Best events happening in Abu Dhabi in May 2026
Living in Abu Dhabi is nothing short of a dazzling experience. From entering the world of arts and culture to dancing the night away at a concert, tourists and residents have so much to unpack in the capital. From cultural festivals and nightlife to standout experiences, the city’s venues welcome both local and international talent across arts, food and sports. So, mark your calendar for these top Abu Dhabi events in May!
TOP ABU DHABI EVENTS – MUSIC AND CONCERTS
Which Abu Dhabi concerts in May 2026 are there to look forward to? Here are some suggestions.
Tamer Ashour
Known for his emotional singing style, Tamer Ashour has built a strong bond with fans through songs about love, heartbreak and life experiences. As both singer and composer, he has created many popular songs that are well known across the region. Some of his most popular songs include Zikrayat Kaddaba, Ekhtarna Leh, Thania Wahda and Enta Ekhtart.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 150
- Date: 16th May 2026
- Location: Space 42 Arena
Kadim Al Sahir
As part of the Abu Dhabi event calendar, Kadim AL Sahir, also known as “The Caesar”, will perform on the 28th May at Space42 Arena. With a career spanning more than 4 decades, the singer is known for his soulful songs about love and life, blending classical Arabic music with global influence. His famous collaborations with Nizar Qabbani, including Qoulee Ouhibbouka and Hal Endak Shak, continue to connect with audiences across generations.
- Ticker price: Starting from AED 295
- Date: 28th May 2026
- Location: Space 42 Arena
ABU DHABI UPCOMING EVENTS – ARTS AND CULTURE
Al Qattara Murals – 6th Edition
Group Chat brings together eighteen artists whose murals come together in one shared space, creating an engaging visual experience. Though each artwork looks different, together they create a strong connection and tell a bigger story. The exhibition shows how different ideas and styles can come together to create interesting conversations through art.
Participating artists include:
- Abdulkareem Aldaoseri
- Anas Numair
- Charlie Villagracia
- Fahed Jaber
- Faezeh Ghareghani
- Fathima Mohiuddin
- Hekmat Menisy
- Jennifer Stelco
- Khaled Alhaddadi
- Murukanandam Vaduganathan
- Nasrin Badiei
- Neveen Abu Samra
- Rana Zahlot
- Sami Al Soloh
- Samia Hamouda
- Shaikha Almahri
- Shaymaa Dadoa
- Tamar Aboukamel
Here are details of the show:
- Ticket price: Free
- Date: 1st March 2026 to 31st March 2027
- Timings: 09:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Location: Al Qattara Arts Centre
The Jury Experience – Death by AI: Who Pays the Price?
Next on our list of Abu Dhabi’s events for May 2026 is The Jury Experience. This immersive event puts the audience at the centre of a live courtroom-style experience, where they follow a case, review facts and take on the role of the jury. It offers a unique and engaging evening for anyone looking for something different to do in Abu Dhabi this May.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 150
- Date: 9th May 2026
- Timings: 05:00 pm | 07:00 PM
- Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat
Picasso, the Figure
‘Picasso, the Figure’ at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a standout highlight in Abu Dhabi events for May 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
ABU DHABI UPCOMING EVENTS – SPORTS
UAE Warriors 70 & 71
As one of the top Abu Dhabi sports events, UAE Warriors 70 & 71 brings live MMA action to the capital with an exciting double-header fight night. Featuring international fighters and rising regional talent, the event promises intense matchups, sharp strategies and thrilling competitions across multiple divisions.
- Date: 8th and 9th May, 2026
- Location: Space Arena 42
OTHER EVENTS HAPPENING IN ABU DHABI
Make It In The Emirates
As one of the leading ADNEC Abu Dhabi events, Make it in the Emirates 2026 marks its fifth edition as the UAE’s flagship platform for industrial transformation. Aligned with the nation’s industrial strategy, it brings together government and industry leaders to strengthen local manufacturing, boost industrial value chains and support businesses to scale and export from the UAE.
- Date: 4th to 7th May, 2026
- Timings: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Location: ADNEC Abu Dhabi
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 May 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.
