Aug-Sept 2026 Events on in Abu Dhabi: Concerts, Comic Con & more

Abu Dhabi Calendar is packed with activities in the coming weeks, keeping residents and visitors entertained through to the end of summer and beyond. The lineup includes fan-favourite musicians live in concert and family-friendly museum programming, alongside literary events, pop culture and cosplay; there’s something for everyone to enjoy as summer comes to an end.

Music and entertainment

• Ruby, Esseily & Pousi, Etihad Arena, 28 August: Three of Egypt’s music stars are heading to Abu Dhabi for a major night of Arabic music. Ruby, Mahmoud El Esseily and Pousi will take the stage together, performing some of their best-known hits in one big night at Etihad Arena.
• Ahmed Saad & Disco Misr, Space42 Arena, 19 September: One of Egypt’s biggest stars meets one of its most exciting electronic acts as Ahmed Saad and Disco Misr take over Space42 Arena. Expect Saad’s crowd-favourite hits reimagined alongside Disco Misr’s signature electronic sound for a high energy night made for singing and dancing along.

Pop culture

• Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, 11–13 September: The Middle East’s largest pop culture festival returns to Abu Dhabi for three action-packed days celebrating anime, comics, cosplay, gaming, movies, TV and more. Fans can meet an exciting celebrity line-up including John Cena, Mackenyu, Pom Klementieff, Arden Cho, Jacob Romero, Charithra Chandran and Joonas Suotamo, alongside international comic creators and professional cosplayers. Beyond meeting the stars, visitors can explore the Gaming Arena, Comic Creators Club, Otaku District, TCG Arena and more, while the Cosplay Competition returns with an AED 60,000 prize pool.

Family-friendly fun

• Free Family Weekends at Louvre Abu Dhabi, every Saturday until the end of August: Bring the kids along for free creative activities inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection, with a new theme each week ranging from aluminium foil reliefs to travel journals and beaded jewellery.
• Emirati Women’s Day Celebration at the Art Studio, 28–29 August: Manarat Al Saadiyat hosts two days of workshops, artist drop-ins and creative activities for all ages, alongside a special menu celebrating the contributions of Emirati women – offering families an opportunity to explore art and creativity together.

Summer tip: Kids and seniors go free at participating museums, making it even easier to plan a family day out.

Culture and discovery

• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, 13–18 September: Mark your calendar for one of the region’s largest literary gatherings. Book lovers can browse the latest titles, meet authors and discover a packed programme bringing publishers, storytellers and readers together from around the world.

For couples, friends and solo travellers

• Riahiyat: An Immersive Ladies’ Tarab Night, Cultural Foundation, 28 August: Gather your friends for a women-only Emirati Women’s Day edition of Tarab night at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Led by Tunisian artist Lamia Riahi, the evening brings guests together to enjoy much-loved Arabic songs in a relaxed, celebratory setting.
• Sun and Sip Day Pass at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, until the end of summer: Spend the day on the Corniche with access to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest pools and a private beach. Complete with redeemable food and beverage spend and options to upgrade the experience with a one-hour massage or banana and doughnut boat rides, it’s an easy way to turn an ordinary day into a mini getaway.

More to look forward to

• Nagham, Space42 Arena, 9 October: The Heritage Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Mohammed Al Qahoom, brings beloved melodies to life on a grand orchestral scale this October, for an evening celebrating music, heritage and culture.
• Tamer Hosny & Tamer Ashour, Etihad Arena, 17 October: Two of Egypt’s biggest music stars are heading to Abu Dhabi. Tamer Hosny and Tamer Ashour will share the stage for a night packed with crowd favourites, romantic hits and plenty of much-loved songs.

Looking for a place to stay?

With Kids Go Free offers at 40 hotels, there’s never been an easier time to plan a short summer escape across Abu Dhabi. From beachfront resorts and island retreats to desert escapes and family-friendly stays in Al Ain & Al Dhafra Regions, here are a few offers to explore:

• Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, until 30 September: Treat the whole family to an all-inclusive escape, with dining, premium beverages and full access to Rixy Kids Club included in the stay. Guests can also enjoy the beach, gym and spa facilities, plus a complimentary theme park ticket for more family fun on Yas Island.
• Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort, until 30 September: Escape to Sir Bani Yas Island, where kids under 12 stay free. The offer includes complimentary breakfast, a floating breakfast experience, AED 150 spa credit and access to the resort’s private bicycle track.
• Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain Region, until 30 September: Enjoy a family escape from AED 699 for two adults and two children, including breakfast, dinner and entry to Al Ain Zoo. The stay also includes a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability, plus 30% off spa treatments.
• Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, Al Dhafra Region, until 30 September: Stay on Sir Bani Yas Island with daily breakfast included and enjoy one complimentary night for every two nights booked – giving even more time to discover the island and its natural surroundings.
• Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, until 30 December: GCC residents can enjoy daily breakfast with the option of lunch or dinner, alongside complimentary non-motorised water sports, kids’ activities and Kids Club experiences. Guests also have access to Talise Spa, Talise Fitness, the resort’s beaches and pools, with kids under 12 dining for free.