the UK Top 10. Other standout releases include “Somedays” with Jazzy and D.O.D, and “Think About Us” with D.O.D and Poppy Baskcomb. Alongside sold-out headline shows, Fodera has appeared at major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury and Tomorrowland and will now peform at Pacha Icons.
Where: Pacha Icons, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Nancy Ajram: 24 October 2026
Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram will return to Dubai for a one-night-only concert at Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The singer will perform a selection of her biggest hits, including “Ah W Noss,” “Ya Tabtab,” “Mashy Haddy” and “Badna Nwalee El Jaw.” Known for her energetic performances and distinctive voice, Ajram has become one of the Arab world’s most successful and recognisable artists. Her career spans more than two decades, with numerous chart-topping albums and singles that have helped shape contemporary Arabic pop music. The Dubai concert promises an evening of popular anthems and crowd favourites.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
When: Saturday, 24 October 2026
Contact: https://coca-cola-arena.com
Blue: 25 October 2026
Get ready for a dose of pure pop nostalgia. The British boy band Blue will reunite for one special night at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at Expo City Dubai. The four-piece band includes Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe. The group rose to fame in the early 2000s with their distinctive R&B-infused pop sound. They quickly became one of the UK’s biggest boy bands, scoring three consecutive UK number one albums and a string of hits. Their most popular singles include “Too Close,” “If You Came Back,” “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,” “One Love”, and “All Rise.” The Dubai performance forms part of their Middle East tour.
Where: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Expo City Dubai
When: Sunday 25 October 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Adam Port: 31 October 2026
Adam Port has become one of electronic music’s most recognisable names through his solo work and his role in Berlin collective Keinemusik. Alongside &ME and Rampa, Port has helped develop a sound built around melodic house, Afro-influenced rhythms and long, atmospheric sets. His 2024 collaboration “Move”, created with Stryv, Keinemusik, Orso and Malachiii, became a global breakout hit and significantly expanded his audience. Other major releases include “Say What”, “Crazy For It” and his remix of Dua Lipa’s “Houdini.” He will from part of the Pacha Icons lineup on Halloween night in Dubai.
Where: Pacha Icons, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
ANOTR: 13 November 2026
Amsterdam duo ANOTR have become major players in modern house music by refusing to remain tied to one sound. Made up of Jesse van der Heijden and Oguzhan Guney, the pair blend house with funk, disco, soul and jazz, while their No Art label and events have developed a substantial international following. “Relax My Eyes” became their defining crossover track, while “How You Feel”, “Vertigo” and 2026 release “Talk To You” demonstrate the duo’s increasingly broad musical approach. Their energetic DJ sets have made them regulars at major clubs and festivals around the world and now they will play at Pacha Icons.
Where: Pacha Icons, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Friday, 13 November 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Hans Zimmer: 13 November 2026
Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer will return to Abu Dhabi for a live concert at Etihad Arena on Friday, 13 November 2026. Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival, the performance forms part of Zimmer’s The Next Level tour and will feature his 19-piece orchestra. Audiences can look forward to music from films including Dune, Gladiator, The Lion King, Inception, Interstellar and Pirates of the Caribbean. The concert will also feature musicians Tina Guo and Pedro Eustache, alongside vocalists Lisa Gerrard, Lebo M. and Loire. The Abu Dhabi show will celebrate the emirate’s connection to the Dune films, which featured scenes filmed in the destination.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, 13 November
Contact: https://www.etihadarena.ae/
Adriatique: 14 November 2026
Swiss dance duo Adriatique will return to Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on Saturday, 14 November 2026, marking their third consecutive appearance at the waterfront venue. Swiss duo Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer will present a new version of X, their immersive audiovisual concept combining melodic techno, digital artistry and large-scale production. The show follows sold-out Dubai editions in 2024 and 2025 and forms part of their global FOREVER tour, which also includes dates in Ibiza and São Paulo. Since launching in 2022, X has travelled to major electronic music destinations worldwide. Tickets and VIP tables for the Dubai show are on sale now.
Where: Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Dubai Harbour, Dubai
When: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Bryson Tiller: 14 November 2026
Bryson Tiller will provide the R&B side of the BREDx bill. The Louisville artist first gained attention online before “Don’t” became his breakthrough hit in 2015. His debut album T R A P S O U L followed that same year, helping define a darker, trap-influenced strain of contemporary R&B through songs such as “Exchange”, “Right My Wrongs” and “Sorry Not Sorry”. He later topped the US albums chart with True to Self and collaborated with Rihanna and DJ Khaled on the global hit “Wild Thoughts”.
Where: Etihad Live, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday 14 November 2026
Contact: https://bredabudhabi.com
Central Cee: 14 November 2026
Central Cee has become one of British rap’s biggest global success stories and will perform at BREDx Abu Dhabi this November. The West London rapper gained serious momentum with tracks including “Day in the Life” and “Loading”, before “Commitment Issues”, “Doja” and “Let Go” pushed him further into the mainstream. His 2023 collaboration with Dave, “Sprinter”, became another defining moment, while “BAND4BAND” with Lil Baby continued his international ascent. Central Cee recently became the first UK rapper to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify, underlining just how far his career has travelled from its Shepherd’s Bush beginnings.
Where: Etihad Live, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday 14 November 2026
Contact: https://bredabudhabi.com
Anuv Jain: 20 November 2026
The UAE’s live music calendar is not slowing down anytime soon. The latest name to join the lineup is Anuv Jain, who is set to return to Dubai for his Dastakhat World Tour. FACT Magazine has partnered with Live Nation Middle East to bring the show to town, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most in-demand gigs of the season. Expect a setlist packed with the tracks that built his cult following: “Baarishein” (the breakout that put him on the map), “Alag Aasmaan” (a soft, soaring singalong), and “Gul” (one of his most replayed releases). More recent fan essentials include “Husn” and “Jo Tum Mere Ho”, both of which have racked up huge streaming numbers.
Where: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Expo City Dubai
When: Friday 20 November 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me
Marco Carola: 20 November 2026
Marco Carola has spent decades at the forefront of Italian techno and tech house. Born in Naples, the DJ and producer established Music On to create a platform for his particular vision of club culture, with the concept becoming an Ibiza institution after launching on the island in 2012. Carola is particularly famous for lengthy sets that move between rolling techno and stripped-back house. His best-known productions include “Play It Loud”, “The Jingle” and “Party People”. For the Dubai edition of Music On at Pacha Icons, Carola will be joined by Chris Stussy, Ilario Alicante and Da Vid, creating one of the season’s most substantial lineups.
Where: Pacha Icons, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Friday, 20 November 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Keinemusik: 21 November 2026
Pacha ICONS is going big next spring, and it is bringing one of electronic music’s most in-demand collectives along for the ride. Keinemusik will headline the upcoming Pacha ICONS show at Bab Al Shams Arena in Dubai on Saturday, 21 November 2026, with the party running from 7pm to 4am. Known for curating high-energy house music nights with world-class lineups and high-end production, Pacha ICONS is stepping away from its usual Playa Pacha home at FIVE LUXE JBR for what’s being billed as its biggest show yet. For this edition, the series will transform Bab Al Shams Arena into an immersive open-air venue, leaning into the drama of the desert for a one-off experience that channels the spirit of Ibiza under the stars.
Where: Bab Al Shams Arena, Al Qudra Road, Mugatrah, Dubai
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Atif Aslam: 27 November 2026
The UAE, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere, has long been a melting pot of cultures. Among the vibrant tapestry of communities, the South Asian diaspora holds a significant presence. And they’ll be delighted to know that Atif Aslam is coming to Dubai once again. The Pakistani singer will serenade you with his chart-toppers and soulful melodies, including “Dil Diyan Gallan,” “Jeena Jeena,” and “Rafta Rafta.” He has since cemented his place as one of the most decorated artists in South Asia. Speaking to FACT, he shared that Dubai is more like a “second home”. So mark your calendars and prepare for a night that will tug at your heartstrings.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Al Satwa, Dubai
When: Friday 27 November 2026
Contact: www.coca-cola-arena.com
Boris Brejcha: 27 November 2026
Boris Brejcha returns to Soho Garden on Friday, 27 November 2026. The German DJ and producer has carved out his own corner of electronic music with a sound he calls “High-Tech Minimal”, mixing minimal techno with dramatic melodies, intricate production and driving rhythms. His Venetian-style Joker mask has become almost as recognisable as his music, and the DJ has become a festival favourite through performances at Tomorrowland and widely watched Cercle sets. His biggest tracks include “Gravity” featuring Laura Korinth, “Purple Noise”, “Up Down Jumper”, ‘House Music” featuring Arctic Lake and “Space Diver.”
Where: Soho Garden DXB, Meydan, Dubai
When: Friday, 27 November 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Tarkan: 27 November 2026
Turkish pop sensation Tarkan is bringing his global star power to Etihad Arena on Yas Island. He burst onto the scene in 1992 and quickly became a household name worldwide. His debut album Yine Sensiz was an instant success, and follow-up albums like Aacayipsin and Olurum Sana cemented his status as a pop phenomenon. With more than 15 million albums sold, Tarkan’s hits include “Simarik,” “Sikidum,” “Kuzu Kuzu,” “Dudu,” and “Yolla.” Expect a show packed with nostalgia, dance-floor favourites and the charisma that’s made him a legend across generations.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday 27 November 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me
Andrea Bocelli: 2 December 2026
Andrea Bocelli will perform at Etihad Arena on Yas Island during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 week. The world-renowned Italian tenor has been announced as the inaugural headliner for Yasalam Classics, a new concert series within the Yasalam entertainment programme. Joined by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, Bocelli’s Abu Dhabi concert forms part of his Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour, celebrating the landmark album that launched him to global fame.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
When: Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Contact: www.etihadarena.ae
Lewis Capaldi: 3 December 2026
Abu Dhabi’s biggest race week is warming up early. Lewis Capaldi has been confirmed as the opening night headliner for this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 after-race concert series. Capaldi’s return to the capital arrives with plenty of momentum. The Scottish singer-songwriter first broke through with bruised-heart balladry that felt disarmingly direct, then turned that emotional honesty into mainstream dominance with “Someone You Loved”, a chart-topper that reached Number 1 in the UK and became a global calling card. Live, he pairs those big choruses with dry humour and a knack for turning a crowd into a choir. A recent Abu Dhabi appearance at Saadiyat Nights showcased that balance with top tracks such as “Before You Go”, “Hold Me While You Wait” and “Forget Me” sitting front and centre in a set designed for mass sing-alongs.
Where: Etihad Park, Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursday 3 December 2026
Contact: www.abudhabigp.com
Zara Larsson: 3 December 2026
Zara Larsson brings the high-gloss pop rush to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 after-race concert series. The Swedish star first stepped into the spotlight as a child, later building international momentum with the sparkling “Lush Life” and the punchy, club-leaning “Never Forget You”. She has since stacked a catalogue made for festival-scale moments, including Clean Bandit collaboration “Symphony”, which became her first UK Number 1. For Abu Dhabi, expect crisp choreography, sky-high hooks, and a setlist that leans into her most recognisable hits.
Where: Etihad Park, Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursday 3 December 2026
Contact: www.abudhabigp.com
Anyma: 4 December 2026
Anyma will headline the official Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-party at Yas Gateway Park on Friday, 4 December 2026. Taking place on the opening night of race weekend, the show marks the Italian-American artist’s first UAE performance since his sold-out Quantum set at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience in October 2025. Anyma, the audiovisual project of Matteo Milleri, will present ÆDEN, combining melodic electronic music with cinematic digital art, surreal characters and futuristic landscapes. His rise has included Coachella, Tomorrowland, the Great Pyramids of Giza and a landmark Sphere residency in Las Vegas. FACT joins the event as a media partner.
Where: Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, 4 December 2026
Contact: www.livenation.me
Charlotte De Witte: 4 December 2026
Charlotte de Witte takes control of HIVE at Soho Garden on Friday, 4 December 2026. The Belgian DJ has become one of techno’s biggest global figures, turning dark, acid-inflected sounds into mainstage material without losing her underground credentials. Her rise has been remarkable. In 2025, de Witte reached number nine in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll and was named the World’s No.1 Techno DJ. That same year, she made Tomorrowland history by becoming the first artist to open and close the festival’s MainStage on the same day. Fans will know her for tracks including “Roar”, “Overdrive” and “The Age Of Love”, her acclaimed remix with Enrico Sangiuliano.
Where: HIVE, Soho Garden DXB, Meydan, Dubai
When: Friday, 4 December 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
&ME: 5 December 2026
The Keinemusik connection to the UAE continues with &ME, one of the Berlin collective’s founding figures and a producer known for richly layered, melodic house music. His releases have become fixtures in sets across Ibiza, Mykonos, Dubai and festival stages worldwide. “The Rapture Pt.III”, produced with Black Coffee, has become one of his biggest tracks, while “Muyè”, “Thandaza” and his remix of Guy Gerber’s “What To Do” underline the distinctive sound that has helped make Keinemusik a global phenomenon. His December appearance gives Pacha Icons another major name during one of Dubai’s busiest nightlife weekends.
Where: Pacha Icons, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Imagine Dragons: 5 December 2026
Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 weekend has added another global name to its entertainment line-up. Imagine Dragons will headline the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts on Saturday, 5 December 2026. Formed in Las Vegas in 2008 and fronted by Dan Reynolds, Imagine Dragons became one of the defining radio-rock acts of the 2010s. Their breakthrough came with the release of “Night Visions,” which introduced the band’s anthemic sound to a global audience. “Radioactive” became a career-making single, earning the group a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance in 2014. Since then, Imagine Dragons have built a catalogue designed for festival fields and stadium sing-alongs. Their biggest tracks include “Demons,” “Believer,” “Thunder,” and “Whatever It Takes.”
Where: Etihad Park, Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Contact: www.abudhabigp.com
The Chainsmokers: 6 December 2026
The Chainsmokers will turn up the energy at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, closing Race Day at Etihad Live on Sunday, 6 December. The Grammy Award-winning duo of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall rose to global fame with a run of electronic-pop hits, including “Closer”, “Don’t Let Me Down”, “Roses” and “Something Just Like This” with Coldplay. Their live shows mix DJ sets, vocals, big drops and festival-sized production. Performing alongside The Script, the duo will keep the celebrations going after Formula 1 crowns its 2026 season finale winner.
Where: Etihad Live, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Contact: https://www.abudhabigp.com
The Script: 6 December 2026
The Script will help bring the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to a rousing close, performing at Etihad Live on Sunday, 6 December. The Irish band have built a career around emotional pop-rock anthems and arena-ready choruses, with hits including “Breakeven”, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, “For the First Time” and “Hall of Fame”. Led by frontman Danny O’Donoghue, the group is known for turning their concerts into mass singalongs, making them a natural fit for the Formula 1 season finale. Their set forms part of a Sunday double bill alongside The Chainsmokers after the chequered flag falls.
Where: Etihad Live, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Contact: https://www.abudhabigp.com
Indira Paganotto: 12 December 2026
Soho Garden Festival 2026 concludes with Indira Paganotto at HIVE on Saturday, 12 December 2026. Born in the Canary Islands, the Spanish DJ has built her reputation by combining techno with the psychedelic energy of psytrance, creating the high-speed hybrid often described as psy-techno. Paganotto ranked at number 36 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll for 2025 after a year that included a 14-week Hï Ibiza residency and a Coachella performance alongside Sara Landry and Amelie Lens. Her catalogue includes the psychedelic “Gipsy Queen”, “Legend”, “Diabla” and “Himalaya.”
Where: HIVE, Soho Garden DXB, Meydan, Dubai
When: Saturday, 12 December 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Saint Levant: 19 December 2026
Palestinian singer Saint Levant will headline Dopa World at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, on Saturday, 19 December 2026. The performance forms part of his Afandi Tour, which travels across the Middle East, Europe and the United States before concluding in Dubai. The concert was originally scheduled for April 2026 but was postponed due to regional tensions. Born Marwan Abdelhamid, Saint Levant spent part of his childhood in Gaza before moving to France. His multicultural background shapes his music, which blends Arabic, English and French. Known for tracks including “Very Few Friends,” “From Gaza, with Love,” “Nails” and “Deira,” Saint Levant has become one of the region’s fastest-rising artists. Tickets for the Dopa World performance will be released soon.
Where: Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, Dubai
When: Saturday, 19 December 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net