Abu Dhabi Events Calendar 2026: Festivals, Concerts and Sport
From Comic Con this weekend to the December Grand Prix, here's what remains of the year's major draws—and how to book around them without chaos.
If you haven't booked Middle East Film and Comic Con yet, that ship nearly sailed: it runs September 11-13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, and standard tickets are selling down to final availability. The rest of 2026 spreads itself thinner but hits harder. October brings AI Everything Abu Dhabi opening October 6, with the AI Summit and AI Expo from October 6 to 7, while Global Food Week runs October 6 to 8. November tightens the calendar: the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show returns November 19 to 22 for what ADNEC said will be its largest edition yet, and Hans Zimmer performs at Etihad Arena on Friday November 13 as part of the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival.
The true reckoning comes December. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3 to 6. This is when the calendar locks: tickets are now on sale for the thrilling event from December 3-6, and you can choose from General Admission, grandstand seating, or premium hospitality packages. Andrea Bocelli performs at Etihad Arena on December 2, and the After-Race Concert series features Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi on December 3, followed by Imagine Dragons on December 5.
Planning means checking dates now—everything from hotel rates to traffic to school calendars swings on these weekends. November through March is when Abu Dhabi's events calendar is at its fullest, Formula 1, major concerts, cultural festivals and outdoor events all cluster around the cooler months. This isn't a schedule to browse casually. Book or block time now.
Middle East Film & Comic Con
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi · Pop culture festival with comics, anime, gaming, cosplay · September 11-13, 2026
The event draws 46,000+ fans for cosplay, anime, gaming, movies and exclusive collectibles. Expect live stage shows, celebrity panels, meet & greets, competitions, immersive fan experiences, shopping, gaming, food trucks, and nonstop entertainment across the weekend. Book immediately if you haven't—VIP, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 3-Day passes are now sold out.
AI Everything Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Centre · AI summit and expo with conferences · October 6-7, 2026
AI Everything Abu Dhabi opens October 6, with the AI Summit and AI Expo from October 6 to 7. This is one of the largest professional events in the annual calendar, drawing thousands of technology leaders and innovators.
Hans Zimmer Live
Etihad Arena, Yas Island · Concert, film composer · November 13, 2026, 8:00 PM
Hans Zimmer, the Academy Award and Grammy award-winning composer, is returning to Abu Dhabi on Friday November 13 at Etihad Arena as part of the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Tickets range from Dhs245 for Upper Bronze to Dhs 1,726 for Floor Royal.
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi · Luxury yachts, boats, marine technology · November 19-22, 2026
The show is scheduled to take place from November 19-22 2026 at Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, showcasing luxury yachts, marine tech and global leaders in the boating industry. This year's edition will see on-water boat trials, more immersive experiences and the return of the region's only Charter Show.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island · Motorsport championship finale · December 3-6, 2026
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3 to 6. General Admission is listed at AED 1,695 for the four days. Andrea Bocelli performs December 2, and the After-Race Concert series features Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi on December 3, followed by Imagine Dragons on December 5.
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