Best events happening in Abu Dhabi in April 2026
Abu Dhabi is buzzing with a lively line-up of events this April 2026, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From cultural festivals and nightlife to standout experiences, the city’s venues welcome both local and international talent across arts, food and sport. Be sure to catch the Abu Dhabi events highlights as the capital comes alive throughout the month.
TOP ABU DHABI EVENTS – MUSIC AND CONCERTS
Searching for top Abu Dhabi concerts in April 2026? Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 has got you covered!
90’s Show
Experience a nostalgic 90s night at Space42 Arena on 11 April with Ehab Tawfik, Hamid El Shaeri and Hisham Abbas. Ehab Tawfik brings his signature emotional sound rooted in the Al-Jeel era, while Hamid El Shaeri, often called El Capo, is celebrated for shaping modern Arabic pop with his distinctive fusion style. Hisham Abbas adds his widely loved, easy-going hits that defined mainstream pop in the 90s. Together, they promise an evening filled with timeless tracks and shared musical memories.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 395
- Date: 11th April, 2026
- Location: Space 42 Arena
Jon Batiste at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
Jon Batiste brings his Maestro show to Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi event calendar, offering an intimate concert that highlights his remarkable artistry and storytelling. In this performance, he blends piano-driven interpretations of his own music with classical influences, Black American musical traditions and free-flowing improvisation, creating a rich and immersive musical experience.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 250
- Date: 12th April, 2026
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Dhafer Youssef
Dhafer Youssef takes the stage with his Quintet, blending Eastern and Western influences into a mesmerising musical journey. Rooted in North African traditions, his sound weaves together jazz, European classical forms, Turkish and Indian elements. The result is a powerful, emotive performance that resonates with both seasoned jazz listeners and newer audiences.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 150
- Date: 14th April, 2026
- Location: The Red Theater, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
Minsoo Sohn
Minsoo Sohn performs Book One of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, guiding listeners through its 24 preludes and fugues with elegance and precision. The programme highlights his artistry while offering a rich blend of technical mastery and emotional depth.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 150
- Date: 19th April, 2026
- Location: The Red Theater, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
Verdi’s Opera Gala
In honour of the 125th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi, this Opera Gala features the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti, alongside soprano Maria Agresta and tenor Giorgio Berrugi. The programme showcases highlights from Verdi’s most celebrated works, blending overtures, arias and duets from operas such as Nabucco, I Vespri Siciliani, Otello and La Traviata.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 125
- Date: 21st April, 2026
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Lisa Batiashvili and Giorgi Gigashvili
Award-winning violinist Lisa Batiashvili and rising pianist Giorgi Gigashvili unite for a compelling programme featuring works by Beethoven, Bartók, Franck and a new piece by Joseph Bardanashvili. The performance contrasts Beethoven’s bold grandeur with Bartók’s vivid intensity, while Franck’s violin sonata brings lyrical warmth and shimmering elegance.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 150
- Date: 22nd April, 2026
- Location: The Red Theater, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
Algarabía
The University of Navarra Symphony Orchestra presents a unique blend of music, dance and theatre, fusing flamenco with Arab poetic traditions. The story follows an Arab girl exploring botanical theory, contrasted with a Spanish florist’s instinctive connection to flowers. Together, poetry, movement and rhythm create a vibrant celebration of culture and storytelling.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 100
- Date: 26th April, 2026
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
ARTS AND CULTURE
Here’s a complete list of top Abu Dhabi events for April 2026 in the arts and culture category:
American Ballet Theatre
This dazzling dance production joins Abu Dhabi’s events for April 2026, presenting a dynamic programme that brings together works by Twyla Tharp, Alexei Ratmansky and George Balanchine. The performance moves from the playful energy of Sextet to the thoughtful depth of Serenade after Plato’s Symposium, before closing with the elegance of Theme and Variations set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, showcasing the dancers’ versatility and artistic range.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 125
- Date: 17th April, 2026
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Picasso, the Figure
‘Picasso, the Figure’ at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a standout highlight in Abu Dhabi events for April 2026, showcasing the work of Pablo Picasso. The exhibition explores his evolving interpretation of the human form through key pieces from Musée National Picasso-Paris, alongside loans from the Louvre Museum, Mobilier National and regional collections.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 70
- Date: 21st January to 31st May, 2026
- Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
BRED 2026
BRED Abu Dhabi returns to Yas Marina Circuit as part of Abu Dhabi festivals in April 2026, marking the fourth edition of the region’s neo-culture event. The festival explores how culture is shaped in real time by communities today and how it will evolve through future creators, spaces and ideas. BRED 2026 celebrates living culture by honouring its roots, embracing the present and imagining what comes next.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 85
- Date: 22nd to 26th April, 2026
- Location: Yas Marina Circuit
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Art For All marks 20 years of touring The Tiger Who Came to Tea with special anniversary rates, bringing the Olivier Award-nominated West End hit back to the stage. Adapted and directed by David Wood and based on the beloved book by Judith Kerr, the show follows Sophie and her mum as an unexpected tiger joins them for tea. Filled with music, magic and playful chaos, it promises a delightful experience for the whole family.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 85
- Date: 24th and 25th April, 2026
- Location: Cultural Foundation
DAZ Festival
DAZ Festival is among the upcoming events in Abu Dhabi, bringing together live entertainment, cultural experiences, children’s activities and a wide range of dining options in one vibrant setting. Ideal for families and groups alike, it offers something for everyone while capturing the spirit of community. It is the perfect day out for those looking to experience the best of Al Ain.
- Ticket price: Weekdays, AED 25 | Weekends, AED 35 | Free for children aged 12 and below
- Date: 3rd to 12th April, 2026
- Location: Al Jahili Park, Al Ain
SPORTS EVENTS
Year of Family Cycling Race
The Year of Family Cycling Race is part of Abu Dhabi sport events, offering an inclusive experience for all ages and abilities. The event features fun activities for children and people of determination, alongside competitive races for seasoned cyclists. It’s a lively day focused on fitness, family and community spirit at Al Hudayriyat Island.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 55
- Date: 5th April, 2026
- Location: Al Hudayriyat Island
OTHER EVENTS
Mary Poppins The Musical
Direct from London’s West End, the award-winning Mary Poppins musical is coming to Etihad Arena Abu Dhabi for the very first time. Based on the classic books and Disney film, this wonderful production features amazing dancing, special effects and all the famous songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 150
- Date: 25th March to 12th April 2026
- Location: Etihad Arena
FAQS ABOUT THE BIGGEST EVENTS IN ABU DHABI FOR 2026
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI?
The best things to do in Abu Dhabi include a grand tour of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. You can also visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi or watch a camel race at Al Wathba Race Track.
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING CONCERTS IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI?
Yes, plenty! Here’s a list of all the upcoming concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING EVENTS IN DUBAI?
Yes! You can enjoy several Dubai monthly events, from family entertainment to live shows. You can also enjoy these must-see live music concerts in Dubai.
And this brings us to the end of the Abu Dhabi event calendar for April 2026.
Looking for more options? Make the most of these annual events in Abu Dhabi, where you can have fun with the family.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for the best happenings in the UAE.
