Whether you’re a K-popper or a hip-hop head, here are the best concerts in the UAE this year.
Live entertainment is well and truly back in the UAE, with a slew of artists taking to stages across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, if you’re a lover of live music, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in the UAE.
Sting: 3 April 2025
The legendary British singer, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner – aka Sting is returning to the UAE capital. Following his shows at Saadiyat Nights and Atlantis, The Palm’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, he’ll now perform at Etihad Arena. Prepare yourself for a musical rollercoaster as he belts out timeless classics like Every Breath You Take and Fields of Gold, weaving in new hits that promise to captivate. Expect the blend of rock, pop, and soul that has made him a living legend. Joined by guitarist and longtime collaborator Dominic Miller, along with drummer Chris Maas (Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers), the show forms part of the “STING 3.0” World Tour. The setlist will feature a mix of hits and rarities from Sting’s timeless discography.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.
Damage: 11 April 2025
Prepare for a night of nineties nostalgia as the British boyband Damage brings their soulful R&B vibes to Dubai. Known for hits like “Ghetto Romance” and “Forever,” the group will perform at The Tent in Bla Bla Beach Club. This live performance, featuring a medley of their classic hits, is expected to provide fans with a trip down memory lane.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for reservations and more information.
ANTS: 12 April 2025
Renowned EDM performance ANTS will be making its Dubai debut as part of the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. Happening on 12 April, you can expect high-energy and techno beats paired with breathtaking audio-visual displays that are guaranteed to transport you to another portal. Known for setting up the party scene in Ibiza for the last 12 years, this epic show promises an EDM experience unlike any other you’ve had in Dubai so far.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
The Script: 12 April 2025
If the songs Superheroes and Hall of Fame get your toes tapping, then you’ll be excited to hear that The Script is coming back to the UAE. The Irish band will headline McGettigan’s ‘Late Late Paddy’s Party’ on 12 April at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Their hit singles include Breakeven and The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. Over their career, they have won a World Music Award for Best Selling Irish Act, and been nominated for BRIT Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
GO: Visit mcgettigans.com/thescript for tickets and more information.
Snow Patrol and The Kooks: 18 April 2025
Abu Dhabi, you are in for a musical treat. Club Social 2025, an award-winning music festival, returns with an exciting line-up from 18 to 20 April 2025. The Kooks take the Club Social stage on the first night. Known for hits like “Naïve” and “She Moves in Her Own Way,” the beloved British band will deliver a feel-good performance that transcends generations, setting the perfect tone for an immaculate festival experience. Snow Patrol will also perform. Fronted by the charismatic Gary Lightbody, this Northern Irish-Scottish band has won hearts across the globe with anthems like “Chasing Cars” and “Run.” Their emotive lyrics and sweeping, cinematic melodies promise a performance that will resonate long after the final note.
GO: Visit www.clubsocial.ae for tickets and more information.
Usher: 19 April 2025
Following his performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2022, Usher will bring his signature soul songs and moves to Club Social in the capital. With over 80 million records sold and a catalogue of R&B anthems like “Burn”, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”, “Yeah!” and “You Make Me Wanna”, Usher has cemented his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Fresh off his record-breaking Las Vegas residency and the release of his ninth album, Coming Home, Usher is set to deliver a performance packed with unforgettable moments.
GO: Visit www.clubsocial.ae for tickets and more information.
Raye and London Grammar: 20 April 2025
Day three of Club Social kicks off with a bang as British dance-pop sensation Raye takes the stage. Renowned for her viral hit “Escapism”—a chart-topping favourite that took TikTok by storm—and the irresistibly catchy “Prada,” Raye’s infectious energy and dynamic performance are sure to ignite the crowd. Following Raye, indie pop powerhouse London Grammar will mesmerize the audience with their signature ethereal sound. Led by Hannah Reid’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and supported by the musical artistry of Dan Rothman and Dominic “Dot” Major, the band will deliver beloved hits like “Wasting My Younger Years” and “Strong,” alongside selections from their critically acclaimed album, The Greatest Love.
GO: Visit www.clubsocial.ae for tickets and more information.
Nas: 25 April 2025
BRED – named after the idiom ‘born and bred’ – will celebrate the region’s urban scene on Yas Island this April. Hip-hop heavyweight Nas will headline on Friday, 25 April. Born Nasir Jones, the American rapper is known for his profound impact on the hip-hop scene. Emerging from Queensbridge, New York, Nas gained critical acclaim with his 1994 debut album, Illmatic, celebrated for its intricate lyrics and vivid storytelling and the tracks “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World Is Yours.” Throughout his career, Nas has released several successful albums, including It Was Written (1996), which features the hit single “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Lauryn Hill, which has been lauded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time.
GO: Visit https://bredabudhabi.com for more information.
Ed Sheeran: 26 April 2025
Abu Dhabi, we have some major music news. British superstar Ed Sheeran will be headlining the Off Limits festival which brings together more than 20 artists across two stages. The festival covers multiple musical genres, including electronic, hip-hop and pop. The full line-up has not yet been unveiled and will be announced in the lead-up to the event. Ed’s hit songs include Castle on the Hill, I Don’t Care, Perfect, Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud.
GO: Follow @offlimitsmusicfestival on Instagram for more information.
Michael Bibi: 26 April 2025
Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience is set to welcome DJ Michael Bibi. The London-based star will be making his way to Dubai on 26 April, headlining Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. In 2011, Michael started his career. When he struggled to break into the industry, he launched parties under the Solid Grooves brand. In 2018, he released the single Hanging Tree, which samples the song from Hunger Games. The track went viral and caught the attention of mainstream media. Michael’s singles include Different Side and Got The Fire.
GO: Visit www.ushuaiadubai.com for more information.
PARTYNEXTDOOR: 26 April 2025
PARTYNEXTDOOR will headline BRED Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26 April. The Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer was the first artist signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label. In February 2025, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake released a collaborative album titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. This project showcases their synergy, blending smooth R&B melodies with hip-hop elements. The album features standout tracks like “Gimme a Hug,” where Drake addresses his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, and “Nokia,” praised for its playful and energetic vibe.
GO: Visit https://bredabudhabi.com for more information.
Arijit Singh: 9 May 2025
The singer will take the stage at Etihad Arena for a one-night-only performance. Known for his soulful melodies, he’s all set to bring his captivating tunes to Abu Dhabi. For those unversed, Arijit Singh is one of the most popular singers in Bollywood and the South Asian diaspora. Hailing from India, his musical journey began with classical training. He then got his big breakthrough in 2010 with the hit track Tum Hi Ho from the movie, Aashiqui 2. Since then, his career has skyrocketed. He has delivered numerous hits Channa Mereya, Ve Kamleya, Kalank and Gerua.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
BINI: 18 May 2025
For those unfamiliar, BINI is the leading girl group in the P-pop scene. Composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena, the group has taken the world by storm. With their blend of powerful vocals and synchronised choreography, they have amassed a massive following not just in the Philippines but also across the globe. Their viral hits like “Karera,” “Pantropiko,” and “Salamin, Salamin” have amassed millions of streams. With sold-out concerts and a growing international presence, BINI is leading the charge for P-pop music. Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena will be the first stop on their world tour, so expect a night of musical and dance brilliance.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Guns N’ Roses: 27 May 2025
Get ready to rock because Guns N’ Roses has announced that they bring their 2025 world tour to Abu Dhabi. With nearly four decades of global stadium-shaking performances, Guns N’ Roses continues to redefine rock and roll. The band currently comprises of lead vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer and keyboardist Melissa Reese. After a sold-out performance in Abu Dhabi in 2023, Guns N’ Roses are back to thrill the UAE with their greatest hits, including iconic tracks like Sweet Child O’ Mine, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, November Rain and Welcome to the Jungle.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.
Kygo: 30 May 2025
Kygo is set to make his much-awaited return to Dubai with a performance at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, 30 May. Expect a night of house beats and chart-topping hits from the man behind the tracks “Firestone,” “First Time” with Ellie Goulding, “It Ain’t Me” with Selena Gomez and “Remind Me To Forget You” with Miguel. The upcoming gig at Coca-Cola Arena isn’t Kygo’s first show in Dubai. He previously wowed the audience in 2017 when he performed at Burj Park in Downtown Dubai.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Hans Zimmer: 31 May 2025
Hands up if you love the soundtrack to Gladiator, The Lion King or Pirates of the Caribbean. Well, you have the film composer Hans Zimmer to thank for that. The multiple Oscar winner will perform live in Abu Dhabi for one night only at Etihad Arena. Hans has one of the most impressive back catalogues, and we expect him to perform his famous hits from films such as Dunkirk, Inception, and Interstellar. Adding a special touch to the Abu Dhabi performance, Zimmer will celebrate the Emirate’s significant role in the Dune films, with key scenes from Dune and Dune: Part Two, which was filmed in Abu Dhabi. This extraordinary connection will make the concert a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
David Gray: 31 October 2025
David Gray will bring his Past & Present Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 31 October,. Throughout his career, David Gray has had several hits such as Babylon, Sailaway and This Year’s Love. His voice, poetic lyrics, and sound have not only earned him a dedicated global fanbase but also several accolades. These include two Grammy nominations, a BAFTA nomination, four BRIT Awards nominations, a win with GQ awards and two with Ivor Novello Awards. With an incredible stage presence and timeless music, you’re guaranteed to have an evening to remember.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
