From intimate jazz lounges to massive arenas, these are the top places to see live music in the Emirates
The UAE is no longer just a stop-off for global tours, it’s become a destination. With artists such as Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Armin van Buuren, and Alicia Keys gracing stages across the country in recent years, the Emirates now boasts a serious roster of world-class live music venues.
Whether you’re into stadium-sized spectacles, rooftop DJ sets, orchestral evenings, or indie gigs, here are some of the best places to catch live music in the UAE right now.
Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Capacity: Up to 17,000
Best for: Arena-level touring acts
The region’s first fully indoor arena, Coca-Cola Arena is Dubai’s go-to for the biggest names in music. From Maroon 5 and Post Malone to Sting, Blackpink, Bastille and Bryan Adams, this is where the heavy-hitters play.
Climate-controlled, centrally located in City Walk, and with tiered seating plus standing options, it’s the UAE’s closest equivalent to London’s O2 or LA’s Crypto.com Arena.
Need to know: Sound quality is surprisingly good for a venue this size, and the screens are massive, so even nosebleed seats offer a solid view.
Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Capacity: Up to 18,000
Best for: International artists, big productions, family-friendly shows
Abu Dhabi’s answer to the Coca-Cola Arena, Etihad Arena sits on Yas Island, flanked by attractions such as Ferrari World and Yas Mall. It’s hosted the likes of André Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Swedish House Mafia, Kendrick Lamar, and Imagine Dragons.
It’s also home to regional award shows, UFC events and orchestral productions. Expect smooth organisation, quality staging, and a high-end feel.
Need to know: Accommodation is right on your doorstep, with hotels including W Abu Dhabi and Hilton Yas Island just a short walk away.
Dubai Opera
Capacity: 2,000
Best for: Classical, jazz, unplugged sets, acoustic acts
Don’t let the name fool you, Dubai Opera isn’t just for operatic arias. Since opening in 2016, it’s hosted everything from classical symphonies and West End musicals to stripped-down sets by the likes of Tom Odell, Matteo Bocelli and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
The architecture is stunning and acoustics are spot-on. If you want an intimate evening of serious musicianship, this is your spot.
Need to know: There’s no bad seat in the house, but front row balcony offers the best sound-to-view balance.
The Agenda, Dubai Media City
Capacity: 5,000
Best for: Club nights, hip-hop, Afrobeats, regional acts
One of the newer venues in the UAE, The Agenda has already made an impact with mid-sized shows and urban music events. It’s hosted a double-headliner show by A1 & 911, K-Pop sensations Seventeen, Burna Boy, DJ sets from global names, and is also popular for branded gigs and launch parties.
Need to know: Standing-room venue with great sightlines. Expect good sound but bring your own vibe, the crowd energy varies depending on the act.
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Capacity: Around 15,000
Best for: Outdoor festivals and concerts
An open-air venue in the heart of Dubai’s media district, this amphitheatre has hosted everything from Party in the Park and Emirates Jazz Festival to RedFestDXB, Take That and Liam Gallagher.
Expect a grass field, skyline views and plenty of F&B options. Shows here feel more casual, more social – perfect for fans who like their music with sunshine and street food.
Need to know: No shade, so bring a hat or wait for winter season shows.
The Fridge, Alserkal Avenue
Capacity: ~300
Best for: Indie, jazz, experimental, regional talent
For something far more intimate, head to The Fridge. Tucked into Alserkal Avenue’s arts district, it’s one of the best places to discover emerging UAE-based talent. Weekly shows, themed nights, and independent artists in an always-welcoming space.
Need to know: It’s more of a cultural hangout than a concert hall – come for the vibe and the surprise factor.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Capacity: ~1,100 (Auditorium)
Best for: Orchestral concerts, operatic performances, high-end gala shows
The Emirates Palace Auditorium is one of the UAE’s most elegant music venues. It’s hosted everything from the Vienna Philharmonic and Andrea Bocelli to Arabic classical concerts and Emirati orchestras. It’s not the kind of place where you mosh, but for seated, high-end concerts, it’s hard to beat.
Need to know: Expect luxury surroundings, formal dress codes and impeccable acoustics.
Etihad Park, Yas Island
Capacity: Up to 40,000
Best for: Large-scale outdoor concerts, festival headliners, Formula 1 concerts
This is the UAE’s largest outdoor music venue. Etihad Park is where the post-race F1 concerts happen, think Foo Fighters, Eminem, Guns N’ Roses, The Killers, Take That and Beyoncé. It also hosts standalone stadium shows and major festivals.
Need to know: All tickets are standing or tiered General Admission. Dress for the weather, and plan transport because it gets busy.
New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai
Capacity: ~550
Best for: Intimate concerts, unplugged performances, musical theatre crossovers
One of the newer entries on the scene, New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates hosts live music performances, often in crossover formats – think musical theatre, pop-classical hybrids, or jazz nights.
Need to know: Yet to find its musical identity, but worth watching if you like unique, genre-blending shows.
Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai
Capacity: ~400
Best for: Jazz, soul, acoustic concerts, niche international acts
A plush, West End-style venue in a luxury hotel, Zabeel Theatre occasionally books respected international musicians – mostly jazz, soul, and easy-listening acts. You won’t find mosh pits or lasers here, but it’s a solid pick for seated concerts in an intimate setting.
Need to know: Hotel access and valet available. Shows often come with dinner packages.
Bla Bla, JBR, Dubai
Capacity: ~1,500 (Beach Club and Stage)
Best for: Club-style sets, DJs, beach concerts
Known more for nightlife than concerts, Bla Bla has hosted occasional live music performances such as John Newman and Razorlight in The Tent and many more on its beachfront stage. Think pop acts, hip-hop performers or EDM DJs in a party setting. Not a dedicated concert venue, but growing in that direction.
Need to know: Standing-room only. Expect a social vibe, not a sit-down experience.
Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA), Souk Madinat
Capacity: ~200
Best for: Experimental performances, classical-electronic fusions, immersive audio-visual shows
ToDA isn’t a traditional music venue, but it occasionally features ambient, classical, or electronic sets blended with immersive visuals. It’s more about the multi-sensory experience than the live band vibe.
Need to know: Expect seated shows and shorter sets. Great for something different.
Theatre by QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai
Capacity: ~500
Best for: Nostalgia gigs, acoustic performances, themed concerts
Housed inside the QE2 cruise liner, this theatre hosts music acts – usually tribute bands, legacy performers, or themed evenings.
Need to know: Unique atmosphere and strong acoustics, but limited ticket availability due to small capacity.
Dubai World Trade Centre (Concerts)
Capacity: Varies by hall, up to 15,000
Best for: International arena shows, Asian music stars, one-off large gigs
DWTC has hosted everything from metal bands such as Iron Maiden to K-pop groups and Bollywood megastars. It’s more of a multi-purpose space than a dedicated music venue, but for big concerts, it’s well-equipped.
Need to know: Standing and seated configurations vary. Check your ticket type carefully.
Expo City Dubai (Concerts)
Capacity: Varies (Al Wasl Plaza ~10,000+ capacity standing)
Best for: Festival-style shows, immersive concerts, multimedia productions
Since Expo 2020, the site has been reused for major events, including UNTOLD Dubai’s debut in 2024. With spectacular lighting and projection tech, it’s perfect for multi-stage festivals or flagship performances.
Need to know: Production quality is high, but food and beverage queues can be long.
Barasti, Dubai Marina (Concerts)
Capacity: ~1,000 (Beachfront)
Best for: Sunset beach concerts, EDM, rock and reggae
Barasti occasionally books bands and DJs for live beach concerts, especially around public holidays or big sporting events. Expect a mix of genres and a party-heavy crowd.
Need to know: Free entry for many shows, but limited capacity and no shade. Arrive early.
Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City
Capacity: ~400 (Standing)
Best for: Tribute acts, regional rock bands, casual gigs
A reliable space for guitar-driven shows and live covers, Hard Rock Cafe Dubai frequently hosts tribute nights and up-and-coming regional artists. It’s not high production, but the vibe is consistent and crowd-friendly.
Need to know: Sit down for a burger or grab a standing spot near the stage – it’s flexible.
Irish Village, Al Garhoud, Dubai (Concerts)
Capacity: ~5,000 (Outdoor events)
Best for: Britpop nostalgia, acoustic pop, community-style gigs
The Irish Village has long hosted outdoor concerts in its courtyard. It’s known for classic UK acts — think Busted, James Blunt, UB40 — in a relaxed, pub-style setting.
Need to know: Outdoor shows only. Expect standing areas and decent pub grub.
The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Capacity: ~700
Best for: Jazz, classical, experimental music, regional artists
This is one of the UAE’s most respected cultural venues, with a focus on serious performance. It often showcases contemporary Arabic music, experimental ensembles, and touring international artists.
Need to know: Great acoustics and curation. A more intellectual crowd than mainstream venues.
Abu Dhabi National Theater
Capacity: ~2,000
Best for: Classical Arabic concerts, orchestral performances, cultural events
A fixture in the capital’s cultural landscape, this venue leans traditional – oud ensembles, Arabic orchestras, and big-name regional stars. Less EDM, more Fairouz and Riyad Al Sunbati.
Need to know: Language may be Arabic-only. Great for cultural immersion and heritage concerts.
Bonus: Rooftop bars and clubs
While not “venues” in the traditional sense, places such as Soho Garden, WHITE Dubai, 1OAK, and Iris regularly host international DJs and pop acts. The lines between club night and concert are blurring, and these spots are leading the charge.
And finally…
The UAE’s live music scene is maturing fast, with venues to rival major cities worldwide. Whether you’re catching a 17,000-strong crowd at Coca-Cola Arena or discovering your new favourite band in a warehouse in Alserkal, the Emirates has something for every kind of music lover.
