We kicked things off last week with an arts warm-up — mainly to help you mark your calendars early, so you don’t miss the biggest cultural moments of the year. And now, it is time for music.

Of course, major artists usually announce their tour dates much closer to the launch, so this calendar will keep evolving. That said, there are already plenty of large-scale concerts and music festivals with confirmed dates on the horizon. Some are big, some are very big.

So, let’s take a look at what 2026 has in store musically — and, realistically, start setting aside a bit of budget for the moments we already know we won’t want to miss.

Music festivals are the kind of places you arrive for the music and leave with an extra 500 calories thanks to excellent pop-up food stalls, a handful of new friends (because good sound has a way of bringing like-minded people together), and a collection of memories you didn’t quite plan on making — but will be very glad you did. So, here are the biggest ones to look out for in 2026.

February 2026 — dates TBA

Despite the name, this isn’t a festival where you spend several days listening to the same thing on repeat. The concept is far broader, bringing together jazz-related sounds in all their forms — from smooth jazz and blues to R&B and more contemporary, electronic-leaning interpretations.

It is the kind of festival that creates a very particular atmosphere: standing under the night sky as saxophones drift through the air and the crowd moves gently to the rhythm. Relaxed, soulful, and effortlessly cool.

And while the 2026 headliners — and exact dates — haven’t been announced yet, the festival has a long-standing reputation for delivering strong, well-curated line-ups year after year, featuring internationally recognised jazz, blues and soul artists. One that consistently earns its place on Dubai’s music calendar.

April 18

If you have already mapped out your trips for the year and realised that your annual leave simply won’t stretch far enough to go everywhere you want — no worries. This April, South Korea is coming to you. Or at least, its music is.

Thanks to the large-scale Hyperound K-Fest, landing at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, you will get a full crash course in essential K-pop sounds — all in the space of a single day.

While the full line-up is still being confirmed, the names already announced are more than enough to get fans excited: ENHYPEN, Ten (from NCT), FIFTY FIFTY, Dabin, and ARTMS.

The best part? The organisers have thought through the logistics too. Shuttle buses will run between Dubai and Yas Island on the day of the event — meaning no excuses, even if you are still working on that driving licence.

April 2026 — dates TBA

If previous music festivals could be described as simply "big", this one is definitely "very big". It is an open-format music festival — relatively new to the UAE — but in 2025 it exceeded expectations, and it is easy to see why. Headlined by Ed Sheeran, the festival also delivered a strong and diverse line-up, from international favourites like Kaiser Chiefs and OneRepublic (honestly, I would have gone just for them) to regional artists.

While the 2026 headliner hasn’t been announced yet, organisers are promising a line-up that is even bigger than last year’s. One of OFFLIMITS’ biggest strengths is its genre-blending approach — it doesn’t lock itself into one sound or scene. So even if your taste is very specific, chances are there will be at least one or two names that hit the mark.

November 5–8

If pop concerts aren’t really your thing, this is the one to pay attention to. UNTOLD is a four-day mega music festival held at Dubai Parks & Resorts, and it шs easily one of the biggest electronic music events in the world.

Last year's line-up already set the bar high, with DJs like Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Axwell — and this year is expected to go even bigger. The 2026 edition is set to bring over 100 global acts.

One of the best things about UNTOLD is how big it is — it is often the reason people from outside the UAE plan a November trip to Dubai in the first place, upgrading their holiday with a proper festival experience. And if you are already here, even better: no flights needed. Just secure your spot and enjoy.

December 2026 — dates TBA

Unlike the previous festivals, Sunburn Abu Dhabi will be making its debut in the city — but it is a very promising one, backed by years of experience outside the UAE.

Originally born in India, Sunburn has been drawing huge crowds for over 20 years and is widely regarded as one of the most recognisable electronic dance music festivals in the world. Over the years, it has hosted major names such as David Guetta, DJ Snake and Marshmello. And with growing appetite for large-scale music events, Abu Dhabi is now set to bring the festival to the region in December 2026.

There is no local edition to compare it to just yet — but with its track record and global reputation, there are more than enough reasons to give it a go.

December 2026 — dates TBA

Sole DXB is one of those festivals you almost don’t need to explain — chances are, you already know what to expect. So I will be quick.

While music is a big part of the experience, Sole DXB also brings together fashion, art, street culture and sport in a way that feels natural and well thought out, rather than forced. The line-ups usually span a wide range of genres — from hip-hop and jazz to R&B, Afrobeats and electronic sounds — and feature both global and regional names.

So if you somehow missed the 2025 edition (no excuses, really), make sure 2026 is firmly in your calendar.

We mentioned this in the introduction, but it is worth repeating: when it comes to concerts, the biggest names are usually announced much closer to the event. We are not here to spread rumours or unconfirmed information — just what is already confirmed and realistically expected.

January 24

The album "A Wonderful Life" has been out for a while now — and it has already been thoroughly listened to, lived with, and loved. Which means it is time for the next stage: hearing it sung back at full volume.

That moment is coming to Dubai, as the British singer-songwriter behind the global hit Another Love brings his album tour to the city. With his unmistakably emotive voice, this is the kind of concert where the crowd does just as much singing as the artist himself. Expect Coca-Cola Arena to be loud — very loud. If you want in, best secure your spot early.

January 31

The king of Latin pop is finally coming to Abu Dhabi — and remarkably, it is his first ever performance in the city. Naturally, the excitement is already building.

From Livin’ la Vida Loca to She Bangs and a catalogue packed with era-defining hits, this promises to be pure, joyful chaos in the best possible way. Consider it music therapy, Latin-style: if you leave with your voice intact, that would actually be surprising. All of it unfolds under the stars at Saadiyat Nights.

March 22

Hip-hop fans have every reason to be excited. Formed in 1992, Wu-Tang Clan remain — more than three decades on — one of the most influential and respected groups in the genre’s history.

Their Dubai stop promises a powerful mix of nostalgia, raw energy, and timeless tracks that still hit just as hard today. Even better: this show is the only Middle Eastern date on their tour, making it a rare opportunity for regional fans. Expect a packed house and serious energy when they take over Coca-Cola Arena.

April 1

The iconic Persian singer, loved by millions across generations, is coming to Coca-Cola Arena — and it is a rare chance to see him perform live. Known for his powerful, emotional voice and an extraordinary catalogue of nearly 200 songs, Ebi remains one of the most influential figures in Persian music.

This isn’t the kind of concert where you sing at the top of your lungs or wave your hands all night. It is more intimate than that — about feeling the emotion, staying still, and letting his voice do the talking.

April 24

Iconic songs, unforgettable dance moves, and a powerful voice that has impressed audiences for years — Christina Aguilera is coming back to the UAE this year, performing at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.

I still remember the frustration from friends back in 2025, when they realised too late that tickets had already sold out. This is the year to make up for everything we missed — so think ahead and plan early.