The United Arab Emirates is set for an exciting year of live music and performances in 2025, featuring international artists across venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Highlights include New Year's Eve shows by Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, and John Legend, alongside a robust Saadiyat Nights series. This lineup spans pop, rock, classical, and more, drawing crowds from around the region.
As 2024 draws to a close, the UAE's entertainment scene ramps up with a diverse array of concerts and events scheduled for 2025 and into 2026. New Year's Eve celebrations kick off the season prominently. Alicia Keys will headline Saadiyat Nights in Abu Dhabi on December 31, marking her second appearance there after a sold-out 2024 show; expect hits like Fallin’ and If I Ain’t Got You, with doors opening at 5pm and tickets starting from Dh295. In Dubai, Maroon 5 takes the stage at Atlantis The Palm for a festive bash including a buffet, fireworks, and tracks such as Moves Like Jagger and Sugar, from 7pm with prices from Dh4,500.
John Legend adds elegance to Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental with an 8pm gala featuring All of Me, starting at Dh3,500. Other NYE highlights include Arab pop duo Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe at Space42 Arena from Dh495, and Lebanese stars Najwa Karam and Wael Kfoury at Dubai Festival City from Dh495.
January brings further star power to Saadiyat Nights: Diana Ross and Seal on January 9 with Supremes classics and Kiss from a Rose; Ludovico Einaudi's piano on January 10 from Dh345; Lewis Capaldi's debut on January 17 from Dh1,990; and John Mayer's UAE premiere on January 24. Rock fans await Linkin Park's return to Etihad Arena on January 20 after 15 years, though tickets are sold out, and Dream Theatre's 40th anniversary show in Dubai on January 27 from Dh225.
The season extends with musicals like Wicked at Dubai Opera from January 28 and Broadway's Mary Poppins at Etihad Arena in March. Later highlights include Christina Aguilera at Etihad Arena on April 24 from Dh395 and Def Leppard in Dubai on August 2 from Dh595. This eclectic mix underscores the UAE's growing status as a global entertainment hub, blending international acts with regional flavors.
