Rock, rap, opera and a hit musical are some of the exciting performances coming to the UAE over the next few months.
A host of global stars will take centre stage from pop stars Katy Perry, Post Malone, and Jennifer Lopez, to nu-metal titans Limp Bizkit and classic metal stalwarts Metallica and British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart.
The Abu Dhabi Comedy Season and Dubai Comedy Festival will bring more laughs, with stand-up shows featuring Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Bill Burr and Zakir Khan.
Here, The National rounds up the best coming live events.
1. Mamma Mia!: June 11 to 22 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The stage sensation celebrates 25 years since its debut in London’s West End. Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson and scored to the hits of Abba, the story is set on a Greek island and follows young Sophie’s quest to find her father before her wedding.
Showtimes vary. Tickets start from Dh125
2. Jesse Cook: June 13 at Zabeel Theatre, Dubai and June 14 at the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Following a sold-out European tour, award-winning guitarist Jesse Cook returns to the UAE for intimate performances in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Renowned for his genre-blending sound that fuses flamenco, jazz and world music, Cook has sold more than two million albums and amassed more than 650 million streams. Joined by a dynamic ensemble of global musicians, these concerts promises an enchanting evening of rhythm, virtuosity and musical storytelling.
Both shows start at 8pm; tickets from Dh150
3. TJ Monterde: July 13 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
The Filipino pop star brings his Sarili Nating Mundo World Tour to Dubai with a set of heartfelt fan favourites, including Ikaw at Ako, Dating Tayo and Mahika. Opening the night is KZ Tandingan, setting the stage for an exuberant evening of Filipino pop.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh199
4. Abida Parveen: June 15 at Coca-Cola Arena
The legendary Sufi singer returns to Dubai for an evening of spiritually infused ghazals and devotional qawwali songs. Known for her powerful voice, Parveen performs lyrics drawn from Urdu and Sindhi poetry.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh150
5. Miami Band and Mutref Al-Mutref: June 28 at Coca-Cola Arena
The Kuwaiti group teams up with Khaleeji singer Mutref Al-Mutref for a night of Gulf pop hits. Expect to hear many of Miami Band's old-school favourites including Mashghoul, Hatha Ent, and Ya Helou.
Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh150
6. Shreya Ghoshal: July 19 at Trade Center Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre
Backed by a live orchestra, the veteran Bollywood singer will revisit some of her biggest hits from classic Bollywood films. Expect crowd favourites including Sun Raha Hai, Teri Ore and Ghar More Pardesiya.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh95
7. Wael Kfoury: June 22 at Dubai Opera
The Lebanese crooner makes his Dubai Opera debut, performing a three-decade catalogue of romantic hits including El Bint El Awiye, Omri Kellou and Law Hobna Ghalta. Expect a classy evening from a singer long dubbed the King of Romance.
Show starts at 9pm; remaining tickets start from Dh350
8. Mary J Blige: June 24 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Dubbed the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Blige brings one of her biggest world tours – which includes stadium shows across Europe this summer – to the UAE. For her Middle East debut, expect an expansive set spanning three decades of hits, including Family Affair and Real Love.
Tickets from Dh295
9. Pete Davidson: June 25 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Comedian, actor and former Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson will coming to the UAE's capital this June as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. The performer also appears in the 2025 animated film Dog Man.
Doors open at 6:30pm; tickets from Dh295
10. Dave Chappelle: June 27 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The superstar American comedian returns to the UAE capital for Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. The announcement fulfils a promise Dave Chappelle made at the end of his 2024 Abu Dhabi show, when he said: “The fact that you guys are doing this festival here is one of the most powerful things that is happening in the world. I was told before stepping on stage that this is the biggest comedy show the Middle East has ever seen. Mark my words, I will be back.” Widely beloved, yet consistently controversial, Chappelle is known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy.
11. Adonis: July 3 at Dubai Opera
Fresh from their well-received set at the Bred Abu Dhabi festival, the Lebanese indie band bring their brand of atmospheric indie-rock to the more refined setting of Dubai Opera. Expect the intimate sounds and poetic lyricism of their new album Wedyan, alongside fan favourites such as Al Khadide and Yeb'a Shayef.
Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh195
12. Tu8lte and Almas: July 4 at Dubai World Trade Centre
Masked Egyptian singer Tul8te brings his electro-Arabic fusion to the stage alongside Emirati singer and rapper Almas. The show kicks off the four concert series Beat The Heat DXB.
Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh105
13. Sharmoofers, Aziz Maraka and Ghaliaa: July 5 at Dubai World Trade Centre
Egyptian dance-pop favourites Sharmoofers join Jordanian singer Aziz Maraka and UAE-based indie rocker Ghaliaa for a celebration of Arabic indie music.
Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh105
14. Soulja, Montiyago and Mo Ali: July 11 at Dubai World Trade Centre
Sudanese rapper Soulja will showcase his blend of hip-hop swagger and folk sensibilities, alongside sets by eclectic acts Montiyago and soulful newcomer Mo Ali.
Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh105
15. Bader Al Shuaibi, Abdulaziz Louis and Nasser Abbas: July 12 at Dubai World Trade Centre
Beat the Heat DXB ends with Kuwaiti pop singer Al Shuaibi leading an all-Gulf line-up to close the festival with heartfelt Khaleeji ballads.
Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh105
16. Bill Burr: July 12 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Considered one of the most influential comedic voices of his generation, Burr has made a name for himself for his informal, honest and punchy style of storytelling.
Doors open 8pm; tickets from Dh250
17. Jennifer Lopez: July 29 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Following her sold-out performance at the Saadiyat Nights concert series, Jennifer Lopez returns to the capital for her biggest Abu Dhabi show yet. As part of her This Is Me...Now: The Tour, the concert supports her new album and accompanying film of the same name. Fans can expect an electrifying set featuring a full live band, high-energy choreography, and a career-spanning selection of hits including Jenny from the Block, On the Floor and Let’s Get Loud.
Doors open 7pm; tickets from Dh295
18. Limp Bizkit: August 12 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
The nu-metal titans are set to make their regional debut as part of their expanding Loserville Tour – an ironic moniker that captures the band’s enduring appeal despite no longer being part of the current pop conversation. That self-awareness – hilariously embraced by frontman Fred Durst with his prematurely white beard and knowingly retro stage persona – hasn’t dulled the band’s explosive live energy. Limp Bizkit still deliver anthems such as Rollin’, My Way and Nookie with the same rebellious spirit that beguiled a generation about 30 years ago.
Doors open 7pm; Tickets from Dh435
19. Natalie Imbruglia: August 23 at Dubai Opera
She may be best known for her 1997 global smash Torn, but Australian-British singer Natalie Imbruglia is an underrated singer–songwriter who has cultivated a cult following through a consistently strong catalogue. Among her highlights is the criminally overlooked album White Lilies Island, featuring the minor hit That Day and her recent collection, Firebird.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295
20. Harry Potter Film Concert Series: September 6 and 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Relive the magic and splendour of the family classics Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets as they’re screened in high definition on a towering 40-foot screen, accompanied by a live performance from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble brings John Williams’ unforgettable score to life in a spellbinding cinematic experience.
Show times revealed soon; tickets from Dh120
21. Tom Segura: October 2 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
The American stand-up comedian is best known for his observational and often dark comedy style. Segura has released several stand-up specials on platforms such as Netflix, including Completely Normal, Mostly Stories, Disgraceful and Ball Hog. In addition to his stand-up career, Segura co-hosts the popular podcast Your Mom's House with his wife and fellow comedian Christina Pazsitzky. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including current events, personal stories, and humorous commentary on internet culture. In July 2022, he released his New York Times bestselling book, I’d Like To Play Alone, Please.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295
22. Omid Djalili: October 5 at Dubai Opera
The British comedian is popular in the UAE, performing here several times in the past decade. He is known globally for his scene-stealing Hollywood roles. But it’s on stage – through his homespun tales and sharp observations – that his talent truly shines.
Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh195
23. Morgan Jay: October 6 at Dubai Opera, Dubai
A night of pun-filled songs from the Los Angeles funnyman can be expected at the Dubai Comedy Festival. Armed with a guitar, Jay delivers quirky serenades exploring relationships and the awkwardness of modern dating.
Show starts at 9.30pm; tickets from Dh250
24. The Smashing Pumpkins: October 9 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The alternative rock veterans will make their regional debut in Abu Dhabi as part of their Rock Invasion 2025 world tour. Expect a set spanning more than three decades of hits, including 1979, Bullet with Butterfly Wings and Tonight, Tonight.
Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295
25. Zakir Khan: October 12 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
As part of the Dubai Comedy Festival, one of India’s leading comedians brings his signature observational humour to the stage. Expect quirky tales of love, failure, and family life.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh199
26. Svetlana Loboda: October 17 at The Agenda, Dubai
The Ukrainian pop star returns to Dubai with a high-energy set featuring Eastern European hits including Tvoi Glaza, Boom Boom, and Moloko. Loboda rose to fame after representing Ukraine in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, where she placed 12th.
Doors open; tickets from Dh250
27. Lil Baby: October 18 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby makes his Dubai debut as part of his global Who Hard As Me world tour. Known for chart-topping hits like Drip Too Hard, The Bigger Picture and My Dawg, the Atlanta star brings his high-energy set to one of the city’s biggest stages. With stops across the US, Europe and Australia, this tour cements his place as one of hip-hop’s most electrifying acts.
Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh250
28. Andre Rieu: October 18 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
He one of classical music’s biggest-selling acts, with more than 40 million albums sold, but Rieu is also renowned for almost single-handedly reviving the waltz, a popular European 16th-century folk dance originating in Austria. He returns to Abu Dhabi with his own 80-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra to perform waltz standards and classical version of modern hits.
Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh250
29. Grease The Musical: October 24 to November 2 at Dubai Opera
Inspired by the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the stage version has been wowing audiences worldwide since its debut. Now, UAE audiences will relive the summer romance of Sandy and Danny, soundtracked by 1960s jukebox hits including Greased Lightnin’ and You’re the One That I Want.
Evening shows start at 8pm; matinees performances start at 2pm; tickets from Dh270
30. The Rasmus: October 27 at The Agenda, Dubai
Known for their global hit In the Shadows, Finnish group The Rasmus will bring their gothic-infused pop-rock to Dubai with a set featuring crowd favourites such as First Day of My Life and Guilty, along with tracks from their latest album, Rise.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh250
31. David Gray: October 31 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
After headlining festivals, the British singer-songwriter returns to Dubai for his first solo concert. Fresh off the release of his elegiac album Dear Life, Gray will perform tracks from his new work alongside enduring hits such as Babylon, Sail Away and This Year's Love.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh395
32. Enrique Iglesias: November 1 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Enrique Iglesias’s previous UAE concerts have been near sell-out affairs – and his coming return to Abu Dhabi is expected to be no different. Known for his irresistible blend of Latin-infused pop, the Spanish star will perform fan favourites including Bailamos, Bailando and Loco.
Doors open 7pm; tickets from Dh325
33. Elissa: November 3 at Dubai Opera
The Lebanese pop star brings her signature romantic balladry to Dubai Opera. Expect an intimate evening of lovelorn hits including Aa Bali Habibi, Betmoun, and Ajmal Ihssas.
Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295
34. Untold Dubai Festival: November 6 to 9 at Dubai Parks and Resorts
The second edition of the four-day music festival promises a soon-to-be-announced line-up of pop acts, DJs, and eye-popping stage design.
Festival starts at 4pm on November 6; general access tickets from Dh420
35. Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf: November 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Expect an enchanting night of spiritually inspired music with separate sets from British-Azerbaijani singer Sami Yusuf and Pakistan’s Atif Aslam. Yusuf will present his eclectic body of work, blending traditional, classical and contemporary sounds with influences spanning from Morocco to South Asia. Aslam, meanwhile, will deliver a stripped-back set featuring beloved hits alongside selections from his latest album Borderless World.
Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh200
36. International Music Summit: November 13 and 14 at 25hours Hotel One Central, Dubai
More than just a music conference, IMS brings together global and regional leaders from the electronic music scene, alongside live performance showcases by a new wave of emerging artists.
From 9am to 6pm daily; conference tickets from Dh650
37. Beetlejuice The Musical: November 20 to 30 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The hit Broadway adaptation of the cult film will make its Middle East debut in 2025, featuring the gothic show tunes, sharp comedy, colourful costumes, and delightfully macabre storyline that made Tim Burton’s 1988 original a fan favourite.
Show times revealed soon; tickets from Dh99
38. Deep Purple: November 20 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
The British group, who helped define hard rock and heavy metal, bring their monstrous riffs and blazing organs to Dubai for a career-spanning set featuring classics like Smoke on the Water, Child in Time, and Highway Star.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh249
39. Benson Boone: December 4 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
The rising American pop star will open the four-day after-race concert series at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in what will be their first UAE gig. Boone has shot to fame over the past year, with his hit songs Beautiful Things and In The Stars totalling more than three billion streams combined on Spotify. His backflips and Freddie Mercury-like stage presence at both the Grammys and Coachella have also garnered attention.
Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders and tickets for the event are now available online
40. Post Malone and Elyanna: December 5 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
Rapper Post Malone and Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna will co-headline the second night of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts, with each performing their own set.
Malone returns to the capital with a genre-blending catalogue that includes hip-hop-infused pop hits such as Sunflower and Circles, along with tracks from his latest album F-1 Trillion, which explores a new country music direction.
Elyanna, meanwhile, takes the stage only months after supporting Coldplay during their record-breaking four-night run at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park. She will showcase the dynamic fusion of Arabic pop, modern RnB, and contemporary flair that has made her one of the most exciting new voices in pop music.
Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders and tickets for the event are now available online
41. Metallica: December 6 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
The American metal band will return to the UAE as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Metallica remain one of the most successful heavy metal acts in history, having sold more than 150 million albums since their 1981 debut. Their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons, released in 2023 to critical acclaim, earned them the Best Metal Performance award at the 2024 Grammy Awards. The accompanying M72 World Tour is now in its third year and continues to break attendance records across North America.
Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders and tickets for the event are now available online
42. Katy Perry: December 7 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
The American singer is set to perform the race day concert as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Her return to Abu Dhabi follows last year’s seventh studio album 143, in which she revisits her dance-pop roots and reuniting with longtime collaborators Max Martin, Dr Luke and Stargate. The album has produced three singles so far, including Woman’s World and I’m His, He’s Mine. By the time she arrives in the capital, Perry and her band will be a well-oiled machine, having performed more than 80 shows on The Lifetimes Tour, which begins in Mexico City on April 23 and spans the US, Europe, Australia and South America.
Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders and tickets for the event are now available online
43. Franz Ferdinand: December 13 at Coca-Cola Arena
The Scottish rock band behind Take Me Out and Do You Want To bring their mix of indie-rock nous and danceable anthems for a swaggering show in Dubai.
Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295
44. Rod Stewart: December 17 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
For his first UAE concert in eight years, the British singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, 80, will perform hits from his six-decade career, including Maggie May, Forever Young and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You. Stewart announced his retirement from major global tours in November, though he doesn’t plan to step away entirely. “This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire. I love what I do, and I do what I love,” he said on X.
Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh295
45. Arijit Singh: December 19 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
After postponing his Abu Dhabi show earlier this month due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, Arijit Singh has fulfilled his promise to fans by announcing a new concert date. Known for his soulful voice, Singh rose to fame with Tum Hi Ho from the 2013 film Aashiqui 2 and has since performed a string of sold-out shows across the Emirates. With beloved tracks such as Kabira, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Channa Mereya, Singh is widely regarded as the “king of playback singing” – recording songs that are lip-synced by actors in Indian cinema.
Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh295
