Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates host numerous arts and culture events, shopping festivals, concerts and several big budget international sports and leisure competitions, tournaments and events involving high prize money throughout the year. The most well-known of these is probably the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Art & Culture
Organizations such as The Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation always have events, festivals, concerts and exhibitions in the pipeline throughout the year. All over the Emirate, various galleries, museums and theatres host artist exhibitions, events, workshops and demonstrations within arts, culture and literature.
Concerts and live performances
The cultural capital of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi has countless theatres, concert halls and music venues to its credit. If you are in the mood for some live entertainment during your stay, we suggest to you check out the events calendars for the following live entertainment venues:
du Arena – part of the Ferrari World complex, du Arena is an outdoor music venue and amphitheater on Yas Island. As the region’s largest outdoor venue, it can host up to 35,000 people. Recent international artists to have performed here include Eminem, Lana Del Rey, Guns N’ Roses and Bruno Mars as well as festivals such as Taste of Abu Dhabi and dance festival Creamfields.
du Forum – this venue on Yas Island can hold a variety of events that can be both indoor and outdoor throughout the year such as artistic performances, sporting events etc.
Emirates Palace Auditorium – this ornately decorated auditorium is 3,000 sqm with a capacity to accommodate 1,100 seated guests. The state-of-the-art Auditorium is a favorite for classical music concerts and musical performances.
Etihad Arena – set on the waterfront of Yas Bay, is the Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue. With a capacity of 18,000 people, the venue is suitable for concerts, stand-up comedy, sports events etc.
Abu Dhabi events
Here’s a list of some of the recurring events, fairs, shows and festivals in Abu Dhabi. For sports events go to the next chapter.
- Abu Dhabi Festival
- Abu Dhabi Culinary
- Taste of Abu Dhabi
- Creamfields Electronics Dance Music Festival
- Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
- The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
- Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition
- My Heritage is My responsibility
- Middle East Games Con
- Abu Dhabi International Dance Festival
- Mother of Nation Festival
- National Day Festival
Abu Dhabi Shopping Season
If you plan to do some shopping while you’re in town, this is something you don’t want to miss. Running over a period of two months, the Abu Dhabi Shopping Season is a shopping bonanza with bargains and discounts up to 80% on a wide range of products in malls across Abu Dhabi, al Ain and Al Dhafra. More than 3,500 retailers and over 20 malls are participating in the Abu Dhabi Shopping Season. In addition, the shopping spree includes various opportunities to win huge prizes and get hold of exclusive product lines. This annual event is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism and takes place during the months of January and February.