Whether you’re a K-popper or a hip-hop head, here are the best concerts in the UAE this year.
Live entertainment is well and truly back in the UAE, with a slew of artists taking to stages across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, if you’re a lover of live music, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in the UAE.
Adriatique: 7 February 2026
Louvre Abu Dhabi is leaning into its nocturnal side as Masquerave returns for a third edition, bringing late-night energy to one of the capital’s most striking cultural settings. The third edition of Masquerave is set in the museum’s park, blending art, architecture, and nightlife with an avant-garde concept, themed masks, and a soundscape that extends beyond usual gallery hours. Headlining the night is Adriatique, the Swiss duo Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer, whose melodic house and techno have become a main-stage favourite from clubs to festival megastructures. This is their first-ever performance in Abu Dhabi, running from midnight to 2am. Expect the kind of hypnotic build-and-release they’re known for, with tracks like “Home” and the Afterlife-era anthem “Ray” sitting high in the canon.
GO: Visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae for more information.
Alex Marley & The Wailers: 7 February 2026
The sun is shining, and the weather is sweet at Barasti Beach. On 7 February 2026, the FACT award-winning beach club is hosting the Bob Marley Birthday Festival. The event features a fun-filled line-up of local and international acts. The live entertainment blends reggae rhythms with modern interpretations. The line-up includes reggae artists, DJs, and The Wailers. The group is preserving the sound and soul of Bob Marley’s music. The group includes Alex Marley and the remaining members of Bob Marley and The Wailers, known for the songs “People Get Ready” and “One Love”.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Argy: 7 February 2026
Greek hitmaker Argy makes his much-anticipated debut at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, bringing his immersive audiovisual concept NEWORLD to the city for a one-night showcase that promises to blur the line between club set and cinematic spectacle. This Dubai date also doubles as the official release party for NEWORLD II, the producer’s upcoming album and the next chapter in a project that has quickly grown into a global talking point. The show will be a full-blown multisensory experience. Conceived as a “parallel world and shared spiritual gathering”, the concept blends melodic techno with visuals and immersive storytelling.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Mariah Carey: 7 February 2026
Abu Dhabi is hitting the high notes. Saadiyat Nights has announced that the singing sensation Mariah Carey will be heading back to Abu Dhabi. Over Mariah’s career, she has sold more than 220 million records. She has an endless list of hit singles, which include “Always Be My Baby,” “Emotions,” “Fantasy”, and “Hero.” Plus, her Christmas album has become a staple in the season, and includes “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” In September 2025, Mariah Carey released her new album called Here for It All, her first studio LP since 2018. The singles include “Type Dangerous”, which samples Eric B. & Rakim, and “Sugar Sweet”, featuring Kehlani and Shenseea.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Rewind Fest DXB: 7 February 2026
Music enthusiasts and nostalgia-seekers, rejoice. The much-loved Rewind Fest DXB is making a triumphant return in 2026, promising another epic celebration of the sounds from the 80s and 90s. Headlining the all-day festival is Marc Almond and Soul II Soul, joined by a star-studded roster that includes Nik Kershaw, Heaven 17, Go West, Jason Donovan, The Real Thing, Cutting Crew, Toyah, and Disco Inferno. With non-stop performances, live DJs, activities, food, and a high-energy celebration, this event promises the ultimate throwback party.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Bryan Adams: 11 February 2026
The capital’s flagship open-air concert series is turning up the volume. Saadiyat Nights has confirmed that multiple award-winning rock legend Bryan Adams will headline the event for a one-night-only performance. With a career that spans more than four decades, Adams is known for a catalogue of songs that defined an era. The Canadian icon arrives in the UAE capital as part of his global Roll with the Punches shows. Audiences can look forward to “Summer of ’69”, “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”, “Heaven”, “Run to You” and “Please Forgive Me”, delivered with the raw energy that has defined his live performances for generations.
GO: Visit ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Train: 12 February 2026
Multi-Grammy Award-winning, diamond-selling band Train will perform at Coca-Cola Arena on 12 February 2026. Expect an arena-sized sing-along to global anthems including “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Drops of Jupiter,” and “Drive By.” Since forming in 1994, Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks, earned three Grammy Awards, and landed 14 Billboard Hot 100 singles. Their diamond-certified hit “Hey, Soul Sister” was the most downloaded single of 2010 and has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
The Calling: 14 February 2026
The American rock band The Calling will headline the new sports-and-music event, AccessPass Festival, in Abu Dhabi. Taking place on 14 February 2026, it is held at 321 Sports on Al Hudayriyat Island. The Calling topped Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts for 23 weeks with their 2001 single “Wherever You Will Go” – later named the number one song of the 2000s. Audiences can expect the band to perform hits from their Before The World Turns To Dust tour, including “Adrienne,” “Could It Be Any Harder,” “Anything,” and more.
GO: Visit https://festival.accesspass.ae for more information.
John Mayer: 15 February 2026
John Mayer makes his long-awaited Abu Dhabi debut at Saadiyat Nights with a night of virtuoso guitar work and crowd-pleasing hits under the stars. For the uninitiated, Mayer was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and rose to fame with the 2001 album Room for Squares. Across a career spanning more than two decades, he has collected seven Grammy Awards and delivered era-defining hits, including “No Such Thing,” “Daughters,” “Gravity,” “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” and “Waiting on the World to Change.” Expect a set that moves between pop confessionals, blues-leaning jams and pristine radio anthems.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Krazy Super Concert: 17 February 2026
Dubai’s live music calendar rarely sits still, and the city’s appetite for K-pop is only getting louder. The latest to join the lineup of major touring spectacles is Krazy Super Concert, a high-energy festival concept that’s officially making its Dubai debut at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. At the top of the bill is G-Dragon, marking his first-ever performance in Dubai. A defining force in K-pop’s global rise, the artist first became a household name as the leader of BIGBANG, before carving out an acclaimed solo career with tracks such as “Crooked,” “Crayon,” “Crooked,” “Heartbreaker,” and “One of a Kind.” reKUN and Yerin are also set to perform, with Kim Jong-kook on hosting duties.
GO: Follow @krazysuperconcert on Instagram for more information.
Wu-Tang Clan: 22 March 2026
Wu-Tang Clan are taking their victory lap to Dubai. Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber tour promises rare cuts, era-defining classics and one night of pure Shaolin spirit at Coca-Cola Arena. Wu-Tang Clan’s Dubai performance promises a setlist that touches every corner of the Clan’s mythology. Fans can look forward to songs that have never been performed live and the heavy hitters that rewired rap in the ’90s. Top tracks are the pillars of the night. “C.R.E.A.M.” remains a generational touchstone, “Protect Ya Neck” still snarls, “Triumph” unfurls like a lyrical relay, and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit” turns any arena into a call-and-response cathedral. Add “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” and “Gravel Pit,” and you have a catalogue built for live detonation.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Big Time Rush: 26 March 2026
Big Time Rush will bring their In Real Life Worldwide Tour to Coca-Cola Arena next year. Expect a high-energy, career-spanning set, including every song from every episode of the TV series. Plus, special guests Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Kramer Glickman. Since reuniting in 2020, the quartet has released “Another Life” (2023) and sold out arenas across the US and beyond.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more ifnormation.
Andrea Vanzo: 27 March 2026
Live Nation Middle East will present Italian musician and composer Andrea Vanzo at the New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, on 27 March 2026. Based in Bologna, Vanzo is an award-winning artist celebrated for an evocative, cinematic sound that blends modern classical composition with subtle pop influences. Following the success of his debut album Intimacy Vol. 1 (October 2022), Vanzo has built a loyal global following. The Dubai concert offers fans the chance to experience the world of Intimacy live, including selections from Intimacy Vol. 2, released in October 2025.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Josh Groban: 27 March 2026
Josh Groban is officially coming to Dubai. The American singer, famed for his powerhouse vocals and emotional ballads, will bring his GEMS World Tour to Coca-Cola Arena on 27 March 2026, adding another major name to the emirate’s already packed entertainment calendar. Over the years, Josh has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. His discography includes chart-topping releases such as Closer, Noel, Awake, Stages, Bridges and Harmony, each showcasing his ability to move between pop, classical crossover and Broadway-inspired sounds.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Keinemusik: 28 March 2026
Pacha ICONS is going big next spring, and it is bringing one of electronic music’s most in-demand collectives along for the ride. Keinemusik will headline the upcoming Pacha ICONS show at Bab Al Shams Arena in Dubai on Saturday, 28 March 2026, with the party running from 7pm to 4am. Known for curating high-energy house music nights with world-class lineups and high-end production, Pacha ICONS is stepping away from its usual Playa Pacha home at FIVE LUXE JBR for what’s being billed as its biggest show yet. For this edition, the series will transform Bab Al Shams Arena into an immersive open-air venue, leaning into the drama of the desert for a one-off experience that channels the spirit of Ibiza under the stars.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Shakira: 4 April 2026
It’s time to shake those hips. Columbian superstar Shakira is all set to make her way to Abu Dhabi as part of the Offlimits Music Festival. For those unversed, Shakira hails from Barranquilla, Colombia. She is of Spanish and Lebanese descent, and released her first album at 13 years of age. She is best known for her songs Beautiful Liar, Hips Don’t Lie, Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), and Whenever, Wherever. Over her career, she has established herself as one of the world’s biggest Latin music stars. She has sold more than 95 million records and won three Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
GO: Visit www.offlimits.com for more information.
Anuv Jain: 12 April 2026
The UAE’s live music calendar is not slowing down anytime soon. The latest name to join the lineup is Anuv Jain, who is set to return to Dubai for his Dastakhat World Tour. FACT Magazine has partnered with Live Nation Middle East to bring the show to town, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most in-demand gigs of the season. Expect a setlist packed with the tracks that built his cult following: “Baarishein” (the breakout that put him on the map), “Alag Aasmaan” (a soft, soaring singalong), and “Gul” (one of his most replayed releases). More recent fan essentials include “Husn” and “Jo Tum Mere Ho”, both of which have racked up huge streaming numbers
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
Jon Batiste: 12 April 2026
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 has unveiled a range of exciting events that celebrate cultural diversity and artistic excellence from across the world. Opening night sees Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Jon Batiste inaugurate the festival at Emirates Palace Auditorium. Fans can expect music from his latest project, Big Money, which he introduced to audiences in summer 2025, along with selections that showcase his improvisational flair. Fresh off a Super Bowl performance and global acclaim for Beethoven Blues and World Music Radio, he brings his genre-defying sound and creative brilliance to the capital for the first time.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Daniel Bedingfield: 17 April 2026
FACT Magazine is proud to partner with All Things Live to bring Daniel Bedingfield to Dubai for a one-night-only show featuring a nostalgic night of pop. Taking place at Bla Bla Dubai on Friday, 17 April 2026, the concert marks the singer-songwriter’s first performance in the UAE. Born in New Zealand and raised in London, he broke through at the turn of the millennium with “Gotta Get Thru This”, a track that quickly became a defining dance-pop moment of its era. The momentum only continued with chart-toppers like “If You’re Not the One” and “Never Gonna Leave Your Side”, cementing his place in early-2000s pop culture. Dubai can expect a setlist spanning more than two decades, from big singalong staples to deeper cuts that will please longtime fans.
GO: Visit http://platinumlist.net for more information.
Tarkan: 17 April 2026
Turkish pop sensation Tarkan is bringing his global star power to Etihad Arena on Yas Island. He burst onto the scene in 1992 and quickly became a household name worldwide. His debut album Yine Sensiz was an instant success, with follow-up albums like Aacayipsin and Olurum Sana, cementing his status as a pop phenomenon. With more than 15 million albums sold, Tarkan’s hits include “Simarik,” “Sikidum,” “Kuzu Kuzu,” “Dudu,” and “Yolla.” Expect a show packed with nostalgia, dance-floor favourites and the charisma that’s made him a legend across generations.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
ARTBAT: 18 April 2026
ARTBAT will take to the stage at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on 18 April 2026, where you’ll be treated to a night of high-energy beats and mesmerising visuals. The duo will bring their show, Underground, to the emirate, offering amazing sound and emotional depth. For those unfamiliar with the name, ARTBAT is a Ukrainian EDM duo. Comprising Artur Kryvenko and Batish Limarenko, the duo burst into the music world in the mid-2010s and has since carved out a niche with their blend of techno, deep house, and progressive beats. Their big break came with the release of Mandrake, which quickly became a favourite on global dance floors. Since then, ARTBAT has dominated the charts with major hits such as “Upperground,” “Flame,” and “For a Feeling.”
GO: Visit www.ushuaiadubai.com for more information.
Hyperound: 18 April 2026
Brace yourself, K-Pop fans. K-pop superstars are coming to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on 18 April 2026. Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi’s set list includes boyband ENHYPEN, who were formed on the survival show I-LAND. Ten, the Thai pop powerhouse prized for razor-sharp dance lines and versatile vocals, also joins the fun. FIFTY FIFTY will also perform, having broken through globally with “Cupid”, a viral pop hit that cracked both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK top 10. Elsewhere, ARTMS unites five former LOONA members, turning reinvention into its own mythology.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Atif Aslam: 19 April 2026
The UAE, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere, has long been a melting pot of cultures. Among the vibrant tapestry of communities, the South Asian diaspora holds a significant presence. And they’ll be delighted to know that Atif Aslam is coming to Dubai once again. The Pakistani singer will serenade you with his chart-toppers and soulful melodies, including “Dil Diyan Gallan,” “Jeena Jeena,” and “Rafta Rafta.” He has since cemented his place as one of the most decorated artists in South Asia. Speaking to FACT, he shared that Dubai is more like a “second home”. So mark your calendars and prepare for a night that will tug at your heartstrings.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Christina Aguilera: 24 April 2026
The capital is hitting the high notes. The American superstar Christina Aguilera is coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. In 1999, she released her debut single, Genie in a Bottle, which became a worldwide smash hit. She was part of the wave of teen idols. Her hit singles include Ain’t No Other Man, Beautiful, Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You), Lady Marmalade, and What A Girl Wants. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Plus, she is familiar with the Middle East.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Tony Ann: 29 April 2026
Taking place at Dubai Opera on 29 April, the Tony Ann promises to provide one of the most exciting live music experiences of the year. Adding to the excitement, FACT Magazine has partnered with Live Nation Middle East for the event. Known for transforming the piano into a deeply emotional, cinematic storytelling tool, Tony Ann’s Dubai performance will be nothing short of immersive. Tony Ann first captured global attention with his viral Play That Word series, in which he transformed words into emotive piano compositions. Today, his music has over one billion views, with hits such as The Chainsmokers’ Sick Boy and Call You Mine, among many others. He was also recognised with a nomination for Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year at the 2025 JUNO Awards.
GO: Visit http://platinumlist.net for more information.
Hauser: 2 May 2026
Croatian cello sensation Hauser will perform for one night only at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The concert forms part of the Abu Dhabi Festival, presented in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Live Nation Middle East, Miral, and FACT Magazine, the official media partner. The Abu Dhabi concert will spotlight his latest album, Cinema, a tribute to some of the greatest film scores ever composed. Audiences can look forward to an evening of movie melodies reimagined for the cello, with arrangements designed to stir emotion, spark nostalgia and deliver more than a few goosebumps as Hauser brings these soundtracks to life in the capital.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Scorpions: 3 May 2026
Iconic rock bands have come and gone, but 60 years since its inception, the Scorpions are still going strong. In fact, the legendary band is embarking on its Coming Home — 60 Years of Scorpions world tour, with a pit stop in Abu Dhabi confirmed for 3 May. Formed in Hanover in 1965, the band has long been a disruptor in hard rock and heavy metal, distinguished by influential lyrics that reflected the remarkable developments in Germany at the time. Scorpions will set the stage ablaze with a whole host of smash hits, including Big City Nights, Still Loving You, and more.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Lulu Santos: 23 May 2026
Dubai has more than earned its reputation as a global stop for big acts from every corner of the world. And now, it’s Brazil’s turn to take centre stage, as Lulu Santos heads to the emirate for one very special night. Lulu Santos began his music career in the late 1970s, but it was the release of his debut album, Tempos Modernos, in 1982, that launched him into the spotlight. With a career spanning more than five decades, Lulu Santos has sold over 15 million albums, racked up billions of streams across digital platforms, and picked up two trophies at the Latin Grammy Awards. The show is presented by Live Nation Middle East in partnership with FACT Magazine and promises an evening packed with melodies and nostalgia.
GO: Visit http://platinumlist.net for more information.
Def Leppard: 2 August 2026
Following their show at the YASALAM F1 after-race concerts in 2022, Def Leppard are returning to the UAE for a show at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. The upcoming show promises to be a great night of rock and unforgettable hits. We hope they play some of their rock classics, such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites.” The band has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide and has also been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
