Alright so there’s this festival thing in Abu Dhabi. It runs from October through December. Pretty big deal if you’re into music and stuff like that.
Everyone keeps talking about Hans Zimmer coming. But honestly there’s way more going on than just him. So if you’re thinking about going, there’s options.
October 10 to December 19. That’s like two and a half months of events. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just pick what you want and go.
They start with the UAE National Orchestra. It’s at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. François López-Ferrer conducts. David Khrikuli on piano.
Classical music. That’s what it is. If that’s your thing, go. If not, there’s other stuff.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: October 10, 2026
This is what everyone’s excited about. Hans Zimmer wrote music for basically every big movie. Inception, Dark Knight, Interstellar, Lion King, Pirates stuff. You’ve heard his music even if you don’t know his name.
He’s doing his “Next Level” tour on November 13. Etihad Arena again. Live orchestra. Electronic stuff. All his famous movie scores.
Want to go? Buy tickets now from Platinumlist. These things sell out fast. Like really fast.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: November 13, 2026
Tickets: Platinumlist
There’s this new art festival for kids in November. At Umm Al Emarat Park. First one like this in the Arab world or something. Kids work with actual artists. They make art with sustainable stuff. Then it gets displayed around the park. Pretty cool if you have kids who like making things.
Kids work with actual artists. They make art with sustainable stuff. Then it gets displayed around the park. Pretty cool if you have kids who like making things. If you’re already planning a family day out, it’s worth looking at other family activities in Abu Dhabi too, especially if you’re visiting during the school holidays.
It’s part of the UAE’s Year of the Family initiative so they’re pushing it.
Where: Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi
When: November 2026
For: Kids and families
Jazz. Ballet. Dance performances. Recitals. Community events. School programs. Different venues around Abu Dhabi. Not everything is at Yas Island.
So if orchestras aren’t your thing, look at what’s happening. There’s options. I usually like pairing events like these with other weekend activities across the UAE to make the trip feel more worthwhile, especially if you’re travelling from another emirate.
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The festival started back in 2004. It’s been going for like 20 years. The organization behind it (Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation) has been around since 1996.
Earlier this year they did a tour. US, South Korea, Austria, Spain, Lebanon. Got over 140k people. So when they come back to Abu Dhabi they’re bringing that international thing with them.
2026 is the 30th anniversary of the foundation. 23rd edition of the festival. It’s kind of a big year for them.
Buy tickets early if there’s something specific you want. Popular shows sell out quickly. Check where the event actually is. Not all of them are at Etihad Arena. Some are at parks or other places.
Think about getting there. Yas Island parking gets full. Plan ahead. Most events are fine for families. But check what the event is first. The kids art thing is obviously for children.
Follow them on social media or check the website. Sometimes things change or get added.
There’s enough stuff that you can probably find something worth going to. Whether it’s Hans Zimmer or orchestras or dance or kids art or whatever. The season is long so you don’t have to do it all at once. Just pick what sounds good.
When does it run?
October 10 to December 19, 2026.
How do I get tickets?
Depends on what event. Check the festival site or Platinumlist. Different vendors for different shows probably.
Is Hans Zimmer really coming?
Yeah. November 13 at Etihad Arena. Get tickets through Platinumlist.
What is the kids art festival?
It’s called the Children’s Biennale. The first one is like it in the Arab world. Kids make art with professional artists. Then the art gets shown in the park. November at Umm Al Emarat Park.
What else is there?
Jazz performances. Ballet. Contemporary dance. Recitals. Community programs. Events at different places around Abu Dhabi. School education programs too.
Can I bring my kids?
Most events are okay for families. Check the specific event though. The Children’s Biennale is made for kids.
How do I get to Etihad Arena?
It’s on Yas Island. Drive or public transport. There’s parking but it fills up during events.
Do they have school programs?
Yeah they do. Education programs and group visits for schools. Contact them if you’re interested.
Why is 2026 special?
30th anniversary of the foundation. 23rd edition of the festival. They did a big international tour earlier this year too.
Are there discounts?
Check the festival website and ticket vendors. Sometimes there’s early bird stuff or group rates.
What happens on opening night?
UAE National Orchestra playing. Classical music. Professional show. Sets the tone for the rest of the season.
How long is Hans Zimmer?
Check Platinumlist for details. Probably a couple hours with a break.
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