What’s On In Abu Dhabi - The Big Events Of 2026

Abu Dhabi is a hive of entertainment and excitement, and you can be sure your 2026 holiday will be bursting with both.

Not only can you expect year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, sensational attractions and exceptional hotels and resorts, but you’ll also find a raft of exciting events taking place. From awe-inspiring sporting spectacles and epic culinary festivals to enriching religious celebrations and unmissable entertainment, there’s something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. How would you like to upgrade your winter sun holiday by including a trip to watch the thrilling finale of the Formula 1 season? Alternatively, you may prefer to time your family break to enjoy a virtual reality extravaganza or spectacular child-friendly show. Whenever you visit you’ll be able to relax in luxury hotels, splash in the Arabian Gulf and discover phenomenal theme parks, all while experiencing some of the biggest events of 2026. Take a look at our guide to what’s on and plan an action-packed itinerary to take your Abu Dhabi holiday to the next level.

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Sports

Escape to Abu Dhabi for some winter sun in 2026 and you’ll find a host of thrilling sports events to enjoy. Taking place in November, the World Rally-Raid Championship Desert Challenge is the final epic race of the season, and is one of the oldest and most prestigious cross-country motorsport rallies in the world. Also taking place in November is the highly-anticipated Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. This competition, hosted at Yas Links, is frequented by players like Rory McIlroy, who are at the top of their game. Another option is to blend a winter escape with an electrifying weekend of F1. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix illuminates the track at Yas Marina Circuit with nail-biting action. Watch your favourites like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc bring the season to a close in the grand finale before enjoying incredible concerts and fireworks displays.

Culture

A 2026 holiday to Abu Dhabi will be filled with cultural experiences and an abundance of festivals. Ramadan is a religious celebration that occurs every year. While the dates change annually, it is held in the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and will likely take place in February and March 2026. Plan your trip accordingly if you want to experience festivities and feasting on delicious traditional dishes after sunset. Most shops, restaurants and attractions remain open for holidaymakers, though it’s asked that you refrain from eating, smoking and drinking alcohol in public. UAE National Day takes place on December 2nd and marks the day that the seven Emirates formed the UAE in 1971. Admire firework displays throughout the city, concerts, theatre shows and a heritage programme. An action-packed cultural event is the Liwa International Festival. Happening in December and early January, escape to the desert for motor racing, Bedouin-style camping and family-friendly activities.

Arts

Abu Dhabi is a wonderful holiday destination for art lovers, and 2026 promises to exceed all your expectations. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a hub of art and culture, with a myriad of galleries and exhibitions that you’re able to explore all year round. The Quantum Dome Project is a VR experience through time that you can experience until June 2026. Book your tickets to virtually step back in time to Imperial Rome, Mediaeval Baghdad and Mughal India. There’s also family-friendly attractions and interactive workshops on offer. In November, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair is held at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Tour various galleries and photography studios as well as the auditorium to take in the exceptional work from local and international artists. To make your Christmas getaway even better, Manar Abu Dhabi is an art event that occurs throughout November, December and January. Celebrate the Emirates’ diverse landscapes by watching the light shows and projections bring the desert, mangroves, oases and archipelagos to life.

Food

Abu Dhabi’s food scene is second to none, and you can enjoy a variety of innovative and exciting food festivals during your 2026 luxury holiday. Taste of Abu Dhabi is held every November in Yas Gateway Park North, Yas Island. Get involved with masterclasses and cooking workshops, shop at the artisan vendors and listen to the lively music and DJ sets while you sample the mouthwatering fare from some of Abu Dhabi’s top restaurants. Make it a family affair as there’s a kids’ play area and child-friendly dishes to ensure everyone can experience the delicious food on offer. Taking place in November 2024 and 2025, we can presume that the incredible Open Fire Food Festival will occur again in 2026. Hosted by American comedian Steve Harvey, this event is a celebration of barbeque and grill cooking. Dine on delectable dishes cooked live in front of you, watch an interactive show and soak up the atmosphere as a family.

Entertainment

Abu Dhabi promises a plethora of unmissable events in 2026. The Etihad Arena is a hotspot for entertainment in Abu Dhabi and is the largest indoor arena in the UAE, meaning you’ll find something to make your Middle East holiday extra special. In January and February, children can watch their favourite characters come to life on the big stage through songs and stories in Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out. Also on the calendar of events at the Etihad Arena is Mary Poppins the Musical. You can watch this classic during its first ever run in Abu Dhabi, in March and April 2026. For your pop music fix, Lewis Capalidi will be performing in January 2026 in Saadiyat Night, an open-air venue that allows you to sing along to your favourite songs under the stars. New Year’s Eve also brings an array of entertainment to Abu Dhabi. Visit areas like the Corniche Beach, Yas Marina and Yas Bay Waterfront for unobstructed views of firework displays, music and revelry.

“2026 promises to be a huge year for entertainment in Abu Dhabi, and there' s plenty to sink your teeth into no matter what your interests are.

“Foodies will be wowed by the delicious array of dishes showcased in the annual Taste of Abu Dhabi festival. This family-friendly event brings local and international flavours to your attention, alongside fun-filled activities.

“There’s plenty of art and culture on offer in Abu Dhabi throughout 2026. Visit during a major celebration like Ramadan or National Day for an authentic insight into this Emirate’s heritage, or opt for something a little more action-packed like the Liwa International Festival.

“The highlight of Abu Dhabi’s event calendar has got to be the Formula One. A 2026 holiday will enable you to take in the electrifying final Grand Prix of the season as well as the post-race concerts and fireworks. This really is something you won’t want to miss.

“Don’t wait to book your unforgettable Abu Dhabi holiday for 2026.”