Abu Dhabi Unveils Massive Events Calendar for Next Six Months

Abu Dhabi, Thu 5 Oct 2023 – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) has unveiled its largest events calendar to date, featuring over 150 cultural and live entertainment events. The Abu Dhabi Calendar promises an exciting lineup of culinary innovations, music concerts, heritage festivals, and major sporting events.

In a glamorous ceremony, DCT Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the destination brand Experience Abu Dhabi, partnered with renowned artist will.i.am to announce and celebrate the upcoming events season. The department’s Director General of Tourism, Saleh Al Geziry, expressed the aim of making Abu Dhabi a hub of events with at least one major event taking place every week.

The calendar showcases a diverse range of activities for residents and visitors alike. Highlights include the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concerts headlined by Ava Max, Tiesto, and Foo Fighters, as well as thrilling NBA and UFC events. Other notable events include cultural festivals, interactive family shows, and performances. Mahesh Bhupathi, co-founder of the World Tennis League, revealed that the franchise-based event will take place at the Etihad Arena in December and will feature a performance by 50 Cent.

The cultural programming of the calendar puts a spotlight on the UAE’s rich history and heritage, with museum exhibitions and educational initiatives. The season will see the return of the annual book festivals, Al Ain Book and Al Dhafra, which celebrate Emirati literature and culture, offering opportunities to connect with renowned writers, publishers, and artists from the UAE. Other captivating cultural experiences include theatrical plays, Abu Dhabi Classics, Traditional Handicrafts Festival, Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Al Hosn Festival, and the Maritime Heritage Festival.

Music enthusiasts can look forward to a varied lineup of performances, including Robbie Williams XXV Tour, Arijit Singh, and concerts by Nancy Ajram and the Spacetoon Orchestra at the Mother of the Nation festival. Families can enjoy popular shows such as Disney On Ice Presents 100 Years of Wonder and the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. Other upcoming events include the Giant Italian Circus in Al Ain, Storm the Block, the Middle East debut of Broadway’s Hamilton, and the Middle East Film & Comic Con.

Sports fans can experience thrilling championships, including the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC 294, and the World Supercross Championship. In the coming months, there will be the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi T10 League, and World Tennis League.

Foodies will also have their fill with the region’s first and biggest Michelin Food Festival, Taste of Abu Dhabi, Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants, Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, and the Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey.

Adding to the lineup of Experience Abu Dhabi events, Saadiyat Nights will offer weekly live entertainment on the beach from December to February 2024. Musical acts will take the stage on Saadiyat Island for this locally organized event.

Yas Island will celebrate the winter sun with an array of seasonal festivities across its attractions, including Winter Fest at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

The announcement of the Abu Dhabi Calendar’s extensive roster of events follows the launch of Experience Abu Dhabi’s ‘Can’t Wait to Winter’ campaign, featuring Indian superstar Ranveer Singh, Chinese-American actress Liu Yifei, and iconic Gulf comedians Dawood Hussein and Hasan Al Ballam.

With its diverse range of events, Abu Dhabi is set to attract residents and visitors alike, solidifying its position as a leading destination for entertainment and cultural experiences.