Akon will headline the music line-up at the Emirates Dubai 7s, performing at The Sevens Stadium on Saturday, November 28. The singer, known for 2000s hits such as “Smack That” and “Right Now (Na Na Na)”, will take to the Frequency on 8 stage after the second day of sporting action, according to Gulf News and What’s On.
The three-day sports and music festival runs from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, and opens the 2027 HSBC SVNS Series.
Akon’s Dubai 7s performance
Akon’s set is the main music draw of the Saturday programme. What’s On reported that he will perform on the festival’s Frequency on 8 main stage once the day’s matches finish. No exact set time has been announced yet.
Gulf News listed songs fans may hope to hear, including “I Wanna Love You”, “Lonely” and “Don’t Matter”, though the setlist has not been confirmed. The singer has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, the newspaper said, and has previously performed in Dubai, including in 2009.
His 2025 visits to the UAE included a performance at SLS Dubai and a World Tennis League show at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, according to Gulf News.
Who else is on the line-up
Two DJ sets have also been confirmed on the Beats on Two stage:
- Mel C, former member of the Spice Girls, will perform a DJ set on Saturday, November 28.
- Jax Jones, the British DJ and producer, will play on Sunday, November 29.
The Sunday night headliner on the Frequency on 8 main stage has not yet been announced, What’s On said.
Tickets and prices
Tickets are sold through the official Emirates Dubai 7s website. Organisers have kept prices unchanged for a third year in a row, according to both outlets.
- Friday entry: from Dh75
- Saturday or Sunday pass: from Dh455
- Three-day pass: from Dh595
Fans who want to see Akon should make sure their ticket includes Saturday entry, Gulf News advised.
Because Akon performs on Saturday and the Sunday headliner is still to be named, buyers choosing a single-day pass may want to compare the line-up for each day before booking. The three-day pass covers all three days of the festival, while Friday entry is the lowest-priced option and covers the opening day.
More than rugby
The festival combines international rugby sevens with a wider sports programme. This year, netball, cricket, WODON 3 fitness and Rebound Padel tournaments will also be held on site, What’s On reported. Gaelic football joins the programme for the first time, with elite and open men’s and women’s competitions in a seven-a-side format.
For families, organisers are promising the festival’s biggest kids’ zone so far, along with a Ferris wheel and a zipline.
Quick facts
- Event: Emirates Dubai 7s 2026
- Dates: November 27 to 29
- Venue: The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
- Akon: Saturday, November 28, Frequency on 8 stage
- Tickets: from Dh75, via the official Emirates Dubai 7s website
The festival weekend falls just before the UAE National Day holiday period. Music fans planning ahead for the end of the year may also want to read about Diljit Dosanjh’s New Year’s Eve concert in Abu Dhabi.
