Live Music in Abu Dhabi

Designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2021, Abu Dhabi carries a musical identity rooted in centuries-old Arabic tradition and increasingly expressed through contemporary forms. The oud sits at the centre of that heritage, alongside traditional practices like Al-Ayyala and Taghreed, while institutions such as Bait Al Oud, founded in 2008, and Berklee Abu Dhabi, operating since 2020, actively connect that history to new generations. For live performances, the city spans serious scale: Etihad Park on Yas Island holds up to 40,000 people, making it the largest outdoor event venue in the Middle East, while Etihad Arena handles major indoor shows and the 700-capacity Performance Hall at Berklee Abu Dhabi serves more intimate concerts. The Abu Dhabi Festival, running since 2004, remains the biggest classical music event in the region. The infrastructure here is substantial, and it continues to expand.