December 2026 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: the biggest events and how to get tickets

December in the UAE means Formula 1 week, the Bolshoi ballet, world stars at Etihad Arena and a New Year’s Eve best seen from the water. Below are the biggest events of the month in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with dates and venues — and how Obsidians Concierge gets you seats when public sale has closed.

2 DECEMBER — ANDREA BOCELLI, ETIHAD ARENA

The Wednesday concert opens Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week. Doors 18:00, concert 20:00. We book the best seats, pre-concert dinner and transfers from Dubai.

4–6 DECEMBER — FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, YAS MARINA

The Formula 1 season finale. Grandstands, Champions Club and Paddock Club, plus yachts right by the track — Yas Marina wraps around the marina itself, so you can watch the race from the deck.

4 DECEMBER — ANYMA PRESENTS ÆDEN, YAS GATEWAY PARK

Anyma’s audiovisual show on the Friday of race week. VIP areas and tables on request.

4–6 DECEMBER — THE BOLSHOI NUTCRACKER, DUBAI OPERA

The Bolshoi Theatre’s first official UAE tour: Tchaikovsky’s ballet in Yuri Grigorovich’s choreography with the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra. For 5 December we hold Row 1 stalls for the evening and lounge seats for the matinee.

5 DECEMBER — IMAGINE DRAGONS, ETIHAD LIVE

The after-race concert following Formula 1 qualifying on Yas Island: the grid is decided by day, the show plays at night.

5–6 AND 12–13 DECEMBER — XCAT, FUJAIRAH AND DUBAI

The powerboat world championship: a round in Fujairah and the finale in Dubai. The best view is from a yacht by the course.

12 DECEMBER — MARIAH CAREY, ETIHAD ARENA

The Christmastime show comes to Abu Dhabi.

27–30 DECEMBER — SIX KINGS SLAM, RIYADH

Six of the world’s best tennis players in Riyadh, an hour’s flight from Dubai. VIP suites and flights on request.

31 DECEMBER — NEW YEAR’S EVE IN DUBAI

A gala dinner at Atlantis The Palm or a private yacht by the Palm: at midnight the fireworks are visible over Burj Al Arab, the Palm, Bluewaters, JBR and the Marina at once. New Year berths are allocated early.

HOW TO GET TICKETS WHEN IT IS SOLD OUT

For December’s biggest events public tickets run out weeks ahead. Obsidians Concierge works with official partners, hospitality programmes and organiser allocations, so we often find seats after a sell-out. Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram +971 55 541 3508 — a concierge replies within 15 minutes. Same-day confirmation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the biggest event in Abu Dhabi in December? — The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale, on 4–6 December at Yas Marina.

Where can I see ballet in Dubai in December? — The Bolshoi Nutcracker plays Dubai Opera on 4–6 December 2026.

How can I spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai without the crowds? — On a private yacht by the Palm or at the Atlantis gala dinner; both are booked well in advance.