What To Know
- Rock fans are in for a treat as Linkin Park return to the UAE for the first time since 2010, delivering a high-energy set that mixes classics with new material from From Zero.
- The Canadian rock icon headlines Saadiyat Nights with a hit-heavy set that defined generations, from Summer of ’69 to (Everything I Do) I Do It for You.
- The Grammy-winning superstar takes the Etihad Arena stage with anthems spanning her entire career, from Genie in a Bottle to Beautiful and Lady Marmalade.
Live music is firmly back in the UAE, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. From global pop icons and rock legends to electronic music giants and classical virtuosos, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will host an extraordinary calendar of concerts across world-class venues.
Whether you love chart-topping pop, underground house, nostalgic rock, hip-hop, K-pop or orchestral performances, these are the UAE concerts to mark in your diary.
January 2026: A Powerful Start to the Year
Diana Ross & Seal – 9 January, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Nights opens the year with a historic double bill. Diana Ross brings decades of soul and pop anthems, while Seal adds his unmistakable vocals and Grammy-winning hits to one unforgettable evening under the stars.
Ludovico Einaudi – 10 January, Abu Dhabi
The celebrated Italian composer delivers a deeply emotional piano-led performance, featuring iconic works such as Experience and Nuvole Bianche, blending classical minimalism with cinematic storytelling.
Francis Mercier – 17 January, Dubai
Afro-house takes over Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience as Francis Mercier returns with his Solèy party, transforming the waterfront into a sunset-to-night dancefloor.
Lewis Capaldi – 17 January, Abu Dhabi
The Scottish singer-songwriter brings his emotionally charged anthems to Saadiyat Nights, performing global hits like Someone You Loved and Bruises.
Linkin Park – 20 January, Abu Dhabi
Rock fans are in for a treat as Linkin Park return to the UAE for the first time since 2010, delivering a high-energy set that mixes classics with new material from From Zero.
John Mayer – 24 January, Abu Dhabi
Making his long-awaited Abu Dhabi debut, John Mayer delivers virtuoso guitar work, blues-infused jams and timeless pop hits in an intimate open-air setting.
February 2026: Icons, Rock Legends and Pop Royalty
Mariah Carey – 7 February, Abu Dhabi
One of the best-selling artists of all time returns to Saadiyat Nights. Expect a career-spanning set packed with timeless hits and new music from her latest album.
Muse – 4 February, Abu Dhabi
The British rock trio bring their stadium-sized sound to Etihad Arena, delivering a visually explosive show featuring Uprising, Hysteria and Psycho.
Bryan Adams – 11 February, Abu Dhabi
The Canadian rock icon headlines Saadiyat Nights with a hit-heavy set that defined generations, from Summer of ’69 to (Everything I Do) I Do It for You.
Train – 12 February, Dubai
The multi-Grammy-winning band takes over Coca-Cola Arena for a mass sing-along featuring Hey, Soul Sister and Drops of Jupiter.
Wu-Tang Clan – 22 March, Dubai
Hip-hop history arrives at Coca-Cola Arena as Wu-Tang Clan bring their Final Chamber tour to Dubai, performing both legendary classics and rare deep cuts.
March 2026: From Pop Nostalgia to Electronic Nights
Big Time Rush – 26 March, Dubai
The pop phenomenon brings its In Real Life Worldwide Tour to Coca-Cola Arena, performing every song from their TV-era catalogue.
Josh Groban – 27 March, Dubai
Known for his powerful vocals and crossover appeal, Groban delivers a cinematic evening blending pop, classical and Broadway favourites.
Keinemusik – 28 March, Dubai
The in-demand electronic collective headlines a major open-air desert event at Bab Al Shams Arena, promising one of the year’s biggest house music experiences.
April 2026: Global Pop Meets Cultural Spectacle
Tarkan – 17 April, Abu Dhabi
Turkish pop megastar Tarkan performs in Abu Dhabi for the first time, bringing decades of hits and high-energy choreography to Etihad Arena.
Christina Aguilera – 24 April, Abu Dhabi
The Grammy-winning superstar takes the Etihad Arena stage with anthems spanning her entire career, from Genie in a Bottle to Beautiful and Lady Marmalade.
May to August 2026: Legendary Closers
Hauser – 2 May, Abu Dhabi
The Croatian cello sensation delivers a cinematic performance inspired by iconic film scores as part of Abu Dhabi Festival.
Scorpions – 3 May, Abu Dhabi
Celebrating 60 years of rock history, the German legends bring their Coming Home world tour to the UAE capital.
Def Leppard – 2 August, Dubai
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees return to Dubai for a massive arena show packed with classic rock anthems.
Why 2026 Is a Landmark Year for UAE Live Music
With open-air festivals, arena spectacles, desert raves and cultural showcases, the UAE continues to cement its status as the Middle East’s premier live entertainment hub. World-class venues, international tours and a diverse audience ensure that 2026 will be remembered as one of the strongest concert years yet.
Whether you’re planning one show or building your entire year around live music, the UAE’s 2026 concert calendar delivers something for every taste.
