What to do in UAE

If you're into Arabic music, there's a good reason to mark your calendar for December 24, 2025. Omar Khairat is coming to Dubai Opera, and it's not something you’ll want to miss. Khairat is one of the most well-known composers in the region, with a career that’s been going strong for over 40 years. He’s behind the music for more than 120 film and TV productions, and his instrumental pieces mix classical, jazz, and Arabic influences in a way that’s instantly recognisable. Even if you don’t know him by name, chances are you’ve heard some of his work, like “Leilet...

Okay… this is one of those shows that instantly puts you in a good mood. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is landing at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi from 28 August to 6 September, and it’s basically your excuse to do something fun that isn’t “let’s just go for dinner again.” This is the new musical based on Roald Dahl’s iconic story, and it’s full of that magical, slightly chaotic Wonka energy we all grew up with. First: it’s not a simple stage show. This production leans hard into the wow factor with special effects and cutting-edge hologauze 3D technology,...

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in Dubai as Sole DXB returns from December 13 to 15, 2024. Sole DXB started back in 2010 as a small "sneaker summit" at Jamjar, featuring big brands like adidas, Nike, and Puma. With just over 1,000 attendees at its first edition, it has since grown into a massive annual event held at D3, drawing huge crowds and big names from around the world.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb) What to Expect At Sole DXB 2024 Live Music and DJ Sets: Dance to the beats of top...

The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is officially returning for its ninth edition. For the entire month, from Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, residents are encouraged to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity each day for 30 days. Launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the initiative has seen more than 13 million participants to date. It continues to inspire a healthier, more active lifestyle across the city. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Fitness Challenge...

Some artists instantly pull you back to a moment in time, and Daniel Bedingfield is one of them. On April 17, he takes over Bla Bla Dubai for a live performance that taps straight into early-2000s pop nostalgia and sits comfortably among the top upcoming events in the UAE this season. Daniel Bedingfield is a British pop singer and songwriter who rose to global fame in the early 2000s, known for blending pop, dance, and R&B with emotionally driven lyrics. He broke through with “Gotta Get Thru This”, followed by “If You’re Not the One”. He is also the brother...

Get ready to embark on a unique and exhilarating journey into the heart of Africa without leaving Abu Dhabi. The "All Africa Festival" is back, and it promises to be a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and flavors that will transport you to the vibrant and diverse continent of Africa. From February 2nd to 4th, 2024, Etihad Park in Abu Dhabi will come alive with the rhythms, tastes, and traditions of Africa. Entertainment Extravaganza The All Africa Festival is not just a celebration; it's an explosion of talent and energy. Over three days, you will be treated to an array of...

Burj Al Arab is introducing something special this Ramadan – its first-ever Ramadan tent. The famous Dubai hotel, known for its dhow-like shape, will be hosting a memorable iftar and suhoor experience at Al Diwan tent. Throughout the holy month, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of three different iftar menus, along with a special suhoor menu. The dishes have been created by Chef Solayman Hasan, head chef of Al Iwan, Burj Al Arab’s Arabic restaurant. His team has crafted a menu that blends traditional Arabic flavors with a modern twist. The atmosphere will be rich with the scent of...

Are you ready to get rich or die tryin'? Well, mark your calendars, because the hip-hop legend, 50 Cent, is coming to Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena on December 21st, and it's going to be one epic night you won't want to miss! Get ready to groove to the beats of one of the most iconic rappers of our time in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. The iconic rapper and performer is set to kick off the World Tennis League. 50 Cent will take center stage to set the arena on fire with his chart-topping hits. Imagine the energy...

Dubai’s Global Village is set to host an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration with seven spectacular fireworks shows, each marking a different time zone’s entry into 2025. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of entertainment, live music, and dazzling displays on Tuesday, December 31, from 4 PM to 3 AM. Ring in 2025 Seven Times with Global Village Fireworks True to its global theme, the Global Village will celebrate the arrival of the New Year seven times, syncing its fireworks with time zones across the world. Whether you’re celebrating early with the kids or staying until the final countdown, here...

We’re only in January, and Dubai is already bringing in some genuinely interesting live music names for the year ahead. One of those is Edwin McCain, who brings his I’ll Be Tour to Dubai on April 12, a show built around familiar songs, honest lyrics, and a kind of nostalgia that still lands quietly and deeply. Who Is Edwin McCain? Edwin McCain is a Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter best known for heartfelt pop-rock and acoustic ballads that shaped late-90s and early-2000s radio. His sound sits comfortably between soft rock, folk, and adult contemporary, emotional without being heavy, romantic without being forced....