The UAE capital hosts numerous annual events and festivals which attract millions of visitors from around the globe. These annual Abu Dhabi events always have huge followings and tickets can sell out instantly. Often tourists plan their vacations at specific times of year to ensure they can attend some of these spectacular events. Wanna checkout some of the best ones…? Here you go!
SPORTS EVENTS
ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
The 18th Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is the first Rolex Series event of the 2023 DP World Tour season. This global golf event continues to attract major champions on the DP World Tour to compete and win a whopping USD 8M. This upcoming Abu Dhabi event will give golf fans an unforgettable experience.
- Date & timings: till 22nd January 2023 | 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Yas Links Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-404-3077
ABU DHABI PADEL MASTER 2023
This year, the UAE will host the world’s best padel players at the first-ever WPT Abu Dhabi Padel Master Tournament. The top ranked padel players will compete at the Modoon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 and this is the only master category tournament hosted by World Padel Tour in the country.
- Ticket price: AED 35
- Date & timings: 21st February 2023 – 26th February 2023 | 01:00 pm – 07:00 pm
- Location: Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat
- Contact: +971-4-514-9504
AL AMAL POLO DAY
The Al Amal Polo Day is an attempt by Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club to raise awareness and build a support network for children of determination. This Abu Dhabi event will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the polo club.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date & timings: 18th February 2023 | 02:00 pm – 06:00 pm
- Location: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
- Contact: +971-2-447-4444
FBMA INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CUP 2023
FBMA International Show Jumping Cup invites talented riders from all over the world to compete for the title of the most skilled horse rider. The winner will take home a prize money of AED 800,000.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date & timings: 26th January 2023 – 29th January 2023 | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
- Location: Al Forsan International Sports Resort
- Contact: +971-2-656-5656
H.H PRESIDENT OF UAE POLO CUP
The prestigious polo tournament will be held in March 2023. The aim of H.H President of UAE Polo Cup is to promote the sports of polo within and beyond the UAE. This is one of the free events in Abu Dhabi you wouldn’t want to miss.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date & timings: 6th March 2023 – 18th March 2023 | 02:00 pm – 06:00 pm
- Location: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
- Contact: +971-2-447-4444
INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE T20 (ILT20)
This is one of the most anticipated events in Abu Dhabi, especially for cricket lovers. The on-going T20 league is an attempt by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to hunt for local talent. The International T20 league in the UAE is observing 6 franchises with 34 matches taking place all over the country.
- Ticket price: From AED 10
- Date & timings: Till 12th February 2023 | 02:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Location: Zayed Cricket Stadium
- Contact: +971-2-558-8331
ART AND CULTURAL EVENTS
ABU DHABI FESTIVAL 2023
The Abu Dhabi Festival is all ready to welcome you with an exciting line-up of extravagant events. This year will be the 20th anniversary of this prestigious festival where various internationally acclaimed artists will perform. Peruvian operatic, Juan Diego will perform in a concert featuring a programme of arias followed by repertoire of Latin American and Peruvian songs.
Renowned for their finest contemporary flamenco shows, Vanguard flamenco (the dancer) and Maria Pages (choreographer) will give an ode to femininity. And the two-time Grammy winner Gregory Porter will also make his UAE debut performing tracks from his albums Liquid Spirit and Take Me to the Alley.
- Date & timings: 1st March 2023 – 31st October 2023 | 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Emirates Palace | Cultural Foundation
A DATE WITH THE ARTISTS
Are you an art aficionado?? Then how would you like to have ‘A Date with the Artists’? This upcoming event in Abu Dhabi offers art lovers an opportunity to attend a private tour of the ‘Life is a Circus’ exhibition. Over 22 artists will participate and will showcase their best work to inspire you. The event will conclude with an intimate dinner where you can converse with your favourite artists and get a chance to engage with the masterminds.
Please note that this event is limited to 30 people only and requires prior registration. The registration is free but you will have to pay the admission fee.
- Ticket price: AED 100
- Date & timings: 23rd February 2023 | 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
- Location: Cultural Foundation
- Contact: +971-02-657-6348
DIGITAL ART WORKSHOPS WITH JALAL LUQMAN
If you ever wanted to learn digital art, this might be your chance. Join the maestro Jalal Luqman as he takes you on a journey from realism to surrealism in his masterclasses. These workshops are part of the ‘Life is a Circus’ exhibition. The classes will cover three major styles, photo manipulator, digital painting and digital collage.
Please note that the minimum age to participate in these workshops is 14 years.
- Ticket price: From AED 240
- Date & timings: Till 20th March 2023 | 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
- Location: Cultural Foundation
- Contact: +971-02-657-6348
FILM SCREENING: SERIES OF SHORTS
Fans of short films rejoice! Because the Cultural Foundation is gearing up to screen a series of short films in February. This Abu Dhabi upcoming event is perfect for those who enjoy a good movie. The featured films to be screened are Arnoos by Samer Battikhi, Night by Ahmad Saleh, Give up the Ghost by Zain Durie and Geisha L.O.V.E by Mike Derderian.
- Ticket price: From AED 20
- Date & timings: 2nd February 2023 | 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Cultural Foundation
- Contact: +971-2-657-6348
EXHIBITIONS
ADIHEX 2023
The 20th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) will be held in September 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This year’s theme will be ‘Sustainability and Heritage…A Reborn Inspiration’.
This Abu Dhabi upcoming event is organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and it is expected to bring together over 150,000 attendees from all over the world. The exhibition is tailored to promote 11 sports industry sectors giving them an opportunity to showcase latest innovation and trends in camping gears, equestrian and falconry, accessories and traditional as well as modern ways of hunting.
- Date & timings: 2nd September 2023 – 8th September 2023| 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
- Contact: +971-2-667-4230
ATAYA EXHIBITION 2023
This annual exhibition in Abu Dhabi is back for another round. Exhibitors both local and international will showcase their products. So get ready to shop the latest in home accessories and all things fashion. The proceedings from the exhibition will go to the sustainable fund ‘Nahr Al Hayat Fund’ to treat children globally.
- Ticket price: AED 75
- Date & timings: 6th February 2023 – 10th February 2023 | 03:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Mubadala Arena
- Contact: 800-733
INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE (IDEX) 2023
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, IDEX is the international Defence Exhibition and Conference where the giants from the industry demonstrate the latest technology in the defence sector. The platform offers a unique opportunity to develop the network with businesses, government departments and armed forces in the region.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date & timings: 20th February 2023 – 24th February 2023 | 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
- Contact: +971-02-406-3362
MUSIC FESTIVALS
BARZAKH FESTIVAL 2023
Barzakh which literally translates into a state of limbo highlights the coexistence of multiple cultures, styles and genres of music. The Barzakh Festival 2023 will celebrate the diverse cultures from all over the world through boundary-shattering music.
First day of the festival will feature Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino from Italy and Lemma from Algeria. On the second day, Korean shamanic folk-pop will meet guitar-fuelled Somaliland songs. You will get to see the multi-award winning Korean band, Ak Dan Gwang Chil, play the ritual music and folk songs.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date & timings: 3rd February 2023 – 4th February 2023 | 07:30 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-02-628-6868 | +971-02-628-4555
BLACK PINK WORLD TOUR ABU DHABI
K-pop fans, mark your calendars because the Blackpink are finally landing in the capital. The BlackPink concert in Abu Dhabi is part of their world tour. So get ready to see the iconic Korean all-female artists in all their glory at Etihad Park.
- Ticket price: From AED 350
- Date & timings: 28th January 2023 | 05:30 pm – 11:59 pm
- Location: Etihad Park
- Contact: 60-051-1115 | +971-2-496-8000
MUSIC AT THE BROADWALK
Music at the Broadwalk are open-air performances taking place across Mamsha Al Saadiyat and Louvre Park. The idea behind this music festival is to showcase the local and international artists.
- Ticket price: Free
- Date & timings: Till 28th February 2023 | 05:00 pm – 08:00 pm
- Location: Mamsha Al Saadiyat
OTHER ABU DHABI EVENTS
KEVIN HART – REALITY CHECK
The Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian, Kevin Hart is bringing his ‘Reality Check’ tour to the capital. So mark your calendars and get ready for a night filled with entertainment and laughter.
- Ticket price: AED 565
- Date & timings: 22nd February 2023 | 08:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: Etihad Arena
- Contact: 60-051-1115 | +971-2-496-8000
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY (IIFA) WEEKEND & AWARDS
The acclaimed International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards will take place in Abu Dhabi this year. The event will take place over the weekend with various activities to celebrate the Indian film fraternity.
- Ticket price: From AED 110
- Date & timings: 26th May 2023 – 27th May 2023 | 07:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: Etihad Arena
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000
MIDDLE EAST FILM & COMIC CON 2023
Middle East Film and Comic Con is another Abu Dhabi event you shouldn’t miss. The Comic Con Abu Dhabi 2023 extravaganza will surely delight you whether you’re into anime, comics, gaming or anything else related to pop! Ready to join in the fun?
- Ticket price: From AED 135
- Date & timings: 3rd March 2023 – 5th March 2023 | 03:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
- Contact: +971-050-630-0346
LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW AT QASR AL WATAN
It’s quite impossible to talk about Abu Dhabi events and miss the spectacular light shows. Those who enjoy immersive performances will like the light and sound show at Qasr Al Watan. The breathtaking display tells visitors the story of the country’s past, present and future.
- Ticket price: AED 65 for adults | AED 30 for children
- Date & timings: Till 31st March 2023 | 07:00 pm – 07:30 pm
- Location: Qasr Al Watan
- Contact: +971-60-054-4442
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO ANY INDOOR VENUES HOST WEEKLY ABU DHABI EVENTS?
The Etihad Arena on Yas Island is a wonderful multi-purpose indoor venue that regularly hosts events — from corporate functions to sporting competitions and cultural performances. You can check out the official website to know more about the calendar and ticket details.
WHAT ARE THE TOP ANNUAL EVENTS IN DUBAI?
If you plan to visit Abu Dhabi’s neighbouring emirate, some of the annual events in Dubai you wouldn’t want to miss are Dubai Shopping Festival, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Dubai Jazz Festival.
That wraps up our guide to annual Abu Dhabi events. We hope that you enjoy this year and make the most of these happening events. Art aficionados will be pleased to know that several art events in Abu Dhabi are lined for this year including Sheikh Zayed Festival and Al Murabbaa Heritage Festival.
Looking for something specific? Our guide to monthly events in Abu Dhabi will point you in the right direction. And if you happen to be in Dubai, here’s a roundup of all the upcoming events at the Coca Cola Arena.
