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
Mary J. Blige: 24 June 2025
The Queen of Hip-Hop and R&B is headed to Dubai. The one and only Mary J. Blige will take the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 24 June. Few artists can claim a legacy as powerful and enduring as Mary J. Blige. Over the last three decades, she has released 14 studio albums, sold over 100 million records worldwide, and earned nine Grammy Awards. Her catalogue is packed with era-defining anthems, including “Real Love,” “No More Drama,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” “Be Without You,” and the Dr. Dre-produced “Family Affair”—tracks that continue to resonate with fans across generations.
GO: Visit livenation.me for tickets and more information.
Jennifer Lopez: 29 July 2025
Let’s get loud! It looks like the American superstar Jennifer Lopez is bringing her Up All Night summer tour to Etihad Arena. Jennifer Lopez, as her hit single Jenny from the Block tells us, hails from New York in the United States. Her top tracks also include Ain’t It Funny, Get Right, If You Had My Love, I’m Real, Let’s Get Loud, Love Don’t Cost A Thing and Waiting for Tonight. Tickets to see Jennifer Lopez live in Abu Dhabi are available now via Platinumlist and are priced from AED 295.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Limp Bizkit: 12 August 2025
Limp Bizkit will take over Etihad Arena on Yas Island for what’s sure to be a head-banging concert on Tuesday, 12 August. The rock band, fronted by Fred Durst, was formed in the mid-90s and exploded onto the music scene with tracks like Break Stuff and Rollin’. Their album “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water” sold over a million copies in its first week alone, cementing their place in the Music Hall of Fame. Limp Bizkit was originally slated to perform in Dubai in 2008, but the show never materialised, leaving fans disappointed and craving a chance to see them live. Fast forward to 2025, and the wait is finally over.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
Natalie Imbruglia: 23 August 2025
Natalia Imbruglia will be lighting up the stage at Dubai Opera this August, promising an evening filled with timeless classics, soulful melodies, and all the nostalgic feels. Natalie Imbruglia burst onto the global music scene back in 1997 with her debut album “Left Of The Middle.” But it was her breakout single Torn that became a global sensation, topping charts around the world. In fact, it remains the most-played song on Australian radio since 1990. Tickets start at AED 295.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
The Smashing Pumpkins: 9 October 2025
The Smashing Pumpkins are finally coming to Abu Dhabi. The popular alternative rock band will bring their Rock Invasion tour to Abu Dhabi. From the searing riffs of Bullet With Butterfly Wings and the nostalgia-drenched 1979, to new crowd favourites like Sighommi and Beguiled, the setlist will showcase the band’s extensive catalogue. Brought to the capital by Live Nation Middle East, the event will be a landmark moment for rock fans across the region.
GO: Visit via livenation.me for tickets and more information.
Carl Cox: 17 October 2025
Dubai’s nightlife continues to raise the bar, and one of the biggest names in electronic music is set to take over the decks at Playa Pacha this October. Known for his infectious energy and genre-defining sets, legendary DJ Carl Cox is making his highly anticipated return to the city. With a career that kicked off in the 1980s, he’s graced the stages of Burning Man, Glastonbury and Ultra Music Festival, spinning everything from techno and house to full-blown rave anthems. Now, Dubai’s party people can experience his magic live in one of the city’s most impressive beachside venues.
GO: Visit pachaicons.com for more information.
Lil Baby: 18 October 2025
Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Baby will make his long-awaited Dubai debut with a headline performance at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, 18 October 2025. The robust rapper exploded onto the global stage in 2018 with Harder Than Hard, before dominating charts with hits like the diamond-certified Drip Too Hard and the Grammy-nominated The Bigger Picture. His 2020 album My Turn became the best-selling album in the U.S. that year, surpassing even Taylor Swift, and was recently named the No. 1 rap album of the 21st century. Having made hits with DJ Khaled, Drake, Future, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott, revellers can expect a high-octane performance and a hit-packed setlist when Lil Baby brings his show to Dubai’s biggest stage this October.
GO: Visit livenation.me for tickets and more information.
David Gray: 31 October 2025
David Gray will bring his Past & Present Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 31 October,. Throughout his career, David Gray has had several hits such as Babylon, Sailaway and This Year’s Love. His voice, poetic lyrics, and sound have not only earned him a dedicated global fan base but also several accolades. These include two Grammy nominations, a BAFTA nomination, four BRIT Awards nominations, and two Ivor Novello Awards. With an incredible stage presence and timeless music, you’re guaranteed to have an evening to remember.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Enrique Iglesias: 1 November 2025
Do you need a hero? Well, you may just find that in the form of Enrique Iglesias who is performing at Etihad Arena on 1 November. With a career that spans more than 20 years, Enrique has released 11 studio albums and headlined ten sold-out world tours. Singles like Escape, Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You) and Could I Have This Kiss Forever, a duet with Whitney Houston, have topped charts worldwide, solidifying him as a global superstar. We’re hoping that Enrique sings his famous hits, from Bailamos to Hero.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
UNTOLD Dubai: 6 to 9 November 2025
Party people, get those dancing shoes on because UNTOLD Dubai 2025 is making a grand return. Taking place from 6 to 9 November, the mega music festival will take place at Dubai Parks and Resorts, it’s going to be epic. Details of who will be headlining this edition are yet to be revealed, but the upcoming installment will feature an even more impressive – and extensive – lineup of artists and new stages.
GO: Visit https://untold.ae for more information.
Deep Purple: 20 November 2025
The British hard-rock band Deep Purple will be rocking the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai at their only show in the Middle East this year. For those unversed, Deep Purple hails from the United Kingdom and was formed in the late 60s. It consists of Ian Gillan on vocals, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboard maestro Don Airey, and guitarist Simon McBride. The band is considered one of the pioneers of hard rock music. With a career spanning over five decades, Deep Purple has given the world some of the most iconic rock anthems, including Black Night, Fireball, Hush, Smoke on the Water and Speed King. Over the years, Deep Purple has bagged numerous awards, including an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Level 42: 21 November 2025
British jazz-funk legends Level 42 will perform in Dubai this year. Coming to Bla Bla Dubai on 21 November, expect a night of high-energy, packed with nostalgic 80s hits. With classics like Lessons in Love and Something About You, this concert is not one to be missed. Ticket prices start at AED 299, so grab yours now.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Benson Boone: 4 December 2025
It’s that time of year again. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is turning up the heat with a performance from Benson Boone. The singer first gained attention through TikTok and a brief appearance on American Idol. It was his debut single Ghost Town in 2021, that skyrocketed him to further fame. Since then, he has released several successful tracks such as In the Stars, Sugar Sweet, and the viral hit Beautiful Things. His upcoming performance in Abu Dhabi promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.
Elyanna: 5 December 2025
Known for her hypnotic fusion of Arabic lyrics and Latin rhythms, Elyanna’s return to the UAE at this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix follows her breakout moment earlier this year when she shared the stage with Coldplay during their four sold-out shows at Zayed Sports City Stadium. From becoming the first artist to perform in Arabic at Coachella to signing with Universal Arabic Music, Elyanna’s path to stardom has been anything but ordinary. Her hit tracks include Ana Lahale, Ghareeb Alay, Sokkar, and We Pray, a collaboration with Coldplay, Little Simz, Burna Boy, and Tini.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.
Post Malone: 5 December 2025
Do the songs Circles, Rockstar and Sunflower get your toes tapping? Well, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Post Malone, the man behind the hits, is performing at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. The rapper has gained critical and commercial success for his blend of hip-hop, rock and trap. In 2024, he released his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion. The release saw the singer move into the country music genre while topping the album charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. He featured on Taylor Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Department on the track Fortnight, and on Beyoncé’s most recent release, Cowboy Carter on the track Levii’s Jeans. Plus, he performed with Beyoncé at her 2024 NFL Halftime Show.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.
Metallica: 6 December 2025
Metalheads in the UAE, prepare to unleash your inner rock star because the kings of metal, Metallica, are set to blow the roof off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 concerts on 6 December. Metallica’s discography boasts a treasure trove of headbanging anthems. From Fade to Black to Master of Puppets and One, each song is a sonic adventure. With several Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they have repeatedly proven their musical prowess. The show forms part of Metallica’s M72 World Tour, which features a series of stadium shows in North America, Australia and New Zealand.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.
Katy Perry: 7 December 2025
Yas Island will be buzzing with speed, energy, and superstar power as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix races into town. And on Sunday, 7 December, Katy Perry will be lighting up Etihad Park with a high-voltage performance. Dropping hit after hit, including Dark Horse, Firework, Roar and Teenage Dream, the pop princess has bagged numerous awards, including Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, a Guinness World Record and 13 Grammy nominations.
GO: Visit https://www.formula1.com for more information.
Franz Ferdinand: 13 December 2025
Glasgow’s famous rock band, Franz Ferdinand, is heading to Dubai this year. Gearing up to wow the crowds on 13 December at Coca-Cola Arena, the band promises an epic night of modern rock music that’s guaranteed to get fans banging their heads. With over two decades of work, Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos, Bob Hardy, Julian Corrie, Dino Bardor and Audrey Tait will belt out hits from their latest album, The Human Fear, and some classics as well. So, if you missed the band the last time they were in the UAE, this is your chance.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.
Rod Stewart: 17 December 2025
British rockstar Rod Stewart will take the stage at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 17 December. Rod Stewart’s chart-topping hits include Forever Young, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, and The First Cut Is the Deepest. Over the years, he’s racked up several accolades, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Living Legend Award, and a knighthood in 2016 for his services to music and charity. He’s sold over 250 million records worldwide.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
