Abu Dhabi hosts world-class events throughout the year, from international sports competitions and music festivals to cultural celebrations and free community activities. Competitive, creative and world-class leisure and business events have positioned Abu Dhabi as the ideal holiday and business destination. This comprehensive guide covers all major events happening in Abu Dhabi across 2025, helping you plan your visit around the capital’s most exciting occasions. For accommodation during major events, check our guide to the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, and explore free things to do in Dubai between events.
Events in Abu Dhabi 2025 – Annual Calendar Overview
Abu Dhabi Calendar’s 2025-2026 season is packed with thrilling events including NBA Abu Dhabi Games, F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, cultural exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. From high-energy sports to cultural arts, the capital offers endless excitement, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to world-class entertainment.
Major Events by Category
Sports Events in Abu Dhabi:
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- UFC Abu Dhabi fights
- NBA Abu Dhabi Games
- Golf championships
- Marathon and running events
- Tennis tournaments
Cultural and Festival Events:
- Sheikh Zayed Festival
- Liwa Festival
- Eid al Fitr celebrations
- International Jazz Day
- National Day celebrations
- New Year events
Entertainment and Concerts:
- International music concerts at Etihad Arena
- Cultural performances
- Comedy shows
- Theater productions
Events in Abu Dhabi January 2025
New Year Events in Abu Dhabi
Early January Celebrations:
- New Year’s Day fireworks displays
- Special hotel brunches and celebrations
- Beach parties and gatherings
- Mall entertainment programs
- Family-friendly activities
Cultural Events:
- Art exhibitions opening for the new year
- Music performances at cultural venues
- Traditional souq festivals
- Heritage celebrations
Sports Events:
- Golf tournaments
- Running events and marathons
- Water sports competitions
- Tennis championships
Events in Abu Dhabi February 2025
Valentine’s Events and Cultural Activities
Romantic Events:
- Valentine’s Day special dinners
- Couples’ events at luxury hotels
- Romantic concerts and performances
- Beach and desert experiences
Cultural Programs:
- Art gallery exhibitions
- Museum special programs
- Heritage Village activities
- Traditional craft demonstrations
Sports and Fitness:
- Marathon training programs
- Cycling events
- Beach sports tournaments
- Fitness challenges
Events in Abu Dhabi April 2025
International Jazz Day
Abu Dhabi is set to make some seriously groovy waves in 2025 as the Global Host for International Jazz Day. Mark your calendars for April 30 because this cultural hotspot is gearing up to showcase its unique blend of Arabian and Emirati traditions with the universal language of jazz.
Jazz Day Highlights:
- International jazz performances
- Local and international artists
- Cultural fusion concerts
- Jazz workshops and masterclasses
- Family-friendly jazz events
Spring Season Events:
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- Beach activities and water sports
- Desert camping events
- Cultural exhibitions
Big Events in Abu Dhabi
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—Yas Marina Circuit, 5 to 7 December 2025—book tickets early to guarantee entry to this four-day event and the after-concerts held from Thursday to Sunday. Or why not try one of these special Grand Prix Brunches and special events to catch the action?
Grand Prix Event Details:
- Four-day racing event
- After-race concerts featuring international artists
- Grand Prix brunches at luxury hotels
- Yas Marina Circuit activation
- Family entertainment zones
UFC Events in Abu Dhabi
UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights:
- World championship fights
- International fighter appearances
- Etihad Arena hosting
- Pre-fight events and weigh-ins
- Fight week activities and fan experiences
NBA Abu Dhabi Games
Basketball Event Features:
- Pre-season NBA games
- International team matchups
- Player meet-and-greets
- Basketball clinics and workshops
- Family entertainment programs
Events in Abu Dhabi This Weekend
Weekend Event Categories
Family Events:
- Theme park activities and special shows
- Beach clubs and water parks
- Museums and cultural sites
- Shopping festivals
- Entertainment centers
Adults Events:
- Rooftop bar experiences
- Fine dining events
- Beach clubs and pool parties
- Live music and DJ nights
- Cultural performances
Sports and Recreation:
- Beach volleyball tournaments
- Running clubs and group activities
- Water sports competitions
- Golf tournaments
- Cycling events
Free Events in Abu Dhabi
Free Things to Do Today
Cultural Free Events:
- The Sheikh Zayed Festival, celebrations for Eid al Fitr and the Liwa Festival are some of the notable festivals to add to your list.
- Al Majaz Waterfront activities
- Corniche beach and park access
- Heritage Village visits (select days)
- Art gallery open days
Community Events:
- Public park festivals
- Beach clean-up initiatives
- Community sports events
- Outdoor fitness classes
- Cultural demonstrations
Free Entertainment:
- Mall entertainment programs
- Street performances
- Public art installations
- Fountain shows
- Outdoor cinema screenings (seasonal)
Free Events in Abu Dhabi Today for Adults
Adult-Focused Free Activities:
- Art gallery exhibitions
- Cultural center programs
- Beach yoga and fitness classes
- Heritage site explorations
- Photography walks and tours
For more free activity ideas, visit our comprehensive guide to free things to do in Duabi.
Abu Dhabi Events Today
Finding Current Day Events
Event Information Sources:
- Visit Abu Dhabi official website
- Etihad Arena event calendar
- Social media event pages
- Hotel concierge services
- Local event apps and websites
Same-Day Booking Options:
- Last-minute ticket availability
- Walk-in events at venues
- Free public events
- Mall entertainment programs
- Beach and park activities
Abu Dhabi Events Tomorrow
Planning Ahead
Next Day Events:
- Check venue websites for schedules
- Book tickets online in advance
- Plan transportation and parking
- Review dress codes and requirements
- Confirm event timings
Abu Dhabi Events Next 3 Days
Three-Day Planning
Weekend Planning:
- Major sporting events
- Concert series and performances
- Cultural festivals and celebrations
- Family entertainment options
- Dining and nightlife events
National Day Events in Abu Dhabi
UAE National Day Celebrations (December 2)
National Day Festivities:
- Official ceremonies and parades
- Fireworks displays across the city
- Cultural performances
- Free public events
- Heritage celebrations
- Shopping festival promotions
Family Activities:
- Children’s entertainment programs
- Traditional craft workshops
- Food festivals
- Amusement park celebrations
- Beach and park events
Running Events in Abu Dhabi
Marathon and Running Calendar
Major Running Events:
- Abu Dhabi Marathon
- Half-marathon competitions
- 10K and 5K community runs
- Beach running events
- Charity running campaigns
Running Clubs and Groups:
- Weekly group runs
- Training programs
- Social running meetups
- Fitness challenges
- Trail running events
Networking Events in Abu Dhabi
Business and Professional Events
Industry Networking:
- Chamber of commerce events
- Business breakfast meetings
- Industry conferences
- Professional association gatherings
- Trade shows and exhibitions
Casual Networking:
- Expat community meetups
- Professional social events
- Startup networking sessions
- Women in business events
- Young professionals gatherings
Events Place in Abu Dhabi
Major Event Venues
Etihad Arena: Check out our incredible upcoming events in Abu Dhabi including concerts, family and sports events at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
Key Venues:
- Etihad Arena (12,000+ capacity)
- Yas Marina Circuit
- ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre)
- Emirates Palace
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan
Outdoor Venues:
- Corniche waterfront
- Yas Island entertainment district
- Al Hudayriat Island
- Heritage Village
- Al Ain cultural sites
Events Company in Abu Dhabi
Event Planning and Management
Top Event Companies:
- Flash Entertainment (Etihad Arena management)
- Abu Dhabi Calendar office
- Miral (Yas Island events)
- DCT Abu Dhabi event partnerships
- Private event management companies
Services Offered:
- Corporate event planning
- Wedding and celebration management
- Conference organization
- Exhibition services
- Entertainment booking
Events Jobs in Abu Dhabi
Career Opportunities in Events
Event Industry Careers:
- Event coordinators and managers
- Marketing and promotions specialists
- Venue management positions
- Hospitality and guest services
- Technical and production roles
Recruitment Resources:
- Event company career pages
- LinkedIn job listings
- Hospitality recruitment agencies
- Entertainment industry networks
- Venue direct hiring
Events Happening in Abu Dhabi
Real-Time Event Discovery
Current Event Information:
- Official tourism website calendars
- Venue booking platforms
- Social media event pages
- Local news and media coverage
- Event aggregator apps
Event Categories:
- Cultural and heritage
- Sports and fitness
- Entertainment and concerts
- Family and children
- Business and networking
- Food and dining
- Arts and exhibitions
Upcoming Events in Abu Dhabi
Forward Planning Calendar
Booking and Planning:
- Check official event calendars
- Subscribe to venue newsletters
- Follow social media accounts
- Join event notification services
- Plan accommodation early for major events
For convenient travel to events, utilize the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and familiarize yourself with public transportation through our Hafilat card Abu Dhabi guide.
Seasonal Event Highlights
Winter Season (November – March)
Peak Event Season:
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- International concerts and festivals
- Sports championships
- Cultural exhibitions
- Outdoor events and festivals
Summer Season (June – September)
Indoor Focus Events:
- Mall entertainment programs
- Indoor concerts and shows
- Cinema and theater performances
- Museum exhibitions
- Air-conditioned venue events
Event Ticket Booking
How to Book Event Tickets
Official Channels:
- Etihad Arena website
- Ticketmaster UAE
- Platinumlist ticketing
- Virgin Megastore
- Venue box offices
Booking Tips:
- Book early for major events
- Check for early bird discounts
- Verify seating charts before purchase
- Understand refund policies
- Save digital tickets on mobile devices
Conclusion: Abu Dhabi’s Dynamic Event Scene
Abu Dhabi’s position as a global events destination continues to strengthen with its diverse calendar of world-class sports, entertainment, and cultural events. From free community gatherings to internationally significant occasions like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and UFC championships, the emirate offers experiences that cater to all interests and budgets.
The capital’s commitment to hosting competitive, creative, and world-class leisure and business events ensures there’s always something exciting happening, whether you’re a resident looking for weekend activities or a visitor planning your trip around major festivals and celebrations.
Stay informed about upcoming events through official channels, book tickets early for popular occasions, and take advantage of the city’s excellent infrastructure and transportation to make the most of Abu Dhabi’s vibrant event calendar throughout 2025 and beyond.