Upcoming performances and events gracing the UAE’s stage, featuring renowned talents ranging from Mariah Carey to Kevin Hart
In addition to an array of New Year’s Eve concerts, a lineup of prominent figures and international headliners will grace the spotlight in the upcoming weeks. The roster includes Mariah Carey, three members of the K-pop ensemble Exo, a colossal dance festival featuring Ellie Goulding and Armin van Buuren, a nostalgic rock performance by The Scorpions, and stand-up comedy acts by Trevor Noah and Kevin Hart.
Oumnia Guigui: Occurring from Wednesday through Sunday at Palazzo Versace Dubai
Renowned as a finalist on The Voice of Holland and Holland’s Got Talent, Guigui boasts credentials as a songwriter, collaborating with esteemed DJs such as Afrojack and Martin Garrix. Expect a riveting performance featuring her commanding vocals, encompassing a repertoire blending jazz and pop.
Commencing at 7pm; Requires a minimum spend of Dh250; Reservations available at [email protected]
Matteo Bocelli: December 21 at Dubai Opera
Matteo Bocelli, following in the footsteps of his esteemed father, tenor Andrea Bocelli, embarks on his inaugural solo world tour, showcasing his talent and individuality on the global stage.
Scheduled at Dubai Opera, the concert marks three months since the release of his debut album “Matteo” in September. This album, inclusive of English and Italian melodies, also includes a track penned by UK pop sensation Ed Sheeran.
Commencing at 8pm, tickets starting from Dh175 are available at dubaiopera.com.
50 Cent: December 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Following sold-out performances across Europe and the US this summer, the acclaimed US rapper and television luminary, known by his real name Curtis Jackson III, is set to bring his Final Lap tour to the UAE as a part of the World Tennis League event.
Anticipate an electrifying show in Abu Dhabi featuring a greatest-hits lineup, with tracks such as “In Da Club,” “Candy Shop,” and “21 Questions.”
The event opens its doors at 9pm, and tickets are available starting from Dh225 at etihadarena.ae.
Chris Brown: December 22 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
The esteemed American R&B sensation makes a swift return to the UAE after a noteworthy performance at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix post-race concerts.
Chris Brown’s prolific career saw him achieve a significant milestone in 2020, becoming the first R&B artist to secure 100 entries on the US Billboard charts.
Fans can anticipate a vibrant setlist featuring chart-toppers like “Run It!,” “Forever,” “Deuces,” and “Beautiful People.”
The event begins at 8pm, and tickets start at Dh195, available at coca-cola-arena.com.
Akon and Ne-Yo: December 22 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The R&B and pop icons will deliver individual performances showcasing their beloved hits at the World Tennis League event.
Akon’s set promises crowd favorites like “Lonely,” “Locked Up,” and “Don’t Matter.” On the other hand, Ne-Yo’s stage presence will include smooth vocals and dance-worthy tunes, featuring tracks such as “Miss Independent,” “One in a Million,” and “Time of Our Lives.”
The event begins at 9pm, with ticket prices starting at Dh199, available at etihadarena.ae.
Kadim Al Sahir: December 22 at Dubai Opera
Recognized as the “Caesar of Arabic songs” and hailed as “Iraq’s ambassador to the world,” Al Sahir stands as one of the most accomplished singers from the Arab region, with a career spanning since the 1980s.
Attendees and viewers tuning into his concert can anticipate mesmerizing renditions of classics like “Ana Wa Laila,” “Ha Habibi,” and “Dhomni Ala Sadrak.”
Scheduled for 9pm, tickets start from Dh1850 and can be purchased at dubaiopera.com.
Khalid Abdulrahman: December 23 at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Abu Dhabi
The Saudi folk singer initiates the inaugural performance in a series of concerts set at the festival grounds in Al Wathba.
With a career spanning four decades, Abdulrahman boasts an array of popular tracks such as “Ahat,” “Sarhini,” and “Tedhkar.”
The event commences at 7.30pm, with tickets available from Dh75, accessible for purchase at dubai.platinumlist.net.
Reggae Night: December 23 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
As a part of the World Tennis League event, the US hip-hop group Arrested Development steps in to fill UB40 singer Ali Campbell’s place in a concert featuring the reggae group The Wailers.
Established in 1988, this Grammy Award-winning ensemble gained fame through their iconic 1992 album “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…”, which boasts hits like “People Everyday” and “Mr. Wendal.”
The show begins at 9pm, and tickets are priced from Dh199, available at etihadarena.ae.
Elissa, Haifa Wehbe and Saif Nabeel: December 28 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
The New Year’s Eve festivities get an early start with a vibrant triple-header Arabic pop concert.
Headlined by the renowned Lebanese pop sensation Elissa, the event also features performances by fellow Lebanese pop star Haifa Wehbe and Iraqi singer Saif Nabeel, ensuring an evening filled with a string of chart-topping hits.
The show begins at 9pm, with tickets starting from Dh195, available at coca-cola-arena.com.
Omar Khairat: December 29 at Dubai Opera
Renowned for his contributions in television and film, composer Omar Khairat played a pivotal role in integrating classical music into Egyptian popular culture through his sophisticated compositions rooted in the region.
His mastery in merging diverse musical genres and harmonizing Western and Arabic elements led him to craft scores for influential Arabic films and television series, commencing with 1983’s “The Night Fatima was Arrested.”
The performance is set for 9pm, with tickets available starting from Dh950 at dubaiopera.com.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: December 29 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
The Pakistani vocalist continues his annual tradition of gracing Dubai with his presence during the final week of the year.
Returning for his sixth consecutive concert at the venue, Khan promises to deliver an array of devotional melodies that have become synonymous with both him and his esteemed late uncle, the Grammy-nominated Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Audiences can also anticipate a vibrant showcase of Khan’s extensive collection of Bollywood hits.
The show kicks off at 8pm, and tickets start from Dh295, available at coca-cola-arena.com.
Sean Paul and T.I: December 30 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Prepare for an electrifying evening of non-stop hits as Jamaican sensation Sean Paul collaborates with rapper T.I for an exclusive joint performance in Dubai.
Familiar to the UAE audience, Paul has propelled dancehall music into the mainstream with chart-topping tracks like “Get Busy” and “Temperature.”
Adding to the excitement, hip-hop enthusiasts can relish a special appearance by T.I, showcasing his repertoire of hits such as “Live Your Life” and “Whatever You Like.”
The event starts at 9pm, and tickets are available starting from Dh150 at coca-cola-arena.com.
Sting: December 31 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Acclaimed British artist Sting takes the stage for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration in the UAE.
Prepare to welcome the new year with a stellar performance featuring a medley of iconic tracks from Sting’s illustrious career, encompassing his solo hits and renowned classics from The Police, like “Every Breath You Take,” “Englishman in New York,” and “Shape of My Heart.”
Tickets are available from Dh 6,500 at www.atlantis.com for this exceptional event.
Tamer Hosny: December 31 at Mother of the Nation Festival, Abu Dhabi
The Egyptian vocalist stands as a prominent figure in the Arab music scene and has garnered international recognition through collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Akon, and Shaggy.
Closing the festivities of the Mother of the Nation Festival, his lively pop tunes and captivating stage persona promise an evening to remember, culminating in a midnight fireworks spectacle.
Doors will open at 8pm for this event. Secure your tickets starting from Dh245 at ticketmaster.ae.
Najwa Karam, George Wassouf and Sherine Abdel-Wahab: December 31 at Festival Arena, Dubai
Lebanese songstress Najwa Karam takes the lead in a musical extravaganza celebrating three decades of Arabic pop.
Karam, renowned for hits like Ma Fi Noum and Saharni, shares the stage with Syrian music icon George Wassouf and Egyptian pop sensation Sherine Abdel-Wahab.
Arrive at 8pm when the doors open. Secure your tickets, starting at Dh600, at dubai.platinumlist.net.
John Newman: December 31 at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
The renowned Love Me Again artist will grace the stage with a DJ set during the resort’s festivities.
Newman, famed for collaborations on hits like Feel The Love and Not Giving In with Rudimental, the Calvin Harris duet Blame, and the track Feeling alongside Swedish collective Blnk, resumed his career this summer with a set at the acclaimed Tomorrowland dance festival.
Join the gala dinner celebrations at 7pm; tickets start at Dh3,000 and can be found at rixos.com.
Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes: December 31 at Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Experience the captivating Bamboleo with André Reyes, the singer, guitarist, and co-founder of Gipsy Kings.
This French artist will bring the beloved hits, alongside the rich essence of flamenco and rumba music.
Join us for this eventful night with a five-course dinner and a spectacular fireworks display.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh6,500, available at dubai.platinumlist.net.
Dubai Opera Big Band: December 31 at Dubai Opera
For those seeking classic entertainment in an elegant setting, experience the Dubai Opera Band at a spectacular gala dinner event.
As the clock strikes midnight, head to the venue’s promenade for a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start from Dh2,000, available at dubaiopera.com.
NYE Beach Festival: December 31 at Zero Gravity, Dubai
Hot off their performance at the DXBeats music festival in Dubai, the UK group Rudimental is set to return to the emirate for a New Year’s Day music festival.
Known for their infectious blend of house, soul, and funk, Rudimental’s hits like “Feel the Love” and “Waiting All Night” have made them international festival sensations. They’ll be sharing the stage with Sigala, the British DJ behind chart-toppers like “Easy Love” and “Lullaby,” alongside DJ Nathan Dawe.
The festivities kick off at 11 am; tickets start at Dh299, available at.
Fedde Le Grand: December 31 at Barasti Beach, Dubai
ollowing his support for Armin van Buuren’s NYE concert at Media City Amphitheatre in 2022, Dutch DJ Fedde Le Grand is set to take the spotlight at Barasti Beach.
Recognized for the UK chart-topping track “Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit” in 2006, Fedde Le Grand is primed to deliver an electrifying performance.
The doors open at 8 pm, and tickets are available starting from Dh150 at dubai.platinumlist.net.
Mariah Carey: January 6 at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Carey is well-versed with the region, having delivered a memorable performance in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in October 2022.
The renowned US popstar stands as one of the world’s top-selling female artists, boasting a career spanning over three decades. Her repertoire includes chart-topping hits like Fantasy, Always Be My Baby, Heartbreaker, and the perennial holiday favorite All I Want for Christmas is You.
Doors are set to open at 6 pm, and tickets can be found starting from Dh250 at www.ticketmaster.ae.
K-pop Overdose: January 14 at Coca Cola Arena, Dubai
Chanyeol, Xiumin, and Chen, three members of the K-pop sensation Exo, are set to headline a concert together, presenting a mix of the band’s greatest hits and their own individual projects.
The group previously graced Dubai’s stage in 2018 before taking a hiatus for mandatory military service. During their break, each member pursued solo endeavors, marking their return for this highly-anticipated joint performance.
The concert will also feature sets from South Korean DJ Raider and local Emirati spinner DJ Bliss.
Showtime begins at 8 pm, and tickets are available starting from Dh195 at coca-cola-arena.com.
Ed Sheeran: January 19 and 20 at the Sevens Stadium, Dubai
The British singer-songwriter is set to deliver a pair of consecutive shows during his +–=÷× Mathematics Tour.
Sheeran’s last appearance in Dubai dates back to 2017, when he graced the stage at the Autism Rocks Arena. Renowned for his chart-topping success, he’s garnered acclaim as one of the most accomplished British artists of recent times, having sold over 150 million records across seven studio albums.
For further details, visit www.edsheerandxb.com.
Ludovico Einaudi: January 19 to 21 at Dubai Opera
The esteemed Italian pianist and composer has consistently drawn sold-out crowds at Dubai Opera.
Renowned for his evocative and minimalist compositions, he initially gained fame with a successful solo career and went on to create scores for numerous Italian films during the 1980s. His global acclaim expanded with notable contributions to projects like the 2011 French blockbuster The Intouchables and the Academy Award-winning film Nomadland in 2020.
Experience his captivating performance at 9pm; tickets start at Dh250, available at dubaiopera.com.
Gogoosh: January 20 at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
The renowned singer and actress stands as one of Iran’s most prominent stars.
Don’t miss her captivating concert showcasing her greatest hits, including memorable tunes like Hejratand Man-O Gonjeshk-Hayeh Khouneh.
Join us as doors open at 6pm; secure your tickets starting from Dh200 at www.ticketmaster.ae.
Andrea Bocelli: January 27 at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
he esteemed Italian tenor has graced UAE stages often, delivering memorable performances in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the opening ceremony of Expo2 2020 Dubai.
Prepare for an evening of classical pop and beloved arias, including timeless melodies like Con te partiro (Time to Say Goodbye), The Prayer, and Ave Maria.
Join us as doors open at 6pm; secure your tickets starting from Dh250 at www.ticketmaster.ae.
Untold Dubai: February 15 to 18 at Expo City Dubai
Pop sensations Ellie Goulding and Bebe Rexha, along with renowned DJ Armin van Buuren, are set to take the stage as headliners at the colossal upcoming music festival at Expo City.
Anticipate an impressive lineup of over 100 performers across multiple stages, with additional artists to be announced shortly.
Secure your tickets starting from Dh700 at www.untold.ae.
Phantom of the Opera: February 22 to March 10 at Dubai Opera
The timeless production of The Phantom of the Opera makes its triumphant return to Dubai.
A global sensation since its West End debut in 1986, this iconic musical captivated audiences on Broadway and beyond.
Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, the mesmerizing tale unfolds in the shadowed corridors of the Paris Opera House. The haunting narrative follows a disfigured musical maestro who becomes enraptured with the captivating soprano Christine.
Audiences can expect enchanting performances of classic melodies including Think of Me and The Music of the Night.
The show runs daily at 8pm, with select matinee performances at 2pm. Secure your tickets starting from Dh275 at dubaiopera.com.”
Trevor Noah: February 28 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
“Renowned comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, is set to captivate audiences in Abu Dhabi with his Off the Record tour.
Prepare for an evening of sharp satire as Noah delves into thought-provoking global matters and dissects current pop culture phenomena.
Noah’s last visit to the emirate was in 2022, where he graced the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi with a keynote address, engaging audiences on themes of identity and his illustrious career.
Tickets for this exceptional event start at Dh295 and can be purchased from etihadarena.ae.”
Kevin Hart: March 4 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Kevin Hart, the beloved American comedian and actor, is set to make his Dubai debut during his latest UAE tour.
Renowned for his comedic prowess, Hart recently dropped the Netflix special ‘Headliners Only’ and was appointed the Chief Island Officer for Yas Island as part of a tourism campaign last year.
Tickets for this highly anticipated show start at Dh295 and can be purchased from www.livenation.me.”
The Scorpions: May 17 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
“The iconic German rock band will mark the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking album ‘Love at First Sting’ with a special tour in the UAE.
Released in 1984, the album was a commercial triumph for the group, featuring hits such as ‘Still Loving You’ and ‘Big City Nights’ that defined the era of glam metal.
Secure your tickets starting at Dh195 by visiting etihadarena.ae.”
