Abu Dhabi Calendar , a list of all the upcoming events in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled events for the 2025-2026 season.
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| Source: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. The Traditional Handicrafts Festival will offer experiences that showcase heritage, culture and creativity. |
This year's Abu Dhabi Calendar features highlights like the NBA Abu Dhabi Games; Saudi singer, actor and composer Abdul Majeed Abdullah; the winter experience Liwa International Festival; and the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025.
Kickstarting the action are back-to-back bouts from UAE Warriors 64, bringing mixed martial arts (MMA) to the capital. At the same time, culture-seekers can explore Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire, Louvre Abu Dhabi's main exhibition of the season. Running until January, it shines a light on the craftsmanship of one of the Islamic world's most influential dynasties – making it a must-visit cultural highlight.
The excitement builds in October as global stars and regional legends take the stage from Smashing Pumpkins and Andre Rieu to Abdul Majeed Abdullah – with American comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco adding some homour to the event lineup.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ will return together with basketball festival NBA District, bringing basketball action and exciting fan moments, alongside a combat sports schedule that includes Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, mixed martial arts fight UFC 321 and UFC ancillary events such as the Open Workouts, Official Press Conference, and Ceremonial Weigh Ins.
Culture gets the limelight with Sheikh Zayed Festival and cultural centre Bait Al Oud's Strings Concert as well as exhibitions like Golden Ink: A Journey through Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts, annual exhibition and competition Art Here 2025 and Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Two Clouds in the Night Sky, a solo exhibition celebrating the work of pioneer Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim.
In November, concerts by Enrique Iglesias and Travis Scott headline the month, while foodies can indulge in culinary experiences at Michelin Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi, Taste of Abu Dhabi and Open Fire Food Festival.
Cultural highlights include the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, Maritime Heritage Festival, Sounds of UAE, Abu Dhabi Art and Manar Abu Dhabi, all of which offer experiences that showcase heritage, culture, and creativity. Beetlejuice The Musical is also set to take over Etihad Arena this month.
The year draws to a close with music legends Rod Stewart and Arijit Singh lighting up Abu Dhabi stages, accompanied by the return of Saadiyat Nights, which brings star-studded concerts outdoors. Ludovico Einaudi and Lewis Capaldi will add both classical brilliance and soulful melodies to the month's lineup.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is set to provide full-throttle excitement, while festivals like Liwa Village, a part of the annual Liwa International Festival, and Mother of the Nation transform Al Dhafra Region, Al Ain Region and Abu Dhabi City into hubs of heritage and creativity, live music and high-energy adventures.
More events will be announced as the 2025-2026 season unfolds.
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