The autumn programme
Abu Dhabi Festival runs in two phases this year, with an earlier spring leg and an autumn one. The autumn leg runs 10 October to 19 December 2026, according to Visit Abu Dhabi's listing and press coverage, with performances mostly in the evening.
Announced highlights include the opening concert by the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena on 10 October (Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No 2), Hans Zimmer's The Next Level tour at Etihad Arena on 13 November, American Ballet Theatre at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on 21 November, the Arab-world premiere of Algarabía, a flamenco and Arabic-music production, on 26 November, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra's Verdi gala on 29 November. The programme closes on 19 December at Louvre Abu Dhabi with the Tunisian oud player and composer Dhafer Youssef and his quintet.
Venues and booking
Venues named include Etihad Arena, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Foundation, Zayed National Museum and NYU Abu Dhabi. Each performance is ticketed separately; the festival's own site and the venues sell tickets, and prices vary widely by show.
Sources describe the festival's phases differently, so confirm the specific date of any performance you plan around with the festival before you buy tickets or book travel.
Questions people ask
When is Abu Dhabi Festival 2026?+
The autumn leg runs from 10 October to 19 December 2026. The festival also held an earlier spring leg of the same 23rd edition.
When is Hans Zimmer playing in Abu Dhabi?+
On 13 November 2026 at Etihad Arena, as part of Abu Dhabi Festival, according to Gulf News.
Photo: Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0
