Abu Dhabi is a vibrant city rich in culture, sports, music and entertainment. In 2025, the emirate will host various exciting events that appeal to book lovers, art enthusiasts, sports fans, music lovers and families. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your comprehensive guide to the biggest annual Abu Dhabi events in 2025.
Arts and Culture Events
Abu Dhabi is a cultural hub, offering a mix of literary festivals, exhibitions and artistic displays. Some of the art and cultural events that are going to occur in 2025 are:
1. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025
Join the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, where you will find a wide range of local and international books, participate in professional workshops and engage in panel discussions. This event is ideal for both literature lovers and industry professionals.
Dates
April 26 to May 5, 2025
Timings
09:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
2. Lammah Al Bahar
Lammah Al Bahar is a lively coastal festival in Al Dhafra, beautifully set at Al Mugheirah Beach. This event combines tradition with modern elements, honouring the region’s rich maritime history while fostering an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.
Dates
Jan 17 to Jun 15, 2025
Timings
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday: 05:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Location
Al Mugheirah Bay
3. LAD Exhibition: Picturing the Cosmos
Discover a fascinating exhibition featuring Tintin’s Moon Rocket, which journeyed to space with Emirati astronaut H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi. This collaboration between the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre symbolises the connection between imagination and real space exploration.
Dates
Sep 11, 2024 to Jun 30, 2025
Timings
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Location
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Sports Events
Abu Dhabi hosts some of the most exciting sporting events like:
1. 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Prepare for speed and thrills as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix heads back to Yas Marina Circuit. The 58-lap race will bring the world’s best drivers to battle it out on the 5.281-kilometre track, with fans enjoying an entire weekend of practice sessions, qualification rounds and intense racing.
Dates
December 7, 2025
Location
Yas Central, Yas Island
2. Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship
The Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship, hosted in February, was one of the most esteemed championships for Arabian horses. This event gathered elite equestrians and their magnificent horses for a breathtaking competition governed by ECAHO rules.
Dates
Feb 21 to Feb 23, 2025
Timings
11:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Location
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Music Events
Abu Dhabi’s music landscape will flourish in 2025, showcasing world-class performances across various genres.
1. Abu Dhabi Festival 2025
With the theme Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony, this festival celebrates 50 years of UAE-Japan friendship, featuring various performances from renowned global artists.
Dates
Feb 07 to Mar 29, 2025
Timings
05:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location
Emirates Palace Auditorium
2. Off Limits Festival
Prepare yourself for the Middle East’s largest open-format music festival! Off Limits Festival is offering a fusion of pop, hip-hop and electronic tracks, with more than 20 artists on the lineup performing on two huge stages.
Dates
April 26, 2025
Location
Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
3. International Jazz Day
Abu Dhabi is in the spotlight as the Global Host for International Jazz Day, fusing Arabian and Emirati heritage with the soulful music of jazz. Witness the captivating blend of instruments such as the Oud, Qanoon and Ney with jazz beats, giving birth to a new genre of Arabic Jazz.
Dates
April 30, 2025
Locations
Abu Dhabi
4. Other Music Events
Here are the details of all the music events happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025:
- KODO
Date and Time: Apr 08 to 09, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Yunchan Lim
Date and Time: April 11, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Kuniko Kato
Date and Time: April 14, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Katia & Marielle Labeque
Date and Time: April 16 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra
Date and Time: April 18, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Jessica Pratt & Javier Camarena
Date and Time: April 20, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Augustin Hadelich
Date and Time: April 21, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- All-Star Ballet Gala
Date and Time: April 22, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Riley Mulherkar
Date and Time: April 26, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: New York University Abu Dhabi
- Unique Encounters with Rising Stars
Date and Time: April 26, 2025 | 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
- BRED Abu Dhabi
Date and Time: Apr 23 to 27, 2025 | 06:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Location: Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
- Sting 3.0 Tour
Date and Time: May 03, 2025 | 06:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Family and Lifestyle Events
From thrilling circus performances to gourmet dining experiences, Abu Dhabi entertains everyone with various exciting events.
1. Pluma Circus
This amazing circus is back with dazzling new acts, stunning visual effects and exciting performances. It’s an ideal outing for families and thrill-seekers alike!
Dates
March 28 to May 4, 2025
Timings
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturdays:1:00 PM to 07:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Location
Yas Island
Tickets
Starting from AED 95
2. ‘BRB’ – Brick Rooftop Brunch
Indulge in delicious Mediterranean and Arabic dishes while enjoying live entertainment and breathtaking views from the rooftop.
Dates
Oct 01, 2024 to Jun 30, 2025
Timings
Every Saturday: 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Location
Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi
3. Courtyard Iftar at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
It is a lavish Iftar buffet in Ramadan featuring traditional flavours, refreshing drinks and a cosy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.
Dates
Feb 27 to Mar 29, 2025
Timings
06:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Location
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Price
Starting from AED 210
4. DAZ Festival 2025
DAZ Festival was a fun event with rides, obstacle courses, a petting zoo and arcade games. It was held in mid-February 2025 and had activities for the whole family to enjoy. Altogether, it was one of the best outdoor adventures for kids and adults.
Dates
Feb 14 to Feb 23, 2025
Timings
04:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location
Al Jahili Park
FAQs
Abu Dhabi is hosting a variety of events in 2025. Some of them are:
-Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
-Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ‘Picturing the Cosmos’ Exhibition
-Abu Dhabi Festival 2025
-UAE Muay Thai Championship
-Pluma Circus at Yas Island
Tickets to all events can be booked online from their official websites. Some events also support on-site ticket booking.
Some events, like Lammah Al Bahar at Al Mugheirah Bay, have free admission with extra paid activities
In Abu Dhabi, there are a variety of activities starting in 2025 that include art, culture, sports, music and family fun. From book fairs, ballet and combat sports to even circuses, everyone will find something to love. Plan to make the most of these unforgettable experiences!
Besides, you can visit the hidden gems of Abu Dhabi any time of the year if you are planning to visit the Emirate.
