Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s events season is in full swing.
The UAE capital is buzzing with a packed calendar of events, offering everything from UFC action, concerts and comedy shows, to film festivals, trade fairs, health and higher education exhibitions.
Here is a list of events being held in October 2026.
Abu Dhabi Festival (October 10 – December 19)
The 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival is being held from October 10 to December 19 under the theme, “The Wisdom of Culture”.
Staged across the city at venues including the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Etihad Arena, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, the festival brings together leading UAE cultural institutions, Emirati performers and international artists across orchestral performances, jazz, ballet, dance, recitals and large-scale productions.
Najah Expo 2026 (ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, October 18-21)
The Najah Expo 2026 is being held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Doha this year. Recognised as the MENA region’s No.1 higher education fair, it connects participants with leading universities worldwide and offers access to scholarships, admissions counselling and study abroad opportunities, all free of charge.
Tamer Hosny & Tamer Ashour (Etihad Arena, October 17)
Two popular Egyptian music stars come together for a night of romance, connection and songs loved across generations. Known for hits including Yana Ya Mafish, 180 Darga and Omry Ebtada, Tamer Hosny brings his signature charisma and romantic sound to the stage.
Tamer Ashour, celebrated for his emotional depth and honesty, performs favourites including Zikrayat Kaddaba, Ekhtarna Leh and Enta Ekhtart.
Future Health Summit (ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, October 20-22)
The Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026 brings together international policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, innovators and industry pioneers for three days of dialogue, discovery and collaboration. Hosted by Future Health — A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi, the summit addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global health.
Schlingel Abu Dhabi (Cultural Foundation, October 21-24)
Presented by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region in association with the Abu Dhabi Culture Foundation, the international film festival for children brings people together through the medium of cinema. Enjoy four days of inspiring stories, unforgettable adventures and film fun for the whole family.
Power Slap (Space42 Arena, October 23)
Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi for a night of hard-hitting action. Topping the card is a rematch between Da Hawaiian Hitman and Dumpling for the Super Heavyweight title. Watch as the world's toughest strikers face off, delivering dramatic knockouts at the Space42 Arena.
UFC 333 (Etihad Arena, October 24)
The world’s premier mixed martial arts format returns to Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24. Headlining the card, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his title against undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev.
In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan puts his title on the line against former champion and No. 1-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili, as the rivals complete their highly anticipated trilogy.
Russell Peters Live (Etihad Arena, October 25)
Russell Peters is back in Abu Dhabi for one night as part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. Known for his quick wit, cultural insight and effortless crowd work, the Canadian comic brings a style of stand-up that connects with audiences from every background.
Tegahwa Al Hazm Exhibition (ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, October 10–17)
Bringing together global and local industry leaders, this exhibition showcases coffee equipment, grinders, roasters, green and roasted coffee suppliers, Arabic coffee and premium chocolate. Visitors can also explore café and roastery packaging, products, services and innovative solutions shaping the coffee and chocolate industry.
Elham Al Marzooqi & Sooyeon Jun (Zayed National Museum, October 30)
Abu Dhabi Festival presents Elham Al Marzooqi, the UAE's first professional female cello soloist in Abu Dhabi, in an elegant recital, joined by pianist Sooyeon Jun.
The programme spans Baroque masterworks by Bach and Vivaldi, romantic lyricism from Brahms, poetic miniatures by Schubert, Saint-Saëns and Rachmaninoff and beloved cinematic themes by Morricone and Gershwin.
Riverdance (Etihad Arena October 31 – November 1)
Riverdance returns to Abu Dhabi for its 30th Anniversary Tour. This iconic production fuses Irish and international dance and music with Grammy Award-winning score and electrifying choreography that has captivated millions worldwide.
Celebrating three decades, this special anniversary production showcases "The New Generation" of performers, bringing fresh energy and passion to the stage.
