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Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
All the UAE Concerts Happening in 2025
This year, some of the biggest names in music are set to perform in the UAE, with global stars including pop icon Jennifer Lopez, rock legends Metallica, and Gen Z sensation Benson Boone taking the stage. The 2025 concert calendar features a packed lineup across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Whether you're planning to attend a one-night-only show or one of the major events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, here's a full list of confirmed concerts, including dates, venues, and ticket prices. All the concerts happening in the UAE in 2025 Filipino singer-songwriter TJ Monterde will perform as part of his Sarili Nating Mundo World Tour. Known for his emotional songs, Monterde has earned over a billion Spotify streams. Tickets start at Dh199. Shreya Ghoshal will perform at the Dubai World Trade Centre on July 19. She has recorded songs in more than 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Tickets start at Dh95. Mary J. Blige will take the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on June 24 for one night. With over 100 million records sold, nine Grammy Awards, and two Academy Award nominations, her work includes the fusion of hip-hop and soul. Tickets start at Dh295. The artist has been honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. The performance will include well-known tracks, alongside a selection of his greatest hits and new renditions. Sami sings in several languages, including Hindi, Urdu, English, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Jennifer Lopez returns to Abu Dhabi for Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in 2025 . This will be her only performance in the Middle East as part of the tour. Tickets start at Dh295. Limp Bizkit will return to the UAE on August 12 as part of their Loserville Tour . Performing at Etihad Park, the band will play tracks such as Rollin , Break Stuff , and My Way . Tickets start at Dh435. Natalie Imbruglia will perform at Dubai Opera on August 23. Her 1997 debut album Left of the Middle featured Torn , one of the most-played tracks on Australian radio since the 1990s. Lil Baby will make his UAE debut at Coca-Cola Arena on October 18. Known for hits such as Drip Too Hard , the rapper gained recognition with his 2018 debut album Harder Than Hard . David Gray will perform at Coca-Cola Arena on October 31. Known for Babylon , Sail Away , and This Year's Love , Gray has received a Grammy nomination and two Ivor Novello Awards. Enrique Iglesias will perform at Etihad Arena on November 1. His collaborations include artists such as Pitbull, Whitney Houston, and Lionel Richie. Songs such as Bailando , Hero , and Escape are part of his setlist. Following last year's hugely successful show, Symphony of Stars returns to Etihad Arena on November 7 with a standout lineup featuring two internationally acclaimed artists – Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf. Titled Symphony of Stars: The Soulful Experience , this year's concert will unite Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and British-Iranian musician Sami Yusuf for an evening dedicated to soul, spirituality, and uplifting music. Deep Purple will return to Dubai on November 20 for their only Middle East show this year. The performance will include classics such as Hush , Black Night , Smoke On The Water , and Fireball . The current lineup features Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride. Benson Boone will open the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 weekend with a performance at Etihad Park. Expected songs include Beautiful Things and Slow It Down . Only Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders can attend the concert. Tickets are available online now. Post Malone will perform as part of the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts. Known for tracks such as Circles , Rockstar , and Sunflower , he has nine diamond-certified singles. Only Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders can attend the concert. Tickets are available online now. Elyanna, the Palestinian-Chilean singer known for mixing Arabic lyrics with Latin rhythms, will perform at the Formula 1 After-Race Concerts. She previously appeared at Coachella and with Coldplay in Abu Dhabi. Only Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders can attend the concert. Tickets are available online now. Metallica will headline the After-Race Concerts at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6. With nine Grammy Awards and 125 million albums sold, the band will perform tracks such as Master of Puppets and Enter Sandman . Only Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders can attend the concert. Tickets are available online now. Katy Perry will perform on the final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. The concert will include hits such as Dark Horse , Firework , and California Girls . Only Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders can attend the concert. Tickets are available online now. Rod Stewart will perform at Etihad Arena on December 17. He is a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and has sold over 250 million records and singles. Tickets start at Dh395. Arijit Singh will now perform on December 19, following the postponement of his earlier concert planned for May 9. Tickets start at Dh150. Also read: UAE-India Travel: Etihad Airways Flight Diverted Due to Medical Emergency
Time Out Abu Dhabi
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Your guide to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this June
June in Abu Dhabi is many things: hot, humid and the perfect excuse to fill your calendar with seriously cool things to do indoors (and the odd al fresco soirée if you're brave). Whether you're craving world-class concerts, A-list premieres, indie film vibes, or a festive Christmas-in-June brunch (yes, really), the capital is rolling out a lineup of unforgettable happenings this month. We're talking Hans Zimmer live at Etihad Arena, Brad Pitt's F1 film premiering where it was actually filmed and ABBA bangers booming from Mamma Mia! the musical. There's also a sleek jazz-and-chess night at the Louvre, a themed brunch with a Greek island buzz and Pete Davidson cracking jokes in his UAE debut. Oh and in case you missed it, Eid Al Adha brings a four-day holiday – perfect for a staycation, fireworks, or feasting your way around Yas Bay. Here's your ultimate guide to what's hot in Abu Dhabi this June – and we're not just talking about the weather. Best things to do in June in Abu Dhabi Get mesmerised at a Hans Zimmer concert The film score maestro, who was already due to make an Abu Dhabi performance on May 31, has officially added a second show at Etihad Arena – and it's happening the very next day, on June 1. The German composer is basically Hollywood royalty at this point, having scored some of the most emotionally charged, spine-tingling soundtracks of all time. Think Inception, Interstellar, Gladiator, Dune, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King… honestly, it's a playlist of pure goosebumps. And yes, he's bringing it all to Yas Island with a full live orchestra. From Dhs399. May 31 and June 1. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Try a film festival Clear your calendars and prepare to lean into the art of storytelling, because CineMAS 2025 is back and it's bringing serious indie film energy to Manarat Al Saadiyat. Running from May 26 to June 1, this weeklong festival of independent cinema isn't just about watching movies – it's about sparking conversations, honouring heritage, unpacking identities and maybe even rethinking your place in the world. From Dhs30. Mon May 26 to Sun June 1. Manarat Al Saadiyat. …And then tuck into a movie-inspired menu Dinner and a movie? How about dinner as the movie? A whimsical new dining experience is rolling into Abu Dhabi and it's bringing the big screen to your plate. Running alongside this year's CineMAS festival at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Taparelle has teamed up with Dine-W/Me and CineMAS to launch Le Cartoon – a nostalgic, movie-inspired dinner series that's straight out of an animated dream sequence. There are just 15 seats per slot, so make sure you book ahead to secure your spot. Dhs200 per person. Mon May 26-Sun June 1. 7pm-8pm; 8.15pm-9.15pm; 9.30pm-10.30pm; 10.45pm-11.45pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, @taparellerestaurant (02 657 5832). Head to a Korean contemporary art exhibition Contemporary Art from Korea: 1960s to Today lands in the capital from May 16 to June 30, offering a deep dive into Korea's radical art movements and their legacy of experimentation, hybridity, and bold expression. Curated by Kyung-Hwan Yeo and Maya El Khalil, and designed by acclaimed studio Formafantasma, the show features standout works from the Seoul Museum of Art's collection. Expect layered media, sensory installations, and a journey that moves from the personal to the planetary – touching on identity, gender, tradition, technology, urbanisation, and the environment. Until Jun 30. Manarat AL Saadiyat. Celebrate Eid Al Adha Starting the month off with a bang are all the festivities for Eid Al Adha. Having already been confirmed by the UAE government, we will have four days off to mark Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha in Abu Dhabi – between June 5 and June 8. Whether you're plotting a poolside BBQ, eyeing up a luxe hotel escape, or just chasing the best lamb shoulder in town, the capital's got something for every kind of celebration. Yas Island is pulling out all the stops with stay-and-play deals, theme park thrills and fireworks lighting up Yas Bay. Meanwhile, beachside brunches are bringing the beats (and the bite), with live DJs, Churrasco platters and views that deserve a Boomerang. There are also plenty of staycation deals with perks like free theme park tickets, buffet blowouts and kids-stay-free offers – so you can splash, snooze and feast all in one go. Here's your ultimate guide to making this Eid Al Adha one for the books Take the kiddies to Disney Jr. Live DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR: COSTUME PALOOZA – Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume PaloozaÓ Friends and Family event at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on Thursday, September 1st. (Disney/Phil McCarten) PETER PARKER, MILES MORALES, GWEN STACY Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let's Play! is heading to Abu Dhabi for the very first time, and it's landing just in time for Eid weekend. From June 6 to 8, Etihad Arena on Yas Island will be packed with giggles, dancing, and all the Disney Jr. magic you could wish for. Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Ariel, Ginny and Bitsy, the SuperKitties, Puppy Dog Pals, and Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends for a high-energy, interactive show where your kids can sing, cheer, and dance along with their favourite characters. From Dhs95. June 6-8. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. Try your hand at chess at a super suave jazz night Love the sound of jazz, a bit of friendly competition and a venue dripping in artistic vibes? Then clear your schedule for Saturday June 7 because Chess Night at Marta is back – and it's cooler than ever. Tucked away in the heart of Louvre Abu Dhabi (yes, that Louvre), Marta is hosting the final Chess Night of the season and it's shaping up to be the most sophisticated soirée in the capital. Think: smooth jazz, sleek moves across the board and an atmosphere straight out of a speakeasy. Dhs250 (ladies), Dhs400 (gents). Sat Jun 7, 8pm-1am. Marta, Louvre Abu Dhabi. (052 280 5885). Watch Jesse Cook live Guitar wizard Jesse Cook is bringing his world-famous flamenco fusion to the capital for one night only, and it promises to be pure musical magic. Hot off a European tour that wowed crowds in London, Munich, and Vienna, the Canadian maestro is landing at the Cultural Foundation for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, soul, and serious fingerstyle finesse. Dhs150. Sat Jun 14 8pm. Cultural Foundation, Al Hisn. info@ (02 657 6348). Watch Mamma Mia! live on stage Calling all dancing queens (and kings) – this June, it's time to don your platform boots and embrace the glitter because Mamma Mia! is hitting the stage at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. From Wednesday June 11 to Sunday June 22, the global phenomenon will bring ABBA's iconic hits to life in a show-stopping production that has captivated audiences for nearly 25 years. With over 65 million viewers worldwide, 50 productions, and translations into 16 languages, Mamma Mia! is a certified musical marvel – and now, it's Abu Dhabi's turn to join the party. From Dhs125. Wed Jun 11-Sun Jun 22. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. @etihadarena (0600 511 115). …And if that's not enough, you can head to a Mamma Mia!-themed brunch For two weekends only – June 13-15 and June 20-22 – a pre-show event called Bites & Bubbles will be warming things up before the evening performances at Mamma Mia! kick off. Think Mediterranean nibbles, a splash of sparkle and the kind of upbeat buzz you'd expect at a party on a Greek island (just swap Santorini for Yas Island). Dhs250 per person (groups of 4+), Dhs280 per person (single ticket). Mamma Mia! tickets from Dhs125 (weekdays) and Dhs200 (weekends). June 13-15 and June 20-22 (Fridays & Saturdays only). Etihad Arena, Yas Island. Head to a Christmas brunch (yes, really) Think you have to wait until December for roast turkey, stuffing and a side of Mariah Carey? Think again. Abu Dhabi's Coopers is throwing the calendar out the window with its gloriously unhinged – and undeniably brilliant – Alternative X-Mas Brunch, happening not once but twice this June. Mark your diaries for June 21 and 22, when Santa swaps snow for sand dunes and your favourite festive beats get a sunny remix. Yes, it's Christmas. Yes, it's summer. And yes, there will be gravy. Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs379 (premium beverages). June 21-22, Cooper's, Park Rotana. @coopersabudhabi. Catch Brad Pitt's film premiering in Abu Dhabi Okay, this is one you can't actually attend (unless you get an invite, lucky you) but good to know so you can do some celeb spotting. Brad Pitt's high-octane F1 The Movie is officially making its regional premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25, and it's a full-throttle moment for the capital. Why? Because not only will the city be rolling out the red carpet for Hollywood royalty, it's also the place where key scenes of the movie were filmed – from high-speed drama at Yas Marina Circuit to high-stakes moments at Zayed International Airport and twofour54 Studios. The premiere takes place a day before the film's official Middle East release – so expect flashing cameras, fast cars, and maybe even a glimpse of Brad himself. Giggle with Pete Davidson Pete Davidson is making his way to the UAE for the first time ever and it's going to be one seriously unmissable night of comedy. The Saturday Night Live legend, stand-up icon and all-around comedic wild card is set to take over Etihad Arena on June 25, as part of this year's Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. From Dhs295. Wed June 25, 8pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Bay. Hear Dave Chappelle's cracking jokes If you thought last year's set from Dave Chappelle was something special, buckle up. The comedy kingpin is coming back to Etihad Arena on Thursday June 27, for a show that's about to go down in Abu Dhabi's stand-up history books. Last year, Chappelle kicked off the first-ever Abu Dhabi Comedy Week with a sold-out performance that drew over 14,000 fans – the largest comedy show the region's ever seen. Now, he's set to top it. From Dhs275. Thu Jun 27. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. More going on in Abu Dhabi You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport Trips to the airport just got an upgrade Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
What's On
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
How did the Etihad Arena become one of the UAE's greenest buildings?
Way more than just a global entertainment hub… While Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena is home to island-shaking concerts, hilarious comedy shows, award-winning musicals all the way from Broadway Ave. and much more, that got us thinking: with all the booming sounds and glittering visuals pumped out of their state-of-the-art A/V system, are there any green initiatives in place to save power and make the Arena planet-friendly? Turns out there's way more to it. Here are 6 cool ways Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena has become a leader in sustainability. 3 of 12 Sustainability Overview The Arena leads by example when it comes to sustainable operations in the region's live entertainment space. As the Middle East's largest indoor arena and home to the biggest shows in the UAE, they've embedded environmentally-responsible practices even into day-to-day operations – with very measurable results. Waste management and reduction The numbers say it all, with the building implementing a host of improved processes, and recycling efforts that've contributed to a 24 per cent year-on-year reduction in general waste, with a whopping 15,057 kg of plastic, cardboard and glass waste being recycled – that's a whole 29 per cent increase compared to last year. But that's not all. Innovative and strategic ideas like their Mega Pint Return Programme encourage fans to re-use branded drink cups across events. Snag a cool collector's edition cup? Use it again, because you'll also be reducing the use of single-use plastics at the venue. Win-win. And when you're done enjoying your refreshments at the next big show in town, make sure to use the fan-facing recycling stations – they're easy to find, and carry the 'Cheering for sustainability' slogan. Carbon and utilities Power. What a beautiful thing, and how necessary when it's showtime. At the Etihad Arena, they've achieved a 13 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per head, calculated from overall utility consumption and waste generated. LED and motion-sensor lighting in back-of-house areas help save utilities when not in use, as do optimised HVAC and water-saving features throughout the arena – both fan-facing, and backstage. Every drop saved really does count. Water and plastic waste elimination In the production office, Air2Water Machines produce clean drinking water from air humidity. Besides simply being cool, this could eliminate the need for up to 22,000 single-use plastic bottles – in a single year. Let that sink in… Ticketing and tech This one was obvious, wasn't it? A complete, 100 per cent transition to digital tickets has helped eliminate paper waste and streamline event access. For those that use the Yas Island app, the Beaconless entry system also lowers power consumption. Rating and certification Ever heard of the ESTIDAMA Pearl Rating? For one, ESTIDAMA is Arabic for 'sustainability' and this system is the UAE's green building certification system developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The Etihad Arena was designed and built to meet the 2 Pearl ESTIDAMA sustainability standard. Community engagement A deep dive confirms that digital messaging and in-venue signage drives green habits on a behavioural level among fans like you and us, encouraging better recycling habits and an innate drive to save power and utilities. It's a behaviour and lifestyle that's even easier to pick up when your favourite artists and event partners are the ones aligned with these goals. Stay tuned to for all the updates on Abu Dhabi's booming entertainment calendar (with the vast majority coming to you at, you guessed it, the Etihad Arena). Images: supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
'It's how we speak': Gad Elmaleh on the language of Moroccan humour
A formative moment in Gad Elmaleh 's comedy career arrived as a child in the family home in Casablanca. After watching a romantic film, he turned to his parents and told them he loved them. Elmaleh recalls how his mother's reaction didn't go according to script: 'she just looked at me and said, 'what do you think this is, a French movie?''. Speaking to The National ahead of Friday's show at Etihad Arena – part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season – the Moroccan-born French comedian, 54, describes the exchange as the essence of Moroccan humour – zippy and often used to deflect unexpected emotion or introspection. 'We come from a culture where real communication rarely exists. Sitting down and talking about everything just doesn't happen. So to say real things, we go through humour. It's how speak," he says. 'Sometimes when I was a kid, if someone was angry, it would come out as a joke. If you wanted to say something to a girl, or talk about feelings, you'd tease or make a funny comment. Humour is our filter. It's how we manage awkwardness.' The instinctive approach served him well. After moving to France in his late teens, Elmaleh hit the open mic circuit in Paris, where his quirky, autobiographical style gained traction and made him one of France's biggest international comedy exports. With television specials in both French and English, Elmaleh built a career on both sides of the Atlantic, supporting the likes of Jerry Seinfeld in the US and lending his voice to animated films including the French dub of Despicable Me, where he voiced Gru, and A Monster in Paris, voicing the character Raoul. That progression was aided by the indirect mentorship of Seinfeld. 'For me, as a beginner in English, it was such a great opportunity to go on stage in front of an American audience every single night, do my 15 minutes as an opener, and then stay backstage watching him do stand-up. It was a masterclass for me,' he says. 'He didn't always give me specific advice, but I learnt something every day just by being around him. We still talk all the time. We laugh. He's obsessed with comedy, and so am I.' That road to Paris and Hollywood, is also rooted in childhood experiences from his homeland. Elmaleh continues to make regular visits to Morocco, where he draws inspiration from everyday interactions. 'This is where my comedy DNA is,' he says. 'I'll give you an example: I was back in Morocco not long ago, spending time in Casablanca with a comedian friend. We were just walking the streets, watching people interact, and I told her, 'Is everyone here a comedian? What's going on?'' 'Every person we met had a way of saying something important without making it uncomfortable. They would tease, laugh at themselves. It wasn't a performance – it was just daily communication.' It's a form also absorbed from his father, an amateur mime, whose movements inspired some of the nervy mannerisms in Elmaleh's performance. He recounts the memory, naturally, with a touch of Moroccan wit. 'I don't really remember my dad teaching me anything. But I saw him perform. I copied him. It just became natural,' he says. 'Today when I'm on stage, it's physical, it's facial, it's slapstick and that's all from him. Now, of course, my father says the only reason he didn't become an international star was because he didn't want to take all the light away from me. He's lying.' His Abu Dhabi set, performed in French, will draw on some of his personal experiences shaped by navigating cultures, traditions and languages. All of this makes Abu Dhabi a fitting setting for a show that speaks to its diverse Francophone communities. 'The fact that I'm coming to Abu Dhabi is already material,' Elmaleh says. 'A French-language show in the Emirates, with people from everywhere, is funny before I even start talking. They speak the same language, but not the same culture. That's what makes it interesting. You've got French speakers from Morocco, Lebanon, Switzerland and Belgium, each with their own references and sense of humour. It's a mix of people who understand the words but not always in the same way. I like that complexity. It keeps me on my toes." It's also the kind of laughter people need in a time of growing social polarisation, Elmaleh says, noting how stand-up's resurgence is fuelled by its perception as a rare space for unfiltered truths. 'Everything right now feels tense,' he says. 'But comedy is a place where we can breathe. It's a place where you can say things, explore contradictions, and still connect.'
What's On
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 unmissable rock shows in Abu Dhabi 2025
It's time to rock out… Few things in life are more freeing, expressive and energetic than a rock show. The good news is, we have several coming to the UAE capital this year. On that note, here are 5 rock shows in Abu Dhabi you must attend. May 27: Guns N' Roses They'll perform at the Etihad Arena tonight , and bring a revered songbook of rock superhits that will include Sweet Child O' Mine , Welcome to the Jungle , and more. Guns N' Roses, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Tuesday May 27, from Dhs380. August 12: Limp Bizkit Known for tracks such as Take a Look Around ( cue Tom Cruise full throttle on a Triumph Speed Triple in Mission: Impossible 2), Rollin', Behind Blue Eyes, Break Stuff (hello, Woodstock '99), Nookie , and Boiler, the band, comprising frontman Fred Durst, guitarist Wes Borland, bassist Sam Rivers, drummer John Otto and DJ Lethal redefined what it meant to take over an arena around the turn of the millennium. And they're coming to Abu Dhabi this summer. Limp Bizkit, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, August 12, Live Nation presale April 24 at noon, general sales April 25 at noon. December 6: Metallica The one, the only, evergreen heavy metal supergroup Metallica has been confirmed to perform on Saturday, December 6 at Etihad Park, and we're beyond sure this will be one of the biggest shows to come to town in a long time. Wait for hits such as Master of Puppets , Enter Sandman, I Disappear , and others. Metallica Live, Etihad Park, Saturday December 6, 2025, tickets at October 9: Smashing Pumpkins The near-40 year-strong band grew in fame in the '90s, with albums such as Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness , which spawned hit singles including 1979 and Tonight Tonight. One look at those videos on YouTube and you'll know they're from a nostalgia-inducing time i.e. the good ol'days i.e. the '90s, when your summer break often meant lounging around and watching music videos on MTV. They'll be performing at the Etihad Arena right as we dive into Q4, and you won't want to miss it. The Smashing Pumpkins, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 2025. December 17: Rod Stewart Fresh off his 33rd studio album Swing Fever , Sir Rod Stewart has been confirmed to play at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena on December 17 this year. One of the best-selling artists in history, the eight-decade strong legend will bring his timeless hits including Maggie May , The First Cut is the Deepest , Forever Young , and many others to town. Rod Stewart Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 17, pre-sale April 17 at 8am, general sales on April 18 at noon. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
