Abu Dhabi is not only the political capital of the UAE, but also a seat of the best festivals, cultural, sport, music and heritage events around the world. You will find the top events going on in Abu Dhabi this season, whether you are visiting and planning your trip to the city, or you are its resident and want to explore your home city.
1. Sheikh Zayed Festival
Cultural extravaganza, Sheikh Zayed Festival, is an excellent show of Emirati heritage, international cultures, entertainment, and family fun that lasts several months annually. It is one of the most cross-linked and vibrant year-end events, with traditional music and dance, cultural pavilions, fireworks, and performances and so on.
-Al Wathba – Camel Race South – Abu Dhabi
-November 1, 2025, to March 22, 2026.
2. Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival (Liwa International Festival).
To lovers of adventure and motorsport, Liwa international festival (also referred to as Liwa Moreeb dune festival) is a mixture of heritage and high-adrenaline racing. Held is around the legendary Moreeb Dune, this desert showcasing event includes drag racing cars and bikes on the sand which is a unique UAE experience.
-Liwa Oasis, Al Dhafra
-December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026
3. Abu Dhabi international book fair.
Cultured and book lovers will love Abu Dhabi international book fair. This was an internationally known event where authors, publishers, and other thinkers in the world meet to discuss, sign, and perform literary events, hence making it one of the most important cultural events in the area.
– Abu Dhabi Convention Venues
-April 11–20, 2026
4. Abu Dhabi Science Festival
The Abu Dhabi science festival is great with families and inquisitive individuals though, as it presents practical exhibits, workshops and science shows. You can easily have fun with STEM activities, and you can also motivate the young innovators to go on.
5. Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a professional WTA tennis tournament with fans of tennis, who should not miss seeing it. Having the best players in the sport, it is among the high profile sporting events in the Middle East that captures the interest both on and off the field.
– Abu Dhabi Tennis Complex
January 31 to February 7, 2026
6. Qasr Al Hosn Festival
Take a tour of the history in Qasr Al Hosn Festival where Abu Dhabi presents the oldest stone building in history during the event by a way of cultural performances, art workshops, storytelling, and the traditional heritage. It is a unique means of getting acquainted with the history and culture of the Emirates.
-Qasr Al Hosn
-January 17 – February 1, 2026
7. Live Entertainment and live concerts.
Yas Bay and Etihad Arena also commonly feature concerts or shows in Abu Dhabi, whether rock bands or concerts of world music and comedy acts. For instance, famous singers such as Linkin Park will soon display their talent in 2026, creating a good time for music lovers. In the background of organizing these events, there are professional event coordinators like Showcraft Events, one of the best event planner in Abu Dhabi, which ensures smooth events with minimal strain for participants.
8. International & Niche Festivals. Diversity in the calendar of Abu Dhabi:
Revise the official Calendar.
Abu Dhabi has no rest in its cultural scene – sporting, heritage festivals, concerts, markets and themed festivals all year round. The last thing to avoid is to miss the dates and the latest events which means that you should check the local events calendar before going there.