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13 clusters · 16 sources · 54 days · First seen · Last updated
Cultural and entertainment events in Abu Dhabi
Overview
Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates continue to host a diverse array of cultural, musical, sporting, and entertainment events through early 2027. The emirate has launched an extensive events season featuring more than 40 major spectacles.
Cultural and pop culture programming remains a central focus. The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair at the ADNEC Centre includes the Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony; notably, visitors to the fair receive complimentary access to Louvre Abu Dhabi from September 13 to 29, 2026. The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) returns to ADNEC from September 11–13, 2026, featuring celebrity guests such as John Cena, Pom Klementieff, and Charithra Chandran. Other cultural highlights include the eighth Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, scheduled for December 8–10, 2026, under the theme ‘Towards a Reimagined Commons’, and the Abu Dhabi Festival running through December 19, 2026.
Musical and family entertainment includes a variety of concerts at the Etihad Arena and Space 42 Arena, featuring artists such as Ahmed Saad, Disco Misr, Tamer Hosny, and Tamer Ashour. Family-oriented shows include PAW Patrol Live! Heroes Unite in September 2026. The Liwa International Festival 2027 is also set to run from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027, in the Liwa Desert, combining motorsports with Emirati heritage.
Sporting and culinary activities continue to expand. Key fixtures include the AFC Champions League Elite match featuring Cristiano Ronaldo at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and the Euroleague Basketball SuperCup. Culinary highlights include the Taste of Abu Dhabi festival at Gateway Park North from November 13–15, 2026, featuring celebrity chefs such as Gino D’Acampo and Rachel Allen.
Entities
Abu Dhabi · Etihad Arena · John Cena · Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi · Liwa International Festival
Timeline
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesLiwa International Festival 2027 announced for Abu Dhabi
The Liwa International Festival 2027 will run from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027, in Abu Dhabi, featuring motorsports, Emirati culture, and a redesigned Liwa Village with Nitro Circus performances.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesAbu Dhabi lifestyle and culinary events update
Abu Dhabi prepares for the Taste of Abu Dhabi festival in November, alongside seasonal culinary offerings and luxury leisure experiences across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesUAE festive season features Mariah Carey and theatrical shows
Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host various festive performances in late 2026, including a Mariah Carey concert at Etihad Arena and several theatrical productions in Dubai.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesAbu Dhabi and Dubai announce diverse entertainment lineups
The UAE's entertainment calendar features a wide array of comedy and music, including stars like Russell Peters, Tamer Hosny, and Mo Gilligan performing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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[CULTURE] 4 sourcesAbu Dhabi unveils major events season through 2027
Abu Dhabi has unveiled a diverse events calendar through 2027, featuring Formula 1, major art biennials, and cultural summits alongside local leisure activities.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesDubai and Abu Dhabi host Oktoberfest celebrations in October 2026
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hosting various Oktoberfest celebrations in October 2026, featuring Bavarian food, live music, and themed events at multiple hotels and venues.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesAbu Dhabi and Dubai announce upcoming seasonal festivals
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are hosting various upcoming festivals, including the Abu Dhabi Festival, BREDx music festival, and the Liwa International Festival, alongside community events like the Dubai Curl Festival.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesUnited Arab Emirates hosts diverse sporting and cultural events
The UAE hosts diverse events this week, including an AFC Champions League match featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, and various culinary and wellness activities in Dubai.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesAbu Dhabi announces cultural initiatives including Louvre access and Culture Summit
Louvre Abu Dhabi is offering free museum access to Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 ticket holders in September, while the city prepares to host the eighth Culture Summit Abu Dhabi in December.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesMiddle East Film & Comic Con returns to Abu Dhabi in 2026
The 14th Middle East Film & Comic Con will held in Abu Dhabi from September 11–13, 2026, featuring guest John Cena, Crunchyroll, and various pop culture attractions.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesAbu Dhabi hosts diverse cultural and family events
Abu Dhabi features diverse upcoming events, including Abu Dhabi Comic Con with John Cena, PAW Patrol Live at Etihad Arena, and various local creative and dining experiences.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesAbu Dhabi and UAE host diverse cultural events in September 2026
Abu Dhabi and the UAE host a variety of events in September 2026, including ADIHEX heritage celebrations, comic conventions, book fairs, and musical competitions.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesAbu Dhabi to host diverse cultural and entertainment events
Abu Dhabi will host a variety of upcoming cultural events, including the Middle East Film and Comic Con, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, and several major musical performances.
Sources
absolutegeeks.com · abudhabimagazine.ae · albiladpress.com · almanara.media · businessnewsweek.in · dubaibliss.com · emirates247.com · executive-bulletin.com · gulfnews.com · it-boltwise.de · middleeastevents.com · secretabudhabi.ae · tbreak.com · the-miyanichi.co.jp · whatson.ae · yallaabudhabi.ae
This summary has been updated 11 times: see revision history