Whether you’re a K-popper or a hip-hop head, here are the best concerts in the UAE this year.
Live entertainment is well and truly back in the UAE, with a slew of artists taking to stages across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, if you’re a lover of live music, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in the UAE.
Nas: 25 April 2025
BRED – named after the idiom ‘born and bred’ – will celebrate the region’s urban scene on Yas Island this April. Hip-hop heavyweight Nas will headline on Friday, 25 April. Born Nasir Jones, the American rapper is known for his profound impact on the hip-hop scene. Emerging from Queensbridge, New York, Nas gained critical acclaim with his 1994 debut album, Illmatic, celebrated for its intricate lyrics and vivid storytelling and the tracks “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World Is Yours.” Throughout his career, Nas has released several successful albums, including It Was Written (1996), which features the hit single “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Lauryn Hill, which has been lauded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time.
GO: Visit https://bredabudhabi.com for more information.
Ed Sheeran: 26 April 2025
Abu Dhabi, we have some major music news. British superstar Ed Sheeran will be headlining the Off Limits festival which brings together more than 20 artists across two stages. The festival covers multiple musical genres, including electronic, hip-hop and pop. The full line-up has not yet been unveiled and will be announced in the lead-up to the event. Ed’s hit songs include Castle on the Hill, I Don’t Care, Perfect, Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud.
GO: Follow @offlimitsmusicfestival on Instagram for more information.
Michael Bibi: 26 April 2025
Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience is set to welcome DJ Michael Bibi. The London-based star will be making his way to Dubai on 26 April, headlining Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. In 2011, Michael started his career. When he struggled to break into the industry, he launched parties under the Solid Grooves brand. In 2018, he released the single Hanging Tree, which samples the song from Hunger Games. The track went viral and caught the attention of mainstream media. Michael’s singles include Different Side and Got The Fire.
GO: Visit www.ushuaiadubai.com for more information.
PARTYNEXTDOOR: 26 April 2025
PARTYNEXTDOOR will headline BRED Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26 April. The Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer was the first artist signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label. In February 2025, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake released a collaborative album titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. This project showcases their synergy, blending smooth R&B melodies with hip-hop elements. The album features standout tracks like “Gimme a Hug,” where Drake addresses his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, and “Nokia,” praised for its playful and energetic vibe.
GO: Visit https://bredabudhabi.com for more information.
Peggy Gou: 3 May 2025
DJ, singer, songwriter and record producer Peggy Gou has announced that she is performing at the Soho Garden Festival in Expo City Dubai. Peggy Gou hails from South Korea. As a child, she began classical piano lessons. She was taught to DJ by a friend and started her career in East London. Her hit songs include 1+1=11, (It Goes Like) Nanana, Starry Night, and I Believe in Love Again, a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz. Plus, the superstar DJ was recently ranked at number 10 in DJ Mag’s top 100 DJs poll. Tickets start from AED 150 and are available via Platinumlist.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Toto: 7 May 2025
TOTO will perform at Etihad Arena on Yas Island as part of their TOTO Tour 2025. Toto’s breakout single, Hold the Line, put them on the map in 1978. Soon after, they released Rosanna, which won them multiple Grammy Awards. Other hits include Africa, Georgy Porgy, and I Won’t Hold You Back. This one-night-only event promises a night of legendary rock music.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Arijit Singh: 9 May 2025
The singer will take the stage at Etihad Arena for a one-night-only performance. Known for his soulful melodies, he’s all set to bring his captivating tunes to Abu Dhabi. For those unversed, Arijit Singh is one of the most popular singers in Bollywood and the South Asian diaspora. Hailing from India, his musical journey began with classical training. He then got his big breakthrough in 2010 with the hit track Tum Hi Ho from the movie, Aashiqui 2. Since then, his career has skyrocketed. He has delivered numerous hits Channa Mereya, Ve Kamleya, Kalank and Gerua.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Zamna: 9 May 2025
It’s time to say hola to Zamna. The legendary Mexican music festival is coming to Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience and will host the fun-filled event. Zamna started in Tulum, Mexico. The jungle festival has taken place across the world, and is now making its way to Dubai. The full line-up has not yet been revealed, but we do know that the event will bring together electronic music artists. The artists will span tribal beats, underground techno and house sounds.
GO: Visit www.ushuaiadubai.com for more information.
Elrow XXL: 17 May 2025
Hold onto your glow sticks, the electronic music festival Elrow XXL is back in the UAE. The must-visit rave is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 17 May 2025, for its season-closing festival. The magical music festival has taken place in cities from Amsterdam to London and is returning to Dubai for the third time. The epic music festival can hold up to 12,000 people. There’s even talk of one of Elrow’s largest stages – the pirate ship-like Rowmudas Triangle – making an appearance.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
BINI: 18 May 2025
For those unfamiliar, BINI is the leading girl group in the P-pop scene. Composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena, the group has taken the world by storm. With their blend of powerful vocals and synchronised choreography, they have amassed a massive following not just in the Philippines but also across the globe. Their viral hits like “Karera,” “Pantropiko,” and “Salamin, Salamin” have amassed millions of streams. With sold-out concerts and a growing international presence, BINI is leading the charge for P-pop music. Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena will be the first stop on their world tour, so expect a night of musical and dance brilliance.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Guns N’ Roses: 27 May 2025
Get ready to rock because Guns N’ Roses has announced that they bring their 2025 world tour to Abu Dhabi. With nearly four decades of global stadium-shaking performances, Guns N’ Roses continues to redefine rock and roll. The band currently comprises of lead vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer and keyboardist Melissa Reese. After a sold-out performance in Abu Dhabi in 2023, Guns N’ Roses are back to thrill the UAE with their greatest hits, including iconic tracks like Sweet Child O’ Mine, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, November Rain and Welcome to the Jungle.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.
Kygo: 30 May 2025
Kygo is set to make his much-awaited return to Dubai with a performance at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, 30 May. Expect a night of house beats and chart-topping hits from the man behind the tracks “Firestone,” “First Time” with Ellie Goulding, “It Ain’t Me” with Selena Gomez and “Remind Me To Forget You” with Miguel. The upcoming gig at Coca-Cola Arena isn’t Kygo’s first show in Dubai. He previously wowed the audience in 2017 when he performed at Burj Park in Downtown Dubai.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Hans Zimmer: 31 May and 1 June 2025
Hands up if you love the soundtrack to Gladiator, The Lion King or Pirates of the Caribbean. Well, you have the film composer Hans Zimmer to thank for that. The multiple Oscar winner will perform live in Abu Dhabi for one night only at Etihad Arena. Hans has one of the most impressive back catalogues, and we expect him to perform his famous hits from films such as Dunkirk, Inception, and Interstellar. Adding a special touch to the Abu Dhabi performance, Zimmer will celebrate the Emirate’s significant role in the Dune films, with key scenes from Dune and Dune: Part Two, which was filmed in Abu Dhabi. This extraordinary connection will make the concert a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Jennifer Lopez: 29 July 2025
Let’s get loud! It looks like the American superstar Jennifer Lopez is bringing her Up All Night summer tour to Etihad Arena. Jennifer Lopez, as her hit single Jenny from the Block tells us, hails from New York in the United States. Her top tracks also include Ain’t It Funny, Get Right, If You Had My Love, I’m Real, Let’s Get Loud, Love Don’t Cost A Thing and Waiting for Tonight. Tickets to see Jennifer Lopez live in Abu Dhabi are available now via Platinumlist and are priced from AED 295.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Natalie Imbruglia: 23 August 2025
Natalia Imbruglia will be lighting up the stage at Dubai Opera this August, promising an evening filled with timeless classics, soulful melodies, and all the nostalgic feels. Natalie Imbruglia burst onto the global music scene back in 1997 with her debut album “Left Of The Middle.” But it was her breakout single Torn that became a global sensation, topping charts around the world. In fact, it remains the most-played song on Australian radio since 1990. Tickets start at AED 295.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
David Gray: 31 October 2025
David Gray will bring his Past & Present Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 31 October,. Throughout his career, David Gray has had several hits such as Babylon, Sailaway and This Year’s Love. His voice, poetic lyrics, and sound have not only earned him a dedicated global fanbase but also several accolades. These include two Grammy nominations, a BAFTA nomination, four BRIT Awards nominations, a win with GQ awards and two with Ivor Novello Awards. With an incredible stage presence and timeless music, you’re guaranteed to have an evening to remember.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Enrique Iglesias: 1 November 2025
Do you need a hero? Well, you may just find that in the form of Enrique Iglesias who is performing at Etihad Arena on 1 November. With a career that spans more than 20 years, Enrique has released 11 studio albums and headlined ten sold-out world tours. Singles like Escape, Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You) and Could I Have This Kiss Forever, a duet with Whitney Houston, have topped charts worldwide, solidifying him as a global superstar. We’re hoping that Enrique sings his famous hits, from Bailamos to Hero.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
UNTOLD Dubai: 6 to 9 November 2025
Party people, get those dancing shoes on because UNTOLD Dubai 2025 is making a grand return. Taking place from 6 to 9 November, the mega music festival will take place at Dubai Parks and Resorts, it’s going to be epic. Details of who will be headlining this edition are yet to be revealed, but the upcoming installment will feature an even more impressive – and extensive – lineup of artists and new stages.
GO: Visit https://untold.ae for more information.
Deep Purple: 20 November 2025
The British hard-rock band Deep Purple will be rocking the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai at their only show in the Middle East this year. For those unversed, Deep Purple hails from the United Kingdom and was formed in the late 60s. It consists of Ian Gillan on vocals, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboard maestro Don Airey, and guitarist Simon McBride. The band is considered one of the pioneers of hard rock music. With a career spanning over five decades, Deep Purple has given the world some of the most iconic rock anthems, including Black Night, Fireball, Hush, Smoke on the Water and Speed King. Over the years, Deep Purple has bagged numerous awards, including an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Benson Boone: 4 December 2025
It’s that time of year again. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is turning up the heat with a performance from Benson Boone. The singer first gained attention through TikTok and a brief appearance on American Idol. It was his debut single Ghost Town in 2021, that skyrocketed him to further fame. Since then, he has released several successful tracks such as In the Stars, Sugar Sweet, and the viral hit Beautiful Things. His upcoming performance in Abu Dhabi promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.
Metallica: 6 December 2025
Metalheads in the UAE, prepare to unleash your inner rock star because the kings of metal, Metallica, are set to blow the roof off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 concerts on 6 December. Metallica’s discography boasts a treasure trove of headbanging anthems. From Fade to Black to Master of Puppets and One, each song is a sonic adventure. With several Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they have repeatedly proven their musical prowess. The show forms part of Metallica’s M72 World Tour, which features a series of stadium shows in North America, Australia and New Zealand.
GO: Visit www.abudhabigp.com for tickets and more information.
Katy Perry: 7 December 2025
Yas Island will be buzzing with speed, energy, and superstar power as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix races into town. And on Sunday, 7 December, Katy Perry will be lighting up Etihad Park with a high-voltage performance. Dropping hit after hit, including Dark Horse, Firework, Roar and Teenage Dream, the pop princess has bagged numerous awards, including Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, a Guinness World Record and 13 Grammy nominations.
GO: Visit https://www.formula1.com for more information.
Rod Stewart: 17 December 2025
British rockstar Rod Stewart will take the stage at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 17 December. Rod Stewart’s chart-topping hits include Forever Young, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, and The First Cut Is the Deepest. Over the years, he’s racked up several accolades, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Living Legend Award, and a knighthood in 2016 for his services to music and charity. He’s sold over 250 million records worldwide.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
