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Events & Entertainment Guide

UAE Events Calendar 2026: What's On in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Every Emirate, October to New Year's Eve

Confirmed and reported dates across all seven emirates, with who each event suits and where to book safely. For residents, new arrivals and anyone planning a winter trip.

Last checked 17 October 2026. Updated weekly; next check 24 October 2026. Written by the Relocate2UAE editorial team, an independent Abu Dhabi based relocation platform. No organiser or ticket seller pays to appear in this calendar.

Last checked: 17 October 2026 Updated weekly Editorially independent
Jump to the calendar Free and family picks
Quick answer

The biggest UAE events between now and New Year's Eve 2026 are the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (3 to 6 December, Yas Marina Circuit), the Emirates Dubai 7s (27 to 29 November), the Dubai Fitness Challenge (31 October to 29 November, free), the Sharjah International Book Fair (4 to 15 November) and the Dubai Shopping Festival, which opens on 4 December. Global Village is open nightly from AED 25. Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's National Day, falls on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December, and most UAE schools break up for winter on 14 December. Book only through the organiser, the venue or an authorised seller, and check the official page before you travel: several 2026 events have moved because of the regional situation.

What has changed this autumn. Some spring 2026 events were postponed because of the regional conflict and have been rescheduled into October to December, including Amr Diab, Atif Aslam, Anuv Jain and the Dubai International Boat Show. A few have moved out of 2026 altogether or been cancelled (see Moved, cancelled and still to be announced). The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was formally confirmed for December in August. We found no cancellation of any other headline event in this calendar when we checked on 17 October.

Key facts at a glance

Question Short answer
When is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026? Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. Race day is Sunday 6 December.
When are the Dubai 7s 2026? Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai. International rugby sevens on Saturday and Sunday.
When is Dubai Shopping Festival 2026/27? Reported for 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027 (32nd edition). The full programme is due in November.
When is the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026? 31 October to 29 November. Dubai Ride is on Sunday 1 November and Dubai Run on Sunday 22 November. Free.
How much is Global Village Season 31? AED 25 for a weekday ticket and AED 30 for an Any Day ticket. Free for under-3s, over-65s and People of Determination with one companion.
When is UAE National Day 2026? Eid Al Etihad is Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. The formal holiday announcement is usually made in November.
When are the winter school holidays? Most UAE schools break from 14 December 2026 and return on Monday 4 January 2027. Check your own school.
Is the Sharjah International Book Fair on in 2026? Yes. Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 November at Expo Centre Sharjah, 10am to 10pm. Oman is Guest of Honour.
Which big events are free? Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Ride and Dubai Run, the Children's Biennale in Abu Dhabi, Perform Sharjah, Thursday and Friday at the Abu Dhabi golf championship, and National Day and New Year's Eve public celebrations.
Where should I buy tickets? From the organiser, the venue or an authorised seller such as Platinumlist or Ticketmaster UAE. Avoid resale sites and social media sellers.
What is the best family event this autumn? Global Village, the Disney film concerts at Etihad Arena (18 to 20 December), the Children's Biennale (6 November to 6 December) and the Sheikh Zayed Festival from 30 October.
Is New Year's Eve 2026 announced? Not yet. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah normally publish fireworks plans in late November or December. We will add them when they are confirmed.

How this calendar works

Short answer: Every event carries a status. Confirmed means we read the date on the organiser's site, the venue's site, an official government or tourism calendar, or an authorised ticket seller. Reported means the date has appeared in reputable press but we have not yet seen it on an official page. We never carry last year's date forward.

Status What it means What you should do
Confirmed Date seen on an official or authorised source on the check date Book with confidence through the official link, but recheck close to the day
Reported Date published in reputable press, not yet on an official page Plan around it, but wait for the official page before paying
Rescheduled Moved from an earlier date, usually spring 2026 Check whether earlier tickets are still valid with the seller
To be announced Expected, but no date published Do not book travel around it yet

Prices are the lowest "from" prices shown on the official or authorised seller page on 17 October 2026. They can change, often exclude booking fees, and sell out first. Age rules are the venue's or seller's published policy; Etihad Arena and many venues require under-16s to be with an adult aged 21 or over. This calendar covers 17 October to 31 December 2026 across all seven emirates. For a deeper look at what to do with children year-round, see our Things to Do With Kids in the UAE guide.

In this guide

1 How this calendar works 2 The headline dates: Oct to Dec 2026 3 Announced this week 4 Late October 2026 5 November 2026 6 December 2026 7 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 8 Dubai 7s 2026: what to know 9 Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 10 Global Village, Zayed Festival & winter festivals 11 Events by emirate 12 Free events and family picks 13 National Day and NYE 2026 14 Buying tickets safely 15 Living here around major events 16 Moved, cancelled, to be announced 17 Looking ahead: early 2027 18 Frequently asked questions

The headline dates: October to December 2026

Short answer: Plan around three weeks. 5 to 15 November (Sharjah Book Fair, golf in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Diwali, Dubai Racing Carnival), 19 to 29 November (Frieze Abu Dhabi, SailGP, Dubai Run, Dubai 7s) and 2 to 6 December (National Day and Grand Prix week). Scroll down for the full month-by- month calendar and the detail on each event.

Date Event Emirate Status
To 18 Oct Dubai Comedy Festival Dubai Confirmed
From 14 Oct Global Village Season 31 (to May 2027) Dubai Confirmed
10 Oct to 19 Dec Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 Abu Dhabi Confirmed
24 Oct UFC 333: Volkanovski vs Evloev Abu Dhabi Confirmed
30 Oct to 14 Mar 2027 Sheikh Zayed Festival Abu Dhabi Reported
31 Oct to 29 Nov Dubai Fitness Challenge Dubai Confirmed
1 Nov Dubai Ride Dubai Reported
2 to 12 Nov Diwali in Dubai Dubai Confirmed
3 to 8 Nov Dubai Design Week Dubai Confirmed
4 to 15 Nov Sharjah International Book Fair Sharjah Confirmed
5 to 8 Nov Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship (golf) Abu Dhabi Confirmed
6 Nov Dubai Racing Carnival opening night Dubai Confirmed
6 Nov to 6 Dec Children's Biennale Abu Dhabi Confirmed
7 to 20 Nov Abu Dhabi T10 cricket Abu Dhabi Confirmed
11 Nov Louvre Abu Dhabi: Art Here 2026 opens Abu Dhabi Confirmed
12 to 15 Nov DP World Tour Championship Dubai Confirmed
13 Nov Hans Zimmer: The Next Level Abu Dhabi Confirmed
19 to 22 Nov Frieze Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Confirmed
21 Nov American Ballet Theatre, Abu Dhabi Festival Abu Dhabi Confirmed
21 to 22 Nov Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) Dubai Confirmed
21 Nov NBF Fujairah Run Fujairah Confirmed
22 Nov Dubai Run Dubai Reported
25 to 29 Nov Dubai International Boat Show Dubai Confirmed
27 to 29 Nov Emirates Dubai 7s Dubai Confirmed
28 Nov to 3 Jan 2027 Mother of the Nation Festival (three locations) Abu Dhabi Confirmed
2 to 3 Dec Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) All emirates Fixed date
3 to 6 Dec Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Abu Dhabi Confirmed
4 Dec to 17 Jan 2027 Dubai Shopping Festival Dubai Reported
11 Dec Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens Abu Dhabi Reported
11 Dec to 2 Jan 2027 Liwa International Festival Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) Confirmed
12 Dec ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon; UAE President Cup Abu Dhabi Confirmed
12 Dec Mariah Carey's Christmastime Abu Dhabi Confirmed
16 to 20 Dec Chicago The Musical Dubai Confirmed
18 to 20 Dec Disney and Home Alone 2 film concerts Abu Dhabi Confirmed
31 Dec New Year's Eve All emirates Programmes TBA
Announced this week

Changes published 10 to 17 October 2026

Short answer: Mariah Carey added to Etihad Arena on 12 December. Dubai Shopping Festival dates now reported as 4 December to 17 January. Global Village prices confirmed. Mother of the Nation Festival confirmed across three locations. Riverdance moved to November 2027.

Mariah Carey's Christmastime comes to Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday 12 December. Tickets from AED 249. Announced 15 October.

Dubai Shopping Festival 32nd edition dates reported as 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, with the full programme due in November.

Global Village confirmed Season 31 prices: AED 25 weekday and AED 30 Any Day.

Mother of the Nation Festival confirmed for three locations: Al Jahili Park in Al Ain and Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra from 28 November to 2 December, then Abu Dhabi Corniche from 9 December to 3 January 2027.

Sharjah International Book Fair published its children's and family programme.

Moved: Riverdance at Etihad Arena is now 19 and 20 November 2027, not 31 October and 1 November 2026. See Moved, cancelled and still to be announced.

Late October 2026

Late October 2026

Short answer: Global Village has just opened, UFC 333 takes over Yas Island on 24 October, the racing season starts at Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and the Sheikh Zayed Festival is reported to open on 30 October. The Dubai Fitness Challenge starts on Saturday 31 October.

Global Village Season 31

Open nightly from Wednesday 14 October 2026 to May 2027 | Global Village, Dubai | Official site

The UAE's best-known seasonal attraction: country pavilions, street food from around the world, rides and nightly shows. It is an evening outing, busiest at weekends, and the easiest big night out with visiting relatives. Sunday to Wednesday 4pm to midnight; Thursday to Saturday 4pm to 1am. Tuesdays are reserved for women and families, except on public holidays. Allow three to four hours.

Tickets: weekday AED 25, Any Day AED 30, through the Global Village website, app and gates. Free for under-3s, over-65s and People of Determination plus one companion. Confirmed by the organiser.

UFC 333: Volkanovski vs Evloev

Saturday 24 October | Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | Visit Abu Dhabi UFC page

Abu Dhabi's annual UFC fight night, with Yan vs Dvalishvili 3 as co-main event. Yas Island hotels fill and prices rise that weekend, so book early or avoid the island if you are not going. Under-16s must be with an adult aged 21 or over. Power Slap is on the evening before, Friday 23 October. Confirmed. Premium seats and hotel packages are also offered by our sport travel partner ES Sport.

Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026/27

Reported from Friday 30 October 2026 to Sunday 14 March 2027 | Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi | Official site

A long-running heritage and family festival: pavilions from around the world, traditional crafts, food, a funfair and, according to press reports, fireworks, drone and laser shows on Eid Al Etihad and New Year's Eve. Entry was AED 10 last season, with under-3s, over-60s and People of Determination free; 2026/27 prices are not yet published. Go after sunset and allow three hours. Reported. The official site still shows last season.

Also in late October

Date Event Where Who it suits From Status
Sun 18 Oct Vir Das, Dubai Comedy Festival closer Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai 16+ AED 195 Confirmed
Wed 21 Oct Al Ain racing season opens Al Ain Racecourse Everyone — Confirmed
Thu 22 Oct Abu Dhabi racing season opens (then Thursdays through November) Abu Dhabi Turf Club Everyone — Confirmed
Thu 22 Oct Gipsy Kings by André Reyes Dubai Opera Adults AED 395 Reported
From Fri 23 Oct Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial (Al Ain first, Abu Dhabi from 15 Nov) Public spaces Everyone, free Free Reported
Sat 24 Oct ADNOC Al Dhannah Flat Out 10km, 5km, 2.5km Al Dhannah City, Al Dhafra Runners; 5km from age 6 AED 65 Confirmed
Sat 24 Oct Nancy Ajram Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Under-16s with an adult AED 210 Confirmed
Sat 24 Oct World Hits About Love Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi 6+ AED 250 Confirmed
Sun 25 Oct Russell Peters Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi 16+ AED 275 Confirmed
Tue 27 Oct to 19 Dec Al Dhafra Festival (camel heritage, in stages) Sweihan, Razeen, Madinat Zayed Culture lovers — Confirmed
Thu 29 to Sat 31 Oct TITIZÉ: A Venetian Dream Dubai Opera Families AED 275 Reported
Fri 30 Oct to Sun 8 Nov Sharjah Film Platform Mirage City Cinema and other venues, Sharjah Film fans — Confirmed
To Sun 29 Nov, weekends Perform Sharjah (16 free performances) Sharjah and Khorfakkan All ages Free Confirmed
Sat 31 Oct Kunal Kamra Dubai Adults — Confirmed

Dubai Fitness Challenge (10th edition)

Saturday 31 October to Sunday 29 November Citywide, Dubai Free

Thirty days of free classes, Fitness Villages and mass-participation events built around 30 minutes of activity a day. The best free programme of the year for families. The headline days are Dubai Ride on Sunday 1 November, with a 4km family route and a 12km route on Sheikh Zayed Road, and Dubai Run on Sunday 22 November with 5km and 10km routes. Dubai Stand Up Paddle at Hatta on 7 and 8 November and Dubai Yoga on 29 November are Reported. Registration is required for the big events.

Status: Challenge dates Confirmed by Dubai Media Office. Dubai Ride and Dubai Run dates Confirmed.

November 2026

The busiest month of the season

Book fair, two golf weeks, Frieze and the 7s — all inside three weekends.

Sharjah International Book Fair (45th edition)

Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 November Expo Centre Sharjah expo-centre.ae

One of the largest book fairs in the world and the strongest cultural event in the northern emirates this season. Expect author talks, a large children's programme and cookery sessions, with Oman as Guest of Honour. Entry has been free in past years; confirm on the fair's website. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups and evening traffic into Sharjah. Allow two to three hours.

Status: Confirmed by Sharjah Book Authority. Opening hours for 2026 not yet published.

Abu Dhabi Championship

Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 November · Yas Links, Yas Island

The first of the DP World Tour's two season-ending play-off events, with the tour's top 70 players. Golf tournaments here are relaxed, walkable and good value compared with Europe. Suits golfers and families with older children. Allow half a day.

Confirmed — DP World Tour

Dubai Racing Carnival opening night

Friday 6 November · Meydan Racecourse

The start of the international season at Meydan, which builds to the Dubai World Cup in March. Evening racing under lights is a classic Dubai night out. The wider UAE season runs to 64 meetings across Meydan, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Jebel Ali and Sharjah. Allow three to four hours.

Confirmed — Dubai Racing Club

DP World Tour Championship

Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November · Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates

The season finale of the DP World Tour, where the Race to Dubai is decided. The fan village makes it the most family-friendly of the UAE's golf weeks. Allow half a day.

Confirmed — tickets on sale

Hans Zimmer Live

Friday 13 November, doors 6:30pm, show 8:30pm · Etihad Arena, Yas Island

Film scores performed live with full band and orchestra. The early start suits teenagers. Allow three hours.

Confirmed — Ticketmaster UAE

Frieze Abu Dhabi

Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi frieze.com

The first Frieze art fair in the Gulf, replacing Abu Dhabi Art. Pair it with Louvre Abu Dhabi's Art Here 2026: Confluences, open from 11 November (Louvre Abu Dhabi), and the free Children's Biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park from 6 November to 6 December (Abu Dhabi Festival). Allow two to three hours. Status: Confirmed.

Frieze dates Confirmed by the organiser.

Trevor Noah

Wed 25, Thu 26, Sat 28 and Sun 29 November Dubai Opera

Four nights in an opera house rather than an arena, which is a far better way to see a stand-up of this profile. Adults. Allow two hours.

Status: Confirmed by the venue. From AED 295 when checked.

Biggest social weekend

Emirates Dubai 7s

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November The Sevens Stadium, Dubai emiratesdubai7s.com

The biggest social weekend of the expat year: international rugby sevens on Saturday and Sunday, invitational tournaments in other sports including, new this year, Gaelic football, and live music after dark. Friday is the gentlest day for young families. Through the authorised seller, Friday entry was from AED 75, a Saturday or Sunday day pass AED 455 and a three-day pass AED 595, with reduced child and youth tickets. Gates open 07:00, last entry 19:30, no re-entry. Allow a full day.

Relocate2UAE Partner

Hospitality option. ES Sport, a Relocate2UAE partner, runs the Ankle Tap Lounge on the centre line of Pitch 1, with hospitality and hotel packages, and 5% off select experiences for Relocate2UAE clients. Standard tickets are sold by the organiser's authorised seller. Details: relocate2uae.com/es-sport

Status: Confirmed. Tickets on sale since 31 August.

Also in November

Date Event Where Who it suits From Status
Sun 1 Nov Benjamin Clementine Dubai Opera Adults AED 500 Confirmed
Mon 2 to Thu 5 Nov ADIPEC (energy trade show) ADNEC, Abu Dhabi Professionals — Confirmed
Mon 2 to Thu 12 Nov Diwali in Dubai; Noor Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef 6 to 8 Nov Citywide Everyone, free Free Confirmed
Tue 3 to Sun 8 Nov Dubai Design Week; Downtown Design 4 to 8 Nov Dubai Design District Design lovers — Confirmed
Wed 4 Nov Jony Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Standing 14+ AED 295 Confirmed
Fri 6 Nov Mo Amer Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi 16+ AED 325 Confirmed
Fri 6 to Sat 7 Nov The Very Hungry Caterpillar Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi Age 1+ AED 125 Confirmed
Fri 6 to Sun 8 Nov The Adventures of Dumbo Masrah Al Qasba, Sharjah All ages AED 49 Confirmed
Sat 7 Nov ADNOC Al Ain Half Marathon Al Ain Runners, families AED 65 Confirmed
Sat 7 Nov Maz Jobrani Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi 16+ AED 275 Confirmed
Sat 7 Nov Amr Diab (rescheduled from April) Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Fans AED 295 Confirmed
Sat 7 to Fri 20 Nov Abu Dhabi T10 cricket Zayed Cricket Stadium Everyone — Confirmed
Sat 7 to Sun 8 Nov Dubai Stand Up Paddle Hatta Active families — Reported
To Sun 8 Nov LEGO SHOWS: Natural Brickstory Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Families — Confirmed
Sun 8 to Sun 15 Nov Emaar Dubai Premier Padel P1 Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai Everyone AED 36 Confirmed
Fri 13 to Sun 15 Nov Taste of Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Food lovers — Confirmed
Fri 13 to Sun 15 Nov Dubai T100 Triathlon Al Mamzar, Dubai Athletes, spectators — Reported
Fri 13 to Sat 14 Nov BREDx: Bryson Tiller and Central Cee (Sat) Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 14+ strictly AED 195 Confirmed
Sat 14 Nov Real American Freestyle wrestling Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Fight fans — Confirmed
Sat 14 Nov Majid Al Muhandis Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Sharjah Fans AED 400 Confirmed
From Sat 14 Nov Sharjah Architecture Triennial (to April 2027) Sites across Sharjah Culture lovers — Reported
Thu 19 to Sun 22 Nov Spartan World Championship Al Wathba Desert, Abu Dhabi Athletes — Confirmed
Thu 19 Nov Amine Radi, Abu Dhabi Comedy Season Etihad Arena 16+ AED 150 Confirmed
Fri 20 Nov Anuv Jain (rescheduled from April) Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai 14+ AED 175 Confirmed
Sat 21 Nov American Ballet Theatre, Abu Dhabi Festival Emirates Palace terrace 10+ AED 300 Confirmed
Sat 21 Nov My First Ballet RAK Cultural Development Centre Age 3+ AED 50 Confirmed
Sat 21 to Sun 22 Nov HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah (hiking) Jebel Jais Hikers — Reported
Sun 22 Nov to Sun 20 Dec DP World ILT20 cricket, Season 5 UAE-wide, final in Dubai Everyone — Confirmed
Mon 23 to Thu 26 Nov Big 5 Global (construction trade show) Dubai World Trade Centre Professionals; no under-21s — Confirmed
Fri 27 Nov Atif Aslam (rescheduled from April) Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Under-16s with an adult AED 150 Confirmed
Fri 27 Nov Tarkan Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Standing 16+ AED 295 Confirmed
Fri 27 Nov Hiba Tawaji and Ibrahim Maalouf Dubai Opera Adults AED 355 Reported
Sat 28 Nov Ramy Sabry Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Age 2+ AED 195 Confirmed
Sat 28 Nov Nawal and Abdulla Almestrih Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Sharjah Fans AED 200 Confirmed
Sun 29 Nov Angham Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi 12+ AED 295 Confirmed
Sun 29 Nov Verdi Gala, Abu Dhabi Festival Abu Dhabi Adults — Reported
Sun 29 Nov Dubai Yoga Dubai Everyone, free Free Reported
December 2026

National Day, Grand Prix week and the year's close

The busiest fortnight in the UAE calendar — plan transport before you plan anything else.

Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)

Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December All seven emirates Free

The UAE's 55th National Day. Expect fireworks, parades, car decorations and flag displays in every emirate, and heavy traffic on the evenings of both days. Official holiday arrangements and city programmes are normally announced in November.

Status: Fixed date. Programmes not yet announced.

Andrea Bocelli: Romanza

Wednesday 2 December, 18:00 Etihad Arena, Yas Island Ticketmaster UAE

The 30th anniversary tour of Bocelli's best-known album opens Grand Prix week. Older children and adults. Allow three hours. Press reported tickets from AED 295.

Status: Confirmed by the venue and the authorised seller.

Largest event of the year

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December, race on Sunday Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island abudhabigp.com

The season finale and the largest event in the UAE calendar. Race tickets include the after-race concerts at Etihad Live: Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi on Thursday, Alex Warren on Friday with a second act to come, Imagine Dragons on Saturday, and The Chainsmokers with The Script on Sunday. Golden Circle upgrades open on 30 September. Days are long, hot and loud, so bring ear protection for children. We have not printed a ticket price because publishers currently quote three different figures; read it on the official site.

After-race concerts

Thursday: Zara Larsson & Lewis Capaldi
Friday: Alex Warren (+ second act TBC)
Saturday: Imagine Dragons
Sunday: The Chainsmokers & The Script

Relocate2UAE Partner

Where to buy. Standard tickets: the organiser, at abudhabigp.com. Grandstand, hospitality and hotel packages: also available from ES Sport, a Relocate2UAE partner, with 5% off select experiences for Relocate2UAE clients. Details: relocate2uae.com/es-sport

Status: Confirmed by the organiser. Tickets on sale.

Also in December

Date Event Where Who it suits From Status
Wed 2 Dec Bolshoi Theatre: The Tsar's Bride Dubai Opera 12+ AED 350 Confirmed
Wed 2 Dec Andrea Bocelli, Romanza tour (doors 6pm) Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi All ages with ticket AED 295 Confirmed
Thu 3 Dec Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Valery Gergiev Dubai Opera Adults AED 350 Confirmed
Fri 4 Dec Anyma presents ÆDEN, Grand Prix after-party Yas Gateway Park, Abu Dhabi 21+ strictly AED 545 Confirmed
Fri 4 to Sun 6 Dec Bolshoi: The Nutcracker Dubai Opera Families — Reported
Mon 7 Dec GITEX Global summit Dubai World Trade Centre Professionals — Confirmed
Mon 7 to Thu 10 Dec Abu Dhabi Finance Week ADGM, Al Maryah Island Professionals USD 500 a day Confirmed
Tue 8 to Fri 11 Dec GITEX Global expo; Expand North Star 8 to 10 Dec Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Professionals — Confirmed
Tue 8 to Thu 10 Dec Culture Summit Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Professionals — Confirmed
Fri 11 Dec Guy Manoukian Dubai Opera Adults AED 330 Reported
Fri 11 to Sun 13 Dec Focal Point art book fair Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Sharjah Art lovers — Confirmed
Sat 12 to Sat 19 Dec Al Dhafra Festival finale with heritage market Al Dhafra Culture lovers — Confirmed
Wed 16 Dec Denis Matsuev Dubai Opera Adults AED 350 Reported
From Thu 17 Dec A Christmas Carol (to 26 Dec) Theatre by QE2, Dubai Families — Confirmed (seller listing)
Fri 18 Dec Festive Friday race meeting Meydan, Dubai Everyone — Confirmed
Fri 18 to Sat 19 Dec Dopa World: Ziad Zaza (Fri), Saint Levant (Sat) Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai 12+ AED 245 Confirmed (Visit Dubai also lists 20 Dec)
Sat 19 Dec Dhafer Youssef Quintet, Abu Dhabi Festival closer Abu Dhabi Adults — Reported
Throughout Dec Cinderella panto (5 to 24 Dec) and Snow White (16 to 28 Dec) Dubai theatres Families — Confirmed (seller listing)
Sat 26 Dec Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Dubai Fans — Confirmed (seller listing)
Largest event of the year

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026: dates, concerts and tickets

Short answer: The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026 at Yas Marina Circuit, with the race on Sunday. Race tickets include the after-race concerts and access to Yas Island theme parks. Tickets are on sale at abudhabigp.com.

Dates

Thursday 3 December to Sunday 6 December, with qualifying on Saturday 5 December and the race on Sunday 6 December

Venue

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Official tickets

abudhabigp.com, with Ticketmaster as ticketing partner

Status

Confirmed. F1 confirmed the race would go ahead in August after the regional situation raised doubts.

After-race concerts

Thursday: Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi
Friday: Alex Warren, second act to be announced
Saturday: Imagine Dragons
Sunday: The Chainsmokers and The Script

For Grand Prix ticket holders; Golden Circle upgrades are sold separately.

Around the race: Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena on Wed 2 Dec; Anyma's official after-party at Yas Gateway Park on Fri 4 Dec (21+). Kids Go Free Friday: registration is closed for 2026; all places have been taken.

On price: we have not printed a Grand Prix ticket price because the official site does not display one outside the booking flow and third-party figures disagree. Read the price on abudhabigp.com before you buy.

Practical tips. Days are long, hot in the afternoon and very loud, so bring ear protection for children, sun cover and a refillable bottle. Yas Island traffic and hotel prices peak all week. If you live on Yas or in Al Raha, plan school runs and airport trips around concert finishing times.

Relocate2UAE Partner

Hospitality. Our sport travel partner ES Sport offers Grand Prix grandstand and hotel packages and premium hospitality including concert access. For standard tickets, buy direct from the official site.

Biggest social weekend of the year

Dubai 7s 2026: what to know

Short answer: The Emirates Dubai 7s run from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2026 at The Sevens Stadium on Al Ain Road. HSBC SVNS international rugby is on Saturday and Sunday, with invitational tournaments and live music across the weekend. Tickets are digital only, through the official site or Platinumlist.

Dates

Fri 27 to Sun 29 November; international matches Sat 28 and Sun 29 November

Venue

The Sevens Stadium, Dubai

Tickets

Official ticket site or Platinumlist. Adult day passes from AED 455 and a three-day adult pass from AED 595 on Platinumlist when checked, with reduced child (4 to 9) and youth (10 to 14) tickets. Group bookings 25% off.

Status

Confirmed

Gates
7am (VIP 9am); last entry 7:30pm
Music
Beats on 2 line-up includes Jax Jones and Melanie C
New in 2026
Gaelic football joins the invitational programme

For families. Child and youth tickets and a dedicated kids' area; Friday is the gentlest day for young children.

Relocate2UAE Partner

Hospitality option. Our sport travel partner ES Sport sells hospitality on the Pitch 1 centre line.

Getting there. Al Ain Road is slow in both directions all weekend. Official buses and taxis are easier than parking.

Free, all month

Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026: Dubai Ride and Dubai Run

Short answer: The 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge runs from Saturday 31 October to Sunday 29 November 2026 and asks residents to do 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. It is free. Dubai Ride closes Sheikh Zayed Road to cyclists on Sunday 1 November, and Dubai Run turns it into a running track on Sunday 22 November.

Event Date Format Status
Dubai Fitness Challenge Sat 31 Oct to Sun 29 Nov Free classes, fitness villages and hubs citywide Confirmed
Dubai Ride Sun 1 Nov Family and longer routes on Sheikh Zayed Road Reported
Dubai Stand Up Paddle Sat 7 to Sun 8 Nov Hatta Dam Reported
Dubai Run Sun 22 Nov 5km and 10km on Sheikh Zayed Road Reported
Dubai Yoga Sun 29 Nov Sunset session Reported

Register for the big days on the official Dubai Fitness Challenge site. Registration is free but required, and places can close early. Expect Sheikh Zayed Road closures early on both Sunday mornings: use the Metro or plan another route.

For clubs, gyms and running groups to keep you going afterwards, see our UAE Sports & Recreation Guide.

Global Village, Sheikh Zayed Festival and the winter festivals

Short answer: Winter is festival season in the UAE. Global Village in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi run all winter; the Mother of the Nation Festival, Liwa International Festival and Al Dhafra Festival fill late November to early January.

Festival Dates Where Best for Status
Global Village Season 31 14 Oct 2026 to May 2027 Dubai World food, shows, rides; visiting family Confirmed
Sheikh Zayed Festival 30 Oct 2026 to 14 Mar 2027 Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi Heritage, low-cost family evenings, fireworks Reported
Al Dhafra Festival (20th) 27 Oct to 19 Dec, elite rounds 3 to 12 Jan 2027 Sweihan, Razeen, Madinat Zayed Camel heritage and traditional markets Confirmed
Mother of the Nation Festival (10th) Al Jahili Park, Al Ain and Al Mugheirah Bay, Al Dhafra: 28 Nov to 2 Dec. Abu Dhabi Corniche: 9 Dec to 3 Jan 2027 Three locations Family festival with a zone for young children Confirmed
Liwa International Festival 11 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 2027 Moreeb, Liwa Desert camping, motorsport, dunes Confirmed
Ain Al Thuraya 27 Nov to 6 Dec Al Ain Museum and Al Ain Oasis Culture and families Reported
Dubai Shopping Festival 4 Dec 2026 to 17 Jan 2027 Citywide, Dubai Shopping and city entertainment Reported

Official sources: Abu Dhabi Media Office on Mother of the Nation, on Liwa 2027 and on the Al Dhafra Festival.

New to the UAE? A festival evening is one of the easiest ways to understand Emirati heritage. Our UAE Culture & Customs Guide covers dress and etiquette at heritage events.

Events by emirate: Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain

Short answer: Sharjah has a full autumn of culture, led by the Book Fair, Perform Sharjah and Khorfakkan concerts. Fujairah has its city run on 21 November and Ras Al Khaimah has family theatre and a Jebel Jais hiking event. We could not confirm any dated public event in Ajman or Umm Al Quwain before the end of 2026.

Sharjah

Dates Event Venue Status
To 29 Nov, weekends Perform Sharjah: 16 free performances, all ages Theatres and heritage houses in Sharjah and Khorfakkan Confirmed
To 29 Nov Vantage Point 13, free photography exhibition Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Manakh Confirmed
30 Oct to 8 Nov Sharjah Film Platform 9 Mirage City Cinema and other venues Confirmed
4 to 15 Nov Sharjah International Book Fair Expo Centre Sharjah Confirmed
6 to 8 Nov The Adventures of Dumbo (from AED 49) Masrah Al Qasba Confirmed
14 Nov Majid Al Muhandis (from AED 400) Khorfakkan Amphitheatre Confirmed
From 14 Nov Sharjah Architecture Triennial (to April 2027) Across the emirate Reported
28 Nov Nawal and Abdulla Almestrih (from AED 200) Khorfakkan Amphitheatre Confirmed
11 to 13 Dec Focal Point art book fair Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Confirmed

Sharjah's Department of Culture has also announced the Khorfakkan Cultural Festival for November and the Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival for December, without exact dates yet. Sharjah's racing season dates had not been published when we checked. Official source for the Sharjah Art Foundation programme: Sharjah Art Foundation.

Ras Al Khaimah

Dates Event Venue Status
21 Nov My First Ballet, ages 3+ (from AED 50) RAK Cultural Development Centre, Dafan Al Nakheel Confirmed
21 to 22 Nov HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah hiking event Jebel Jais Reported
31 Dec New Year's Eve fireworks Al Marjan Island (in past years) Not yet announced

Jebel Jais attractions have had temporary closures in the past year, so check opening on the official site before you drive up.

Fujairah

Dates Event Venue Status
Sat 21 Nov NBF Fujairah Run, 10th edition: 3km, 5km, 11km trail and 21.1km, plus a free inclusive run Fujairah Festival Square Confirmed
4 to 6 Dec Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship Fujairah Reported

Fujairah Run official site (registration closes 16 November).

Ajman and Umm Al Quwain

We searched the official tourism sites, government media offices and authorised sellers for both emirates and found no dated public event between 17 October and 31 December 2026 that we could confirm. That reflects what has been published, not a lack of things to do. Expect National Day and New Year's Eve celebrations in both emirates, and check back: we will add events as organisers confirm them.

Choosing where to live? Our Emirates Comparison Guide weighs up lifestyle across all seven.

UAE National Day and New Year's Eve 2026

Short answer: Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's 55th National Day, is on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. New Year's Day 2027 is a Friday. City fireworks programmes for both have not been announced yet; they are normally published from late November.

Date What happens Status
Wed 2 and Thu 3 Dec Eid Al Etihad public holiday and celebrations across all seven emirates Dates fixed; formal announcement pending
2 Dec onward Fireworks, drone and laser shows at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba Reported, times not published
Thu 31 Dec New Year's Eve: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and many hotels and beaches Programmes to be announced
Fri 1 Jan 2027 New Year's Day public holiday Fixed date

Planning tips. Paid viewing areas in Downtown Dubai can sell out early, and Metro and road restrictions decide how the night goes, so plan transport before you plan the venue. The Cabinet can move public holidays; we will update this section when the official holiday circular is issued.

Pick by who you're bringing

Best free and family picks

Free

Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Ride and Dubai Run; Eid Al Etihad celebrations; New Year's Eve fireworks; Sharjah International Book Fair, subject to confirmation of free entry for 2026.

Under 10s

Global Village, LEGO SHOWS, Children's Biennale, Disney in Concert, the Riverdance matinee, Friday at the Dubai 7s.

Teenagers

Hans Zimmer Live, Dubai Run 10km, the Grand Prix concerts, Frieze Abu Dhabi's sculpture programme.

Visiting relatives

Global Village, Sheikh Zayed Festival, an evening at Meydan, the DP World Tour Championship.

Buying tickets safely

Short answer: Buy from the organiser, the venue, or an authorised seller such as Platinumlist or Ticketmaster UAE. Do not buy from social media accounts, messaging apps or resale sites. Dubai Police have repeatedly warned about fake tickets for concerts, sport and attractions.

Where to buy Typically used for
Organiser site Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (abudhabigp.com), Dubai 7s, Global Village, SailGP, marathons
Venue site Etihad Arena, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera
Platinumlist Most concerts, comedy and family shows across the UAE
Ticketmaster UAE Grand Prix (ticketing partner), Live Nation shows, many Etihad Arena events

Red flags

If you think you have been scammed, report it to Dubai Police on 901, through the Dubai Police app or the eCrime platform, or to your own emirate's police, and call your bank straight away.

Check age rules before you buy. Many arena shows do not admit young children, and some require under-16s to be with an adult aged 21 or over. Tickets are often non-refundable if a child is turned away at the door.

Relocate2UAE Partner

Premium tickets and hospitality: our partner ES Sport

ES Sport is the Relocate2UAE partner for sporting experiences. Based in the UAE and operating since 2009, it sells premium tickets, hospitality and hotel packages for major sporting events here and abroad. ES Sport states that it is an Official Agent for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Emirates Dubai 7s and UFC Abu Dhabi, and its UAE portfolio also includes the DP World Tour.

It is most useful if you are hosting clients, bringing visiting family, organising a group or want a hotel and ticket package handled in one booking. If you simply want standard entry, buy from the organiser.

See ES Sport Ask us first

Relocate2UAE benefit

5%

5% off select ES Sport sporting experiences when you book through Relocate2UAE.

  • Official Agent — Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Emirates Dubai 7s, UFC Abu Dhabi
  • Premium tickets, hospitality and hotel packages
  • Groups, clients and visiting family handled in one booking
  • UAE-based, operating since 2009

Start at relocate2uae.com/es-sport. Partner mentions are labelled and do not affect which events we list or how we describe them.

Sharjah and the northern emirates

We will be straight about this. Sharjah has a confirmed headline in the Book Fair and a share of the racing season. For Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain we could not confirm a single dated public event for the rest of 2026 from an organiser's page. The official Ras Al Khaimah calendar was listing hotel offers rather than events when we checked. That is a gap in what is published, not a sign that nothing happens.

We will add events from these emirates as organisers confirm them. If you run one, tell us. Until then, check each emirate's official tourism calendar directly, and expect National Day and New Year's Eve programmes in all of them.

Sharjah

Book Fair confirmed; share of the racing season. Strongest cultural programme this season.

Ras Al Khaimah

No dated public event confirmed for the rest of 2026 from an organiser's page.

Ajman

Nothing confirmed yet. Expect National Day and New Year's Eve programmes.

Fujairah

Nothing dated confirmed. Check the emirate's official tourism calendar.

Umm Al Quwain

No confirmed dated public event for the rest of 2026.

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Living here around major events

The practical side. What to expect on the roads, at hotels and on the metro when the UAE calendar gets busy.

Grand Prix week, 2–6 December

Yas Island traffic and hotel prices peak. If you live on Yas or in Al Raha, plan school runs and airport trips around concert finishing times.

Dubai Ride & Dubai Run

Dubai Ride on 1 November and Dubai Run on 22 November close Sheikh Zayed Road early on Sunday morning. Use the metro or plan a different route.

Dubai 7s weekend, 27–29 November

Al Ain Road is slow in both directions. Official buses and taxis are easier than parking.

Eid Al Etihad

Falls on a Wednesday and Thursday. Official holiday arrangements are announced closer to the date. Flights and staycations book up early.

School holidays shape everything from half term to the winter break. See our UAE School Holiday Calendar 2026-2027 before you book.

Dates still to be announced

We have deliberately left these out of the calendar because no 2026 date was confirmed when we checked. We never carry last year's date forward.

  • Dubai Shopping Festival 2026/27
  • Liwa International Festival — the official listing shows the whole of October, which looks like a placeholder
  • NBA Abu Dhabi Games — no 2026 announcement found
  • Andrew Schulz at Etihad Arena — sources conflict
  • Sharjah Architecture Triennial — reported for November, exact dates not found
  • National Day and New Year's Eve programmes in all seven emirates

Moved, cancelled and still to be announced

Short answer: Several events that were expected in late 2026 have moved, been cancelled or have not yet published a date. We list them here rather than in the calendar, and we never reuse last year's date.

Moved or cancelled

Event What happened Source checked
Riverdance 30th Anniversary, Etihad Arena Moved from 31 Oct and 1 Nov 2026 to Fri 19 and Sat 20 Nov 2027 Etihad Arena booking page
Christina Aguilera, Etihad Arena Cancelled; refunds issued automatically Gulf Business, 19 Aug 2026
Offlimits festival (Shakira), Etihad Park Not going ahead in 2026; organisers say it will return in 2027 Same source
NBA Abu Dhabi Games No games in 2026 Press, July 2026
UNTOLD Dubai Moved from 5 to 8 Nov 2026 to 19 to 22 Mar 2027 DJ Mag, 7 Oct 2026

Rescheduled into this calendar from spring 2026

Amr Diab (7 November), Anuv Jain (20 November), the Dubai International Boat Show (25 to 29 November) and Atif Aslam (27 November). If you bought tickets for the original date, check with the seller whether they are still valid.

Still to be announced

Looking ahead: confirmed dates for early 2027

Short answer: January and February 2027 are packed with golf, tennis, running and trade shows. Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, subject to the moon sighting, which shifts the pace of events. Only dates published by organisers or reported from organiser announcements are listed.

Dates Event Emirate Status
15 to 17 Jan DP World Tour Team Cup Abu Dhabi Golf Club Reported
Sun 17 Jan Dubai Marathon Dubai Reported
21 to 24 Jan Hero Dubai Desert Classic Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Reported
25 to 28 Jan World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai Exhibition Centre and DWTC Confirmed
31 Jan to 6 Feb Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA) Abu Dhabi Confirmed (WTA)
About 8 Feb Ramadan expected to begin All emirates Estimate, subject to moon sighting
15 to 19 Mar Gulfood DWTC and Dubai Exhibition Centre Reported
19 to 22 Mar UNTOLD Dubai Dubai Reported
9 to 11 Apr Art Dubai Madinat Jumeirah Confirmed (Art Dubai)

A fuller 2027 calendar will follow once more organisers publish dates.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, answered

Important note about event dates

Event dates, times, venues and prices are set by organisers and can change without notice. This guide is editorially independent: no organiser has paid to be included. ES Sport is a Relocate2UAE partner. Partner mentions are labelled and do not affect which events we list or how we describe them. It was last checked on 17 October 2026. Always confirm on the official event page before you book or travel.

More from Relocate2UAE

UAE School Holiday Calendar 2026-2027 Abu Dhabi Events 2026 Dubai Events 2026 ES Sport, our sporting experiences partner All guides

Planning a move and want to talk it through?

Message the Relocate2UAE team on WhatsApp or send an email. No sales pressure — just straight answers about events, timing and settling in.

WhatsApp +971 58 590 9815 info@relocate2uae.com