ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi is heading into one of its busiest event periods, with the emirate’s autumn and winter calendar bringing international musicians, cultural performances, food festivals and large-scale outdoor experiences.
The programme begins building momentum in October and continues through December, with several events concentrated around Yas Island. The season also extends beyond the capital to Al Dhafra, where the Liwa International Festival will run into January 2027.
Among the headline events is Hans Zimmer Live, scheduled for November 13 at Etihad Arena. Abu Dhabi Festival will also return for its 23rd edition, while artists including Tarkan, Ramy Sabry and Andrea Bocelli are scheduled to perform later in the season.
Abu Dhabi Festival opens the cultural season
The 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival runs from October 10 to December 19, bringing performances and cultural programming to venues including Etihad Arena, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Foundation, Zayed National Museum and Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
The festival opens on October 10 with the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena. The programme includes pianist David Khrikuli, with François López-Ferrer conducting.
For residents planning several cultural outings during the season, the festival offers a wider programme rather than a single event, making its schedule one to watch as autumn gets underway.
Tamer Hosny and Tamer Ashour arrive in October
Arabic music fans have an early concert option on October 17, when Tamer Hosny and Tamer Ashour are scheduled to perform together at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The official venue lists the concert for Saturday, October 17, with tickets starting from AED 137.
Hans Zimmer brings his film scores to Yas Island
One of the season’s most prominent international music events is Hans Zimmer Live, taking place at Etihad Arena on November 13.
The Oscar and Grammy-winning composer will appear with his 19-piece band as part of his The Next Level tour. The Abu Dhabi performance is also part of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Festival programme.
The show draws on Zimmer’s film-music catalogue, including scores associated with films such as The Lion King, Gladiator, Interstellar and Dune. Tickets are currently listed from AED 245 by Etihad Arena.
November brings food, fashion and street culture
November is particularly busy on Yas Island.
BREDx will take place on November 13 and 14 at Etihad Live, bringing together music, visual art, fashion, sport, food and cultural programming. The second day is scheduled to feature performances from Bryson Tiller and Central Cee.
At nearby Gateway Park North, Taste of Abu Dhabi will run from November 13 to 15. The festival’s official programme includes 16 restaurant pop-ups, cooking experiences, live entertainment and family activities. Standard tickets are listed at AED 80, with children under 12 eligible for complimentary entry according to the festival’s FAQ.
The overlapping dates mean visitors to Yas Island could find several major events taking place across the same weekend.
Tarkan and Ramy Sabry headline back-to-back concerts
Turkish pop star Tarkan is scheduled to perform at Etihad Arena on November 27.
The venue says the Abu Dhabi show will combine his established hits with material from his latest album, with tickets starting from AED 295.
The following evening, Ramy Sabry will take the stage at the same venue on November 28. Etihad Arena currently lists tickets from AED 150.
Andrea Bocelli heads to Abu Dhabi in December
December opens with another major music event.
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is scheduled to perform at Etihad Arena on December 2 as part of Yasalam Classics and his Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour.
Etihad Arena lists tickets from AED 295 for the performance.
Anyma brings an electronic music experience
Electronic music and visual-art fans have a different kind of event to consider on December 4 and 5, when Italian-American artist Matteo Milleri, known as Anyma, presents ÆDEN at Yas Gateway Park North.
Experience Abu Dhabi describes the production as a combination of hypnotic techno, cinematic digital art and large-scale visual storytelling. The scheduled experience runs from 9pm to 5am.
Liwa takes the winter calendar into January
For residents looking beyond arena concerts, the Liwa International Festival will bring a very different setting to Abu Dhabi’s winter programme.
The 2026/27 edition is scheduled for December 11, 2026 to January 2, 2027 in the Al Dhafra Region. The festival programme is expected to combine motorsport, heritage, arts, entertainment and family activities around the Liwa desert.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the dates in September, while the official Liwa Village site lists its season dates and operating hours.
Liwa Village will operate from 4pm to midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 4pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Ticket information for the 2026/27 season has not yet been released on the official site.
Abu Dhabi’s event season extends beyond concerts
The autumn-winter programme shows that Abu Dhabi’s event calendar is not limited to arena performances.
Alongside the concerts and festivals, the emirate’s official calendar includes sporting events, exhibitions, cultural programmes and outdoor experiences. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, for example, is scheduled at Yas Marina Circuit from December 4 to 7, making the first week of December particularly busy for visitors to Yas Island.
For UAE residents planning their weekends, the practical consideration is therefore timing. Several major events fall within the same November and December periods, and ticket availability, venue rules and prices can change.
The safest approach is to check the official event or venue page before purchasing, particularly for dates, ticket categories and entry requirements.
What are the major Abu Dhabi events in autumn and winter 2026?
Major events include Abu Dhabi Festival, Hans Zimmer Live, BREDx, Taste of Abu Dhabi, Tarkan, Ramy Sabry, Andrea Bocelli, Anyma’s ÆDEN and the Liwa International Festival.
When is Hans Zimmer performing in Abu Dhabi?
Hans Zimmer is scheduled to perform at Etihad Arena on November 13, 2026. Tickets are currently listed from AED 245.
When is Tarkan performing in Abu Dhabi?
Tarkan is scheduled to perform at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on November 27, 2026.
When is Andrea Bocelli performing in Abu Dhabi?
Andrea Bocelli is scheduled to perform at Etihad Arena on December 2, 2026, as part of Yasalam Classics.
When is Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026?
Taste of Abu Dhabi is scheduled for November 13–15, 2026, at Gateway Park North on Yas Island.
When is the Liwa International Festival 2026/27?
The next Liwa International Festival is scheduled from December 11, 2026 to January 2, 2027 in the Al Dhafra Region.
When is Anyma performing in Abu Dhabi?
Anyma presents ÆDEN at Yas Gateway Park North on December 4–5, 2026.
Where can UAE residents check Abu Dhabi event dates?
Experience Abu Dhabi and individual official venue/event websites provide current schedules, ticket information and event updates.
