There’s a lot more happening on the Abu Dhabi events calendar. Our complete Abu Dhabi guide keeps you up to date.
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto arrived in Dubai in 2017 with a background in hospitality journalism and quickly became one of the most trusted voices in the UAE's dining and nightlife space. Over seven years on the ground, she has reviewed more than 400 venues across all seven emirates — from the sun-baked beach clubs of JBR and the rooftop terraces of DIFC, to the understated local gems that rarely make it onto tourist lists.Before joining What's Hot in UAE as Nightlife & Dining Editor, Monica contributed to Time Out Dubai, Abu Dhabi Food Festival coverage, and several regional hospitality publications. She has attended every major restaurant opening in Dubai since 2019 and maintains direct relationships with PRs and venue operators across the city — which means the information you read in her guides is always verified, never recycled from a press release.Her specialities are happy hours (she has personally verified every deal on our lists), Friday brunches, and the Northern Emirates' emerging food scene. She is based in DIFC and eats out five times a week. When she says a place is worth your money, it is.Follow Monica's work on Muck Rack, Substack, Vocal, and Medium.
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Key Facts Headliner: Ben EltonVenue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu DhabiDate: 7 December 2024 — this event has already taken place Abu Dhabi, brace yourself for a night of comedy gold! The legendary Ben Elton, often regarded as the godfather of modern stand-up, is bringing his brand-new show, Authentic Stupidity, to the Etihad Arena on 7th December. Thanks to GME Events, this highly anticipated performance marks Elton’s first-ever show in Abu Dhabi. It’s set to be one of the most talked-about comedy events of the year. Ben Elton’s Triumphant Return to Stand-Up Ben Elton has long been a force to…
Dubai is gearing up for the return of one of the world’s biggest and most influential dance music sensations. Martin Garrix Comes Back to the UAE. The Dutch superstar DJ is set to bring his high-energy beats and chart-topping tracks back to the city for an unmissable live performance. This event, presented by ATLANTIS LIVE, will take place at Atlantis, The Palm, on 16 November. It promises to be a spectacular night of music and entertainment. If you’re a fan of electronic dance music, seize this chance to see Martin Garrix in action. He will deliver an electrifying showcase of…
If you care even slightly about furniture, objects, or the business of good taste, Downtown Design is the one week of the Dubai calendar to block out. It is the Middle East’s leading design fair and the anchor of Dubai Design Week — the moment the global design industry comes to the city, and the best chance a resident has to see hundreds of brands and independent studios under one roof. Here is what is happening in 2026, and exactly how to make the most of it. Quick Visitor Reference DetailInformation Dates (2026)4–8 November 2026 VenueDubai Design District (d3), off…
Sole DXB is the closest thing the region has to a cultural pilgrimage — three days where sneakers, music, street style, basketball and art collide at Dubai Design District. It is where the community that lives online all year finally shows up in person. Here is your guide to Sole DXB 2026: dates, line-up, what actually happens, and how to do it right. Quick Reference DetailInformation Dates (2026)Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December 2026 (13th edition) VenueDubai Design District (d3) Getting thereNo metro at d3 — Red Line to Business Bay then a short taxi, or ~AED 25–35 by cab…
What better way to sign off the 44th edition of GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and startup show, than with a sensational live performance by Swedish DJ Eric Prydz? On 18 October, Dubai will witness Prydz’s ground-breaking show HOLO at Expo City Arena, Expo City Dubai. He is known for merging technology with music. This debut promises an unforgettable experience. It is a must-see for electronic music fans. It is also great for tech enthusiasts alike. Eric Prydz Brings HOLO to Dubai and we want in. A Fusion of Music and Technology: The HOLO Experience Eric Prydz is not…
Global Village Dubai: Everything You Need to Know Global Village Dubai is the world’s largest tourism, leisure, entertainment and shopping destination — a sprawling open-air cultural extravaganza that runs every year from October to May. Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the park hosts over 90 countries across massive pavilions, each showcasing food, souvenirs, performances, and culture from around the globe. With more than 90 million visitors since its launch in 1997, Global Village is one of Dubai’s most iconic annual events and a must-visit for residents and tourists alike. Global Village Season 30 Recap (2025–2026) & When Season…
Wiz Khalifa, the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated rapper and producer, will make a massive return to Dubai this November. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting concerts of the year. Wiz Khalifa will perform live at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This event will bring his electrifying stage presence and chart-topping hits like Black and Yellow and See You Again to the heart of Dubai’s entertainment scene. This marks a major comeback for the superstar in the region. Pre-pandemic, Wiz Khalifa was no stranger to Dubai’s clubbing circuit. He…
Soho Garden is not a club so much as a small nightlife city. Set out at Meydan, away from the Downtown crush, it packs several distinct venues into one sprawling complex — which is exactly why it can host a marathon open-air rave and an intimate late-night room on the same night. Here is the guide to Soho Garden Dubai: the venues inside, where it is, when it opens, and how to get there. Quick Reference DetailInformation LocationMeydan — Grand Stand, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba 1, beside the Meydan Hotel and Racecourse Getting thereNo nearby metro — taxi…
The highly anticipated Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience will redefine the nightlife scene in the UAE. Its grand opening is scheduled for October 26, 2024. Leading the charge is none other than Calvin Harris, the globally acclaimed DJ and producer known for his chart-topping hits and electrifying performances. This event marks the first of many extraordinary nights planned at Dubai Harbour. Ushuaïa Dubai promises to bring the iconic Ibiza vibe to the heart of Dubai. The Ushuaia Dubai Opening with Calvin Harris is a big thing. Calvin Harris: The Headliner Calvin Harris needs little introduction. With a career that boasts multiple…