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.
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.
Macy Gray: 29 August 2025
Macy Gray, the unmistakable voice behind the early 2000s anthem I Try, is set to perform live at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, 29 August 2025, marking her highly anticipated debut in the UAE. The one-night-only concert will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Gray’s breakthrough album, On How Life Is, a release that catapulted the Ohio-born artist into global stardom. With its soulful sound and raw emotion, the album quickly went triple platinum and earned Gray her first Grammy Award. Expect a nostalgic tribute to that era, with live renditions of timeless hits including Still, Why Didn’t You Call Me, Sweet Baby, and Beauty in the World.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
AP Dhillon: 7 September 2025
Dubai, brace yourselves for the ultimate groove-fest because AP Dhillon is hitting the stage at Coca-Cola Arena this September. The singer straddles Punjabi roots and Western influences, fusing hip-hop, pop, and R&B into a uniquely soulful sound. His breakthrough came with the release of the chart-topping single “Brown Munde” in 2020, propelling him straight into stardom. Since then, AP Dhillon has been on a roll, churning out hits like “Excuses” and “With You.” With over five billion streams across all platforms, it’s safe to say that Dhillon’s music has become a global phenomenon.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Shubh: 5 October 2025
Taking place on 5 October, Shubh will take to the stage at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Marking his first-ever performance in the region, the show forms part of his The Supreme Tour. Expect a night packed with epic hits. For those unfamiliar, Shubh (real name Shubhneet Singh) hails from Toronto and has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting voices in Punjabi hip-hop. His breakout hits – Still Rollin, Fell For You, Elevated, One Love, Supreme, and the viral track Cheques – have dominated global playlists. With a massive international fanbase and a track record of sold-out arenas, his rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.
GO: Visit https://coca-cola-arena.com for 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.
SB19: 11 October 2025
Filipino pop sensations SB19 will perform in Dubai for one night only at Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, 11 October 2025. Known for their dynamic choreography, polished visuals, and signature blend of pop, hip-hop, and electronic sounds infused with Filipino identity, the group has become a driving force of P-Pop since their 2018 debut. Fans can expect a setlist of chart-topping hits from viral breakthrough “Go Up” to their recent No. 1 single “DAM”, alongside favourites like “GENTO” and “MAPA”. Over the years, SB19 has made history as the first Filipino act to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award, topping Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart for seven weeks with “Bazinga.”
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for 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.
Scorpions: 21 October 2025
Iconic rock bands have come and gone, but 60 years since its inception, the Scorpions are still going strong. In fact, the legendary band is embarking on its Coming Home — 60 Years of Scorpions world tour in 2025, with a pit stop in Abu Dhabi confirmed for 21 October at Etihad Arena. Formed in Hanover back in 1965, the band has long been a disruptor in hard rock and heavy metal, distinguished by influential lyrics that reflected the remarkable developments in Germany during that time. Their success has been marked by several chart-topping hits, achieving over 120 million records sold and surpassing one billion views on YouTube for the single Wind of Change.
GO: Visit https://www.livenation.me for more information.
Stereophonics: 29 October 2025
Have a Nice Day, thanks to the Welsh band, Stereophonics. The group are coming to Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 29 October. In 1999, they reached mainstream success with their album, Performance and Cocktails. Their hit singles include A Thousand Trees, C’est La Vie, Dakota, Have A Nice Day, and Maybe Tomorrow. Throughout their career, they have achieved nine UK number one albums, 13 UK top 10 albums, 11 UK top 10 singles, and a UK number one single with “Dakota”. The group have sold over 10 million albums, 1.5 billion global streams and five BRIT Award nominations, and one BRIT Award win.
GO: Visit livenation.me for more information.
Anyma: 31 October
Anyma will officially launch this year’s Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on Halloween night. The night will see Anyma bring Quantum Dubai to life – an immersive audiovisual experience blending futuristic visuals, beats, and cutting-edge stage production. If you’ve seen Anyma perform before, you’ll know he’s not just about the music. He delivers a multi-sensory journey that feels like stepping into another dimension. For the uninitiated, Anyma is the solo project of Matteo Milleri, who is also one-half of the acclaimed electronic duo Tale Of Us. His performance will set the stage for a series of shows at the venue for the remainder of the year.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for 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.
Afrobiano Fest: 1 November 2025
Afrobiano Fest is returning to Abu Dhabi. Taking place on 1 November at Yas Beach, it celebrates Afrobeat and Amapiano culture. This festival promises to be a celebration of Afrobeats and Amapiano musical genres, set against the stunning backdrop of the sea. Afrobiano Fest in Abu Dhabi has a reputation for showcasing incredible talent from around the world, and this year’s lineup features BOOHLE and Masterpiece YVK. However, it’s not just about the music. Visitors can also enjoy African food and drink from street food stalls, along with immersive art exhibitions and pop-up shops.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for tickets and 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.
Elissa: 3 November 2025
Adding a touch of Arabic glam to Dubai Opera is the region’s beloved singer Elissa, who’ll perform on 3 November. Promising a show to remember, the Queen of Emotions will bring her signature soul-stirring vocals to the iconic venue. For those unversed, Elissa is one of the Arab world’s most iconic artists. Hailing from Lebanon, she rose to fame in the early 2000s and quickly became a name to be reckoned with in contemporary Arabic pop. Her discography is packed with timeless hits, including “Ayshalak,” “Betmoun,” “Ajmal Ihssas,” and “Hob Kol Hayat.”
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for 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, and it’s going to be epic. Details of who will be headlining this edition include Martin Garrix and Steve Aoki. The upcoming instalment will feature an even more impressive – and extensive – lineup of artists and new stages.
GO: Visit https://untold.ae for more information.
Travis Scott: 15 November 2025
American rapper Travis Scott is heading to Abu Dhabi. The artist, known to his fans as La Flame, is bringing his record-shattering Circus Maximus World Tour to the capital on Friday, 15 November 2025. Launched in October 2023, the record-breaking Circus Maximus World Tour has stormed through 76 sold-out shows across North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. The global spectacle is the highest-grossing rap tour in history, pulling in a staggering $209.3 million and selling 1.7 million tickets, cementing the rapper’s place at the top of the hip-hop hierarchy.
GO: Visit travisscott.com 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.
Ronan Keating: 21 November 2025
Get ready to swoon. The Irish hitmaker, Ronan Keating, is coming to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. If you love big ballads and boy bands, then get ready for some serious nostalgia. Ronan Keating was part of the boyband, Boyzone. The group scored six number-one singles and five number-one albums. The group’s hit songs include A Different Beat, Love Me For Reason and Picture Of You. In 1999, Ronan went solo, and his hit songs include Life Is A Rollercoaster, The Way You Make Me Feel and When You Say Nothing At All. With the group, he sold more than 25 million records, and as a solo artist, he has sold more than 20 million records.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Karan Aujla: 29 November 2025
South Asian pop star Karan Aujla has announced his It Was All A Dream world tour. The tour comes to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 29 November. Karan’s It Was All A Dream world tour has already been to Canada, India, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In India, he played 10 shows across seven cities, and to more than 200,000 fans. In July 2024, the singer-songwriter will embark on a tour around Europe and North America, which coincides with the release of his third solo album.
GO: Visit https://www.etihadarena.ae for 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.
Maroon 5: 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a big deal. The city celebrates the occasion with iconic, world-famous fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and across various landmarks. As always, Atlantis, The Palm is pulling out all the stops with a stellar act for the night — Maroon 5 will take centre stage. The event takes place on a custom-built open-air deck, offering views of the Palm and the Dubai skyline. Expect canapés, a 30-piece live band, free-flowing champagne, lobster, caviar, sushi, live cooking stations, and much more. This year also sees the return of VIP Sky Suites, with 22 private pods offering front-row views, butler service, and a personalised menu from Atlantis’s top restaurants.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Rewind Fest DXB: 7 February 2026
Music enthusiasts and nostalgia-seekers, rejoice. The much-loved Rewind Fest DXB is making a triumphant return in 2026, promising another epic celebration of the sounds from the 80s and 90s. Headlining the all-day festival is Bananarama, joined by a star-studded roster that includes Nik Kershaw, Heaven 17, Go West, Jason Donovan, The Real Thing, Cutting Crew, Toyah, and Disco Inferno. With non-stop performances, live DJs, activities, food, and a high-energy celebration, this event promises the ultimate throwback party.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
