ABU DHABI – October 12, 2026 -- Abu Dhabi has opened an events season of more than 40 live experiences that runs through early 2027, with the debut of Frieze Abu Dhabi, the opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a Formula 1 weekend with major concerts.
Art fairs and a Gehry-designed museum anchor the culture calendar
Frieze Abu Dhabi makes its debut from 19 to 22 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. It builds on nearly two decades of Abu Dhabi Art and links the emirate to Frieze's network of galleries, artists and collectors. NOMAD Abu Dhabi runs from 18 to 22 November in Terminal 1 of the Old Abu Dhabi Airport, with collectible design, contemporary art and architecture.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens on 11 December on Saadiyat Island. The museum was designed by the late Frank Gehry and is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Culture Summit Abu Dhabi takes place from 8 to 10 December under the theme Towards a Reimagined Commons.
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial opens on 23 October in Al Ain Region and from 15 November in Abu Dhabi, with works on display into 2027.
Heritage festivals run from October to January
The Traditional Handicrafts Festival runs from 23 October to 11 November with master artisans, live demonstrations and a cultural market. The fifth Maritime Heritage Festival takes over the Corniche from 20 to 29 November with live performances, storytelling and coastal cuisine. Al Hosn Festival follows from 15 to 30 January 2027 at Al Hosn Cultural Site.
Al Ain Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum each mark one year since opening. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi displays Stan the T. rex, one of the world's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
UFC, Formula 1 and pop concerts fill the entertainment slate
At Etihad Arena on 24 October, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his title against Movsar Evloev. Champion Petr Yan meets Merab Dvalishvili in a trilogy fight on the same night. The week also includes open workouts, weigh-ins and fan zones.
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs from 3 to 6 December on Yas Island. The Yasalam After-Race Concerts feature Lewis Capaldi, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script. Anyma headlines the Official After-Party on 4 December.
Liwa International Festival returns in December to the Al Dhafra desert around Tal Moreeb, the UAE's tallest dune at 300 metres. Previous editions included hot air balloon rides, Monster Jam shows and freestyle drifting.
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season starts in October at Etihad Arena with Russell Peters, Morgan Jay, Mo Amer and Maz Jobrani. Saadiyat Nights returns for a fourth season at the open-air amphitheatre on Saadiyat Island.