With sports, music and films taking the top slot, Abu Dhabi has released the calendar of events for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, that is begins with a star-studded film festival, IIFA Awards and packed with live concerts, the thrill of championship sports events and the flavours of a gourmet food festival.

In a press statement, Visit Abu Dhabi says that the season starts in this month itself with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards festival for the third time, which will be hosted by the popular star of Hindi films, Shah Rukh Khan.

The tourism board says that during the year ahead, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a curated line-up with diverse, high-profile events, including Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi return, Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, an MMA spectacle with UFC 308: Topuria versus Holloway, the debut of Animenia to delight anime fans, and the return of Liwa Village, Liwa International Festival, and Al Hosn Festival.

Cultural creations

It says that after IIFA Awards, in October, iconic American pop band Backstreet Boys for their DNA Tour. The same month, Animenia debuts in Abu Dhabi, offering anime and comic book fans a thrilling celebration of Japanese pop culture with cosplay, gaming, and exclusive fan experiences. 

AR Rahman Concert in Abu Dhabi

The statement adds that English pop group Take That will also perform at Etihad Park, adding to the October excitement. The same month, Saudi singer and composer Abdul Majeed Abdullah takes the stage at Etihad Arena, with comedian Matt Rife also bringing his world tour to the same venue.

In November, American singer and songwriter  SZA is headlining the Wireless Festival Middle East. Following her will be Indian musicians and composers AR Rahman and Diljit Dosanjh in his debut Dil-Luminati Tour to Yas Island. 

It says that December in Abu Dhabi will pack a schedule of standout events with Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 hosting music icons Maroon 5, Muse, and Eminem. This year will also see the region’s first-ever Afterlife event, with top DJs headlining the Yasalam Official After-Party.

The statement adds that December will also feature live music by Bryan Adams, Akon and Anastacia will take the stage at Etihad Arena. Saadiyat Nights returns for its second edition, running from December to February. 

The event will feature local, regional, and global talent, including legendary Egyptian composer Omar Khairat and American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men while Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will deliver a special New Year’s Eve performance at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.

The statement adds that 2025 starts on a high note with Coldplay’s concert in Abu Dhabi. In February, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Masquerave will blend art and music in a unique celebration, while April sees the return of Bred Abu Dhabi, the region’s neo-culture festival, featuring a dynamic mix of global performances, cutting-edge fashion, diverse street food, and exciting sports challenges.

The tourism board says that the coming months will also include many art festivals, starting with the Traditional Handicrafts Festival in October, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial for the first time in November, featuring art installations and performances by over 70 UAE-based and international artists.  

The statement adds that Abu Dhabi has also been selected by UNESCO as the global host city for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. In partnership with UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the celebrations will take place on April 30, 2025, honouring artistic expression under the theme ‘Embodying the Power of Jazz to Unite in Our Shared Humanity.’

Sports galore

For sporting fans, too, Abu Dhabi has a diversity of options. October will see landmark events like NBA Abu Dhabi Games and a special NBA Fan Appreciation Day. The highly anticipated UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway will add to the excitement of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which includes the thrilling UAE Warriors and Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship events.

It says that December in Abu Dhabi will pack a schedule of standout events with Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024

For the year end, on the line up is the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship that gathers the world’s top golfers this November, shortly before Abu Dhabi T10 2024 brings fast-paced cricket action to Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. December brings the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, promising high-speed thrills at the season-ending climax and one of the most anticipated motorsport events of the year.

For those into horses, the President’s Cup returns in February 2025 for its 32nd edition, with more than 100 horses expected to participate.

November also sees the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival is a family-friendly carnival-style event in Abu Dhabi, with further stops in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi in the following month. 

The statement adds that there’s adventure and excitement at Liwa Village and Liwa International Festival in December. The 2024-2025 season gathers thousands to revel in Al Dhafra’s breathtaking desert landscape, featuring live music, high-octane thrills, a vast array of culinary offerings, and other family-fun activities.