Good to know
Good to Know
- Peak cultural season runs November–March with mild weather; major events concentrate in January–May
- Book tickets early for popular events (Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi Festival, Book Fair)—weekends and holidays sell out quickly
- Many events offer family-friendly programming and reduced pricing for children
- Heritage events like Al Hosn Festival and Liwa International Festival celebrate authentic Emirati traditions and are deeply rooted in the calendar
- Use rideshare services or official shuttles to reach venues; ADNEC has direct bus service (#040) from across the city
- Several events provide free or heavily discounted entry for specific groups (children, seniors, People of Determination)
Events
Al Hosn Festival
- Hours
- Daily 4pm–11pm, weekends until 12am
- Price
- AED 35
- Location
- Qasr Al Hosn, Downtown Abu Dhabi
- Date Range
- January 17 – February 1, 2026
- Free Entry Categories
- Children under 5, seniors over 60, People of Determination
- Description
- Abu Dhabi's annual celebration of cultural heritage featuring immersive experiences, interactive workshops, traditional performances, and artisan markets celebrating Emirati identity and customs.
Abu Dhabi Book Fair
- Hours
- Daily
- Price
- Free admission
- Location
- ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, Al Rawdah
- Date Range
- April 11–20, 2026
- Note
- Special Indonesia pavilion highlighting art, culture and landscapes
- Description
- One of the region's largest literary gatherings (35th edition) featuring international and Arabic publishers, author talks, workshops, children's zones, and thousands of books.
Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival
- Hours
- Daily
- Location
- ICC Hall, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
- Organizer
- Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority
- Date Range
- February 9–11, 2026
- Note
- Second edition featuring poetry readings, performances, workshops and panel discussions
- Description
- Leading cultural event celebrating Arabic poetry with performances from renowned and emerging poets, focusing on Classical Arabic and Nabati poetry traditions.
Abu Dhabi Festival (23rd Edition)
- Location
- Multiple venues: Emirates Palace, Etihad Arena, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
- Date Range
- April 12 – May 16, 2026
- Highlights
- Jon Batiste opening concert, American Ballet Theatre, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Emirati Recital Series, Children's Biennale (October), US honored as Country of Honour
- Description
- Flagship arts and culture festival themed 'The Wisdom of Culture' with over 1,000 artists from 19 countries performing ballet, opera, orchestral concerts, and world premieres.
Price Range
- Amount USD To
- 68
- Currency Local
- AED
- Amount Local To
- 250
- Amount USD From
- 27
- Amount Local From
- 100
Liwa International Festival
- Hours
- Daily with performances and activities
- Location
- Al Dhafra Region, Liwa
- Date Range
- December 12, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Highlights
- Tal Moreeb dune racing, Forsan Al Emarat aerobatics show, fireworks, heritage markets, New Year's Eve celebration
- Description
- Desert heritage festival celebrating Emirati traditions with falconry, handicrafts, pigeon shooting, dune sports, heritage shows, and family entertainment.
UAE National Orchestra Debut Season
- Location
- Emirates Palace and other venues
- Date Range
- January 15 – May 2026
- Opening Concert
- The Beginning (January 15)
- Note
- Dedicated Vivaldi concert (Feb 7) and Russian Classics performance (Feb 14)
- Description
- Inaugural season of the UAE National Orchestra exploring dialogue between East and West, tradition and innovation with themed concert series.
Price Range
- Currency Local
- AED
- Amount USD From
- 68
- Amount Local From
- 250
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Abu Dhabi
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.