UAE concert calendar: 40+ unmissable shows this year, who’s playing, and where to catch them

The UAE’s entertainment calendar is shining brighter than ever, welcoming big names from across the world who are making their regional debuts, giving fans rare opportunities to witness iconic performances live.

With meticulous event curation, state-of-the-art production, and world-class venues, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are rapidly cementing their reputation as the Middle East’s go-to hubs for unforgettable live music experiences in the years ahead.Live music enthusiasts gear up for an exciting ride as the UAE set the stage ablaze this fall season with a star-studded lineup of global superstars, legendary rock bands, pop icons, and acclaimed artists spanning multiple genres.

Here’s the inside scoop on what’s coming next, jam-packed with artist highlights, dates, venues, ticket info, and why these shows are the talk of the town.

October

October 18: Ilaiyaraaja

Get ready to be mesmerized as Ilaiyaraaja, the musical genius behind thousands of Indian film songs, performs his symphonic masterpiece ‘Number 1 - Vailiant’ at Dubai Opera. Hailed as the "Isaignani," his almost five-decade career has changed the course of Indian music forever.

This is a rare chance to witness a living legend in an intimate, stunning venue.Starting from AED 495, October 18, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, tickets at livenation.me.October 21: Scorpions

They’re back! The German rock icons Scorpions bring their ‘Coming Home - 60 Years of Scorpions Tour’ to Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, with all the power ballads and rock anthems you love from “Wind of Change” to “Rock You Like a Hurricane.”

This high-energy celebration of their legendary career is a must-see for any rock fan.AED 325, October 21, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, book via livenation.me.October 25: ARTBAT

Dive into an ocean of electronic waves as Ukrainian duo ARTBAT returns to Dubai after their epic Tomorrowland set. Feel the surge of emotion and energy with tracks like ‘Return to Oz’ at Terra Solis with support from DJs Hilde and ARADO for one electrifying night of dance.From AED 250, October 25, Dubai Heritage Vision, Exit 29, Jebel Ali, tickets at terrasolisdubai.com.October 25: Russell Peters

Comedy alert! Russell Peters, the global stand-up sensation, returns to Coca-Cola Arena with razor-sharp wit and fresh content. This homecoming to Dubai’s premier venue guarantees an unforgettable night full of laughs.Starting at AED 199, October 25, from 8 PM, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, tickets at coca-cola-arena.com.October 25-26: Glass Beams

The ethereal fusion rock band Glass Beams take over Bla Bla Dubai with their transcendent East-meets-West sound, offering a rare, intimate live experience. Perfect for those who love boundary-pushing music.From AED 350, October 25-26, Bla Bla, JBR, Dubai, book tickets at livenationme.com.October 27: The Rasmus

Finnish rockers The Rasmus come to Dubai’s Agenda to deliver a powerhouse show filled with their signature melodic rock sound and modern twists.

A perfect night for alternative rock lovers.Tickets from AED 250, October 27, 8 PM onwards, Agenda Dubai, Dubai Media City, available at dubai.platinumlist.net.October 31: Anyma

Get ready for a multisensory journey as electronic pioneer Anyma debuts his Quantum show at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. Combining immersive visuals and innovative soundscapes, this is a groundbreaking live performance you won’t forget.From AED 325, October 31, 6 PM onwards, Ushuaïa Dubai Marina, tickets at ushuaiadubai.platinumlist.net.October 31: David Gray

Soulful sounds and poetic lyrics come alive as British singer-songwriter David Gray performs at Coca-Cola Arena. Join him for hits spanning over 30 years like “Babylon” and “This Year’s Love.”From AED 395, October 31, 8 PM onwards, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, book at coca-cola-arena.com.

November

November 1: Enrique Iglesias

The king of Latin pop returns to the UAE with his magnetic stage charisma and bilingual chart-toppers. Enrique Iglesias promises an electrifying night at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.Starting from AED 395, November 1, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, tickets through livenation.me.November 3: Elissa

Dubai Opera welcomes Elissa, the Arabic pop queen, whose emotive voice and iconic hits like "Ayshalak" captivate hearts across the Middle East.

This concert is a celebration of passion and musical storytelling.Tickets from AED 295, November 3, Dubai Opera, livenation.me.November 7: Leningrad

Russian party rock band Leningrad takes the stage at Coca-Cola Arena for a night of explosive energy and bold lyrics. Fans can expect a wild and unapologetically “Shnurov-style” rock show.Starting at AED 350, November 7, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, tickets on coca-cola-arena.com.November 15: Travis Scott

An absolute must for hip-hop fans - Travis Scott’s record-breaking Circus Maximus tour arrives at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi, packing stadium-blasting energy and mind-blowing visuals.Tickets from AED 495, November 15, Etihad Park, book via livenation.me.November 15: Adriatique Present X

Electronic music lovers, prepare for a dazzling night as Adriatique returns with their immersive digital artistry show, X, at Ushuaïa Dubai.

This is more than a concert; it’s a sensory voyage.From AED 250, November 15, Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, tickets on ushuaiadubai.platinumlist.net.November 16: Bassem YoussefPolitical satire meets fearless comedy as Bassem Youssef performs his solo stand-up at Coca-Cola Arena. Expect sharp commentary wrapped in hilarity that resonates deeply.Starting at AED 180, November 16, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, booking at coca-cola-arena.com.November 20: Deep PurpleLegends of hard rock Deep Purple return to blast classic anthems at Coca-Cola Arena. An iconic show showcasing why they remain rock royalty.From AED 249, November 20, Coca-Cola Arena, tickets available on coca-cola-arena.com.November 21: Ronan Keating & Level 42Soul meets funk on the same day! Ronan Keating’s smooth pop ballads fill Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, while Level 42 delivers their groovy jazz-funk at Bla Bla Dubai.Ronan Keating tickets from AED 199 on mcgettigans.com; Level 42 tickets from AED 229 on livenation.me; both on November 21.November 22: Teddy Swims & Ministry of Sound Classical

Experience Teddy Swims’ soul-ripping vocals at Coca-Cola Arena, and witness Ministry of Sound anthems transformed into orchestral magic at Dubai Opera—all in one unforgettable night.Teddy Swims tickets from AED 295 at coca-cola-arena.com; Ministry of Sound tickets from AED 290 at dubai.platinumlist.net; November 22.November 23: İbrahim Tatlıses

Turkish music icon İbrahim Tatlıses makes his dazzling Coca-Cola Arena debut.

Expect a powerful night filled with timeless hits and grand orchestral arrangements.From AED 200, November 23, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, tickets at coca-cola-arena.com.November 28: TimbalandGet ready to groove as the “Emperor of Sound” Timbaland brings his hit-making magic to Coca-Cola Arena, promising an unforgettable night of hip-hop and R&B classics.Tickets start at AED 195, November 28, book at coca-cola-arena.com.November 29: RoachfordBritish soul-rock legend Roachford brings his powerful vocals and timeless hits to The Tent at Bla Bla Dubai.

Expect an intimate, feel-good night of classic tunes and smooth grooves.Tickets from AED 220, Bla Bla Dubai, tickets at platinumlist.netNovember 29: Calvin Harris

The king of dance floors returns! Calvin Harris lights up Ushuaïa Dubai with an electrifying set of EDM anthems and chart-topping bangers for one massive outdoor party.Venue - Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, tickets available at ushuaïadubai.comNovember 29: Clean Bandit

Fusing classical instruments with electronic dance-pop, Clean Bandit delivers an unforgettable beachfront performance at Barasti. Sing along to hits like "Rather Be" and "Symphony" under the stars.Venue - Barasti Beach, Dubai, tickets from AED 149 at platinumlist.net

December

December 4-7: Abu Dhabi GP Concerts - Benson Boone, Post Malone, Elyanna, Metallica, Katy Perry

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just about racing—this weekend hosts some of the biggest names in music! Benson Boone kicks off on the 4th, Post Malone and Elyanna on the 5th, Metallica on the 6th, and Katy Perry wraps up December 7th at Etihad Park.

Shows included with GP tickets for a weekend to remember.December 5: KeinemusikCelebrate the weekend late into the night as Keinemusik, the iconic German electronic crew, takes over Yas Gateway Park with pulsating beats.From AED 295, December 5, Yas Gateway Park, tickets at livenation.me.December 6: Peggy Gou

South Korean electronic diva Peggy Gou lights up FIVE Luxe JBR with her club anthems. Perfect for those looking to dance the night away.Tickets start at AED 150, December 6, pachaicons.com.December 11: Rock and Opera Live

Who knew rock and opera could be such soulmates? Witness Bolshoi Theatre’s electrifying mashup of operatic arias and rock at Zabeel Theatre.From AED 300, December 11, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, book on dubai.platinumlist.net.December 13: Franz Ferdinand

Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand bring their raw, artful energy to Coca-Cola Arena with their latest album and timeless hits.From AED 295, December 13, Coca-Cola Arena, tickets at coca-cola-arena.com.December 17: Rod Stewart

Sing along to the classics with rock icon Rod Stewart at Etihad Arena. This is your chance to experience one of music’s true legends live!Tickets start at AED 195, December 17, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, buy at livenation.me.December 19: David Guetta

The king of EDM, David Guetta, spins explosive sets at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience for one of 2025’s biggest dance parties.Ticket info TBA, December 19, ushuaiadubai.com.December 19: Arjit Singh

Indian sensation Arjit Singh’s previously postponed show in May is scheduled for December 19. Ticketholders from the previous show were informed that their tickets would remain valid for the new date or could opt for a refund.Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, fresh ticket sales to be announced later.December 27: Sonu Nigam

India’s beloved vocal powerhouse Sonu Nigam returns to Coca-Cola Arena with a night full of soul-stirring classics.Tickets from AED 95, December 27, Coca-Cola Arena, book via coca-cola-arena.com.December 31: Maroon 5

Ring in the new year with Maroon 5’s hits plus a sparkling gala dinner at Atlantis The Palm - party in style as the clock strikes midnight!Premium packages from AED 6,500, December 31, tickets at platinumlist.net.

January 2026

January 20: Linkin Park

Modern rock legends Linkin Park storms the new year with a massive live show. It’s been nearly 16 years since the band last performed in the region, and now they’re back, bigger than ever.

Hot off the heels of their monumental comeback and the release of their 8th studio album FROM ZERO (Warner Records), which debuted at #1 in 14 countries, becoming last year’s biggest rock album, Linkin Park is bringing their signature mix of raw emotion, heavy riffs, and electrifying energy to the UAE stage.This is your chance to experience one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century in full force - live and loud at Etihad Arena on January 20th, 2026.

Tickets available at livenation.me.With this unforgettable roster of concerts and shows, the UAE is truly the place to be for live music fans. The UAE is boldly positioning itself as a global hub for entertainment and events, aiming to attract visitors from all over the world by offering a dynamic mix of tourism, sports, live music, comedy, and cultural experiences.