Your Guide to the Top 5 Annual Events in Abu Dhabi

Early 2020 has sadly seen the cancellation of many highly anticipated events across Abu Dhabi, due to COVID-19. However, when it is safe to do so, residents and visitors of this vibrant city certainly have a lot to look forward to.

We can be sure that Abu Dhabi has some great events ready and waiting. After all, the city is home to some very interesting and exciting annual events that have had a prominent place on the city’s calendar for a while now. They will be back.

Abu Dhabi’s art, entertainment and sporting scene are all growing, too. Lots more major events are being added to the yearly schedule, thanks to the opening of some great new venues,  like the stunning 18000-capacity Etihad Arena.

So. try to make sure you’re in town for at least one of these much-celebrated events in Abu Dhabi in the near future.

Formula 1®

Abu Dhabi has been an integral part of the Formula 1® circuit since 2009, drawing in big crowds from across the globe. The race frequently concludes the season, too, so it has the potential to be a nail-biting championship-decider.

It’s a unique race, famous for a few quirks. Firstly, it’s the only twilight race of the season; always beginning during daylight and ending after dark. Secondly, it’s well known for its particularly long straight and hair-pin bend immediately after. This has brought F1 fans some exhilarating overtaking maneuvers. The Abu Dhabi circuit has frequently offered a thrilling end to the season.

Another drawer for race visitors is the track location. Yas Island is the home of Formula 1® in Abu Dhabi. This sensational development was built as a luxurious, multi-purpose venue for shopping, dining, leisure, and entertainment. The island is home to several theme parks, as well as the race circuit.

During the race weekend, spectators have some great options for vantage points of the race. Some can opt for a very special spot: a boat moored in the marina. Others can watch from the amazing whale-shaped Yas Hotel. There are several grandstands, too, meaning as many as 60,000 spectators get to see the action up-close.

The Grand Prix Weekend

Whether you’re a Formula 1® fan or not, the race weekend is a thrilling time to be in Abu Dhabi. The race attracts some outstanding performers each year, who help make the weekend one enormous party.

Du Arena, just next door to the circuit, is the largest outdoor venue in the Middle East. While it hosts A-listers throughout the year, it’s sure to bring in big names for the weekend of Formula 1® concerts. In the past, visitors for this weekend have included Sam Smith, The Weeknd, and Guns n Roses.

There are also some breathtaking post-race pyrotechnics and a whole host of other parties and events that mean this one of the liveliest weekends in the city’s calendar.

New Year

Abu Dhabi is known for its big-name December 31 concert. So far, some impressive New Year celebrations have taken place at Du Arena with Coldplay visiting at the end of 2016, Katy Perry in late 2017, and Bruno Mars seeing Abu Dhabi into 2020.

Residents of the region will be excited to see who comes next when large gatherings can resume post-COVID-19 related restrictions. And with the new enormous indoor venue, Etihad Arena, ready to open soon, the Abu Dhabi concert scene is set to get bigger and better than ever before, all year round.

Abu Dhabi Festival

The Abu Dhabi Festival is the largest cultural event in the region. Aiming to spark cross-cultural dialogue, the festival celebrates the international arts scene, as well as local culture. In 2019, visitors enjoyed Parisian ballet, Italian opera, and the Korean Symphony Orchestra.

Each year a country of honor is chosen with the aim of inspiring a deeper interest in their culture. In the past, nations chosen have included India, the UK and Saudi Arabia. Amongst the art forms on offer, visitors can enjoy dance, musical performances, film, literature and visual arts from the chosen nation. Talks and workshops are also offered to deepen knowledge and understanding.

At the festival, which began in 2004, the local arts scene is well-represented too. The outdoor element of the festival includes local artisan craft markets, music and craft workshops, readings by local authors, stand-up comedy, and Emirati film screenings. There’s something for everyone at this huge scale celebration.

UAE National Day

On UAE National Day, Emiratis get together to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the UAE back in 1971. It’s a great time to be in town. As part of the festivities, the city is awash with color. You’ll see people, homes and streets decorated in the colors of the UAE flag: red, green, black and white. There are lights everywhere and a joyous atmosphere all around.

A huge part of the national holiday is the hundreds of events and celebrations that take place, many of which are free to attend. Look out for storytelling and poetry performances, musical events and art exhibitions, all of which celebrate the rich tradition of Emirati culture. The city bustles at this time like no other.

UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2 each year.

Other not-to-be-missed annual events in Abu Dhabi

The five events above are not the only events in the city you should be looking out for. Here are some other highlights from the city’s calendar:

• Eid al-Fitr celebrations (date determined by the lunar calendar)
• Mother of Nation Festival of local culture at the Corniche (March)
• Abu Dhabi International Dance Festival (April)
• Abu Dhabi Art Fair (November)
• Al Dhafra Festival of regional culture and heritage (December)
• Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival (December)

The people of Abu Dhabi have worked hard to develop an incredible cultural scene over the last decade or so, and to improve and add venues for more and more people to enjoy the arts, entertainment and sporting action.

Residents now have a full calendar of events to look forward to. The city’s visitors have some marvellous opportunities to time their visit with some exciting events too. Abu Dhabi looks forward to welcoming everybody from far and wide into these celebrations as soon as safely possible.