Things to do in Abu Dhabi in November 2026: concerts, comedy, art and wrestling

The Sheikh Zayed Festival opens in Al Wathba on 30 October and runs for 136 days, until 14 March 2027. Expect Emirati heritage with camel, falconry and maritime activities, international pavilions, family programmes and the return of fireworks, drone and laser shows. Arab and Gulf music acts will be announced through the season.

Music: Hans Zimmer brings his live show to Etihad Arena on Friday 13 November. The next night, BREDx at Etihad Live has Central Cee and Bryson Tiller as headliners. Tarkan plays Etihad Arena on Friday 27 November and Egyptian singer Ramy Sabry follows on Saturday 28 November.

Comedy: the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season continues at Etihad Arena with Mo Amer on 6 November and Maz Jobrani on 7 November. On 21 November Anubhav Singh Bassi plays a 6pm show and Aries Spears a 10pm show. Andrew Schulz is also at the arena on 27 November.

Sport: Real American Freestyle holds its first Middle East wrestling event at Etihad Arena on Saturday 14 November. Khamzat Chimaev, who has competed under the UAE flag since 2023, faces Colby Covington in the main event, with Arman Tsarukyan and Jordan Burroughs also on the card.

Art and classical: the first Frieze Abu Dhabi runs from 19 to 22 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat, with more than 80 galleries. Emirates Palace hosts American Ballet Theatre on 20 November, Algarabia on 26 November and a Verdi opera gala on 29 November.

Hans Zimmer LiveFri 13 Nov · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See tickets

Source: The National, Gulf News (WAM): Sheikh Zayed Festival, Le Petit Journal Dubai, Gulf News: BREDx, Gulf News: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, Arab News: RAF Abu Dhabi, Frieze