Abu Dhabi unveils more than 40 events running from October 2026 to early 2027, according to a press release from its Department of Culture and Tourism.
The programme spans art fairs, museum anniversaries, a Formula 1 weekend, concerts and heritage festivals, giving the trade a run of dated attractions from October to January 2027. Emerging Travel has also reported on Jordan’s push for business events.
On the culture calendar, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial opens on October 23 in the Al Ain Region and from November 15 in Abu Dhabi, with works on display into 2027. The Traditional Handicrafts Festival runs from October 23 to November 11, NOMAD Abu Dhabi takes place from November 18 to 22 at Terminal 1 of the Old Abu Dhabi Airport, and Frieze Abu Dhabi debuts from November 19 to 22 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The Maritime Heritage Festival, in its fifth year, runs from November 20 to 29 on the Corniche.
Culture Summit Abu Dhabi follows from December 8 to 10, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by the late Frank Gehry, opens on December 11 on Saadiyat Island. The Al Hosn Festival runs from January 15 to 30, 2027. Al Ain Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are also marking anniversaries.
In sport and entertainment, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week brings UFC fights to Etihad Arena in October, including Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili on October 24. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs from December 3 to 6 on Yas Island, with after-race concerts by Lewis Capaldi, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script, and an official after-party headlined by Anyma on December 4.
The Liwa International Festival returns every December to the Al Dhafra desert, centred on the 300-metre Tal Moreeb dune. Saadiyat Nights returns for a fourth season, and Abu Dhabi Comedy Season starts in October at Etihad Arena with Russell Peters, Morgan Jay, Mo Amer and Maz Jobrani. The Mother of the Nation Festival covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra with family activities, global cuisine and live entertainment.
Tickets and information are available at visitabudhabi.ae/en/events.