• Robbie Williams will make his debut in Qatar in December. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Robbie Williams will make his debut in Qatar in December. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • French Montana will perform a beachside concert in Doha. AFP
    French Montana will perform a beachside concert in Doha. AFP
  • DJ Jazzy Jeff will bring his smooth hip-hop sets to Amber Lounge. Getty Images
    DJ Jazzy Jeff will bring his smooth hip-hop sets to Amber Lounge. Getty Images
  • Maroon 5 will bring the hits to Doha. AFP
    Maroon 5 will bring the hits to Doha. AFP
  • A musical adaptation of the Indian drama 'Monsoon Wedding' will have its premiere in Doha. Photo: iDream Productions
    A musical adaptation of the Indian drama 'Monsoon Wedding' will have its premiere in Doha. Photo: iDream Productions
  • Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will headline the Bollywood Music Festival in Doha. AFP
    Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will headline the Bollywood Music Festival in Doha. AFP
  • Enrique Iglesias will play at the Doha Golf Club. EPA
    Enrique Iglesias will play at the Doha Golf Club. EPA
  • The Black Eyed Peas are set to perform at the Doha Golf Club. Reuters
    The Black Eyed Peas are set to perform at the Doha Golf Club. Reuters
  • German DJ Paul van Dyk, a pioneer of electronic dance music, will perform as part of the Arcadia festival. EPA
    German DJ Paul van Dyk, a pioneer of electronic dance music, will perform as part of the Arcadia festival. EPA
  • Jason Derulo will return to Doha for a club appearance. EPA
    Jason Derulo will return to Doha for a club appearance. EPA
  • Post Malone's Doha concert is part of a larger GCC tour. AFP
    Post Malone's Doha concert is part of a larger GCC tour. AFP
  • UK singer Jorja Smith will perform as part of the Aravia festival. AFP
    UK singer Jorja Smith will perform as part of the Aravia festival. AFP
  • Dutch DJ Tiesto will perform as part of the Daydream Festival at the Doha Golf Club. AFP
    Dutch DJ Tiesto will perform as part of the Daydream Festival at the Doha Golf Club. AFP

Robbie Williams, Enrique Iglesias and more coming to Doha as part of World Cup Qatar 2022


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

The action will not be limited to the football pitch during the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022.

Host city Doha is set to become the world's entertainment capital with more than 100 artists, from pop stars to EDM DJs, set to perform in the Qatari capital.

In addition to three major dance music events — the Arcadia, Aravia and Daydream festivals — Doha will also host the premiere of the stage show of much-loved Indian drama Monsoon Wedding, as well as a pop-up of the ritzy Amber Lounge.

The National rounds up 13 of the best events to look forward to.

1. Bollywood Music Festival: November 4 at Lusail Stadium

Music fans can get a taste of the state-of-the art venue before it hosts any World Cup matches.

Leading the line-up for this official World Cup event are popular Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan, in addition to Bollywood composer duo Salim-Sulaiman.

While the music performances kick off at 7pm, festivities begin from 4pm with DJ sets and stand-up comedy.

Doors open 4pm. Tickets from 100 Qatari riyals ($27); fifa.com

2. 'Monsoon Wedding the Musical': November 15 to 27 at Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre

'Monsoon Wedding the Musical' will channel the spirit of the hit 2001 film. Photo: Qatar Creates
'Monsoon Wedding the Musical' will channel the spirit of the hit 2001 film. Photo: Qatar Creates

A stage version of the hit 2001 Indian family drama Monsoon Wedding will have its premiere in Qatar.

In addition to having a new ensemble cast, the musical has been scored by Indian composer Vishal Bhardwaj, winner of a National Film Award for his soundtrack to the 1999 film Godmother.

Show starts 5pm. Tickets 200 Qatari riyals; qacreates.com

3. QetaiFan Beach Fest: November 19 to December 18 at Qetaifan Island North

The month-long event will feature more than 100 performances by singers and DJs, including French Montana and Cee Lo Green, in addition to being a fun outdoor space to swim, dine and watch all 64 World Cup matches on giant screens.

Check the event’s social media channels for artists announcements closer to the date.

Doors open 10am. Tickets from $85; q-tickets.com

4. Arcadia: November 19 to December 18, site near the Ras Bu Fontas metro station

The Spider, a pyro-technique feature, that is popular in music festivals, will be at Arcadia. Photo: Alchemy Project
The Spider, a pyro-technique feature, that is popular in music festivals, will be at Arcadia. Photo: Alchemy Project

The event is set to host up to 25,000 people daily, with top DJs, from Paul Van Dyk to Roger Sanchez, performing at what is being called Qatar's largest EDM festival.

In addition to the three main stages, Arcadia will be home to The Spider — a spectacular pyro technique feature that will breathe fire during performances.

Doors open at 10am. Tickets from $84; Tixbox.com

5. Black Eyed Peas: November 20 at Doha Golf Club

The Los Angeles-formed trio have been active since 1995 and are known for hits such as Where Is the Love?, Boom Pow and I Gotta Feeling.

The group recently unveiled new single Simply the Best, a collaboration with Brazilian duo Anitta and El Alfa, in the lead up to upcoming new album Elevation.

Showtime is 10pm. Tickets start at $180; Tixbox.com

6. Aravia: November 21 to December 18, Al Wakrah

Egyptian superstar Amr Diab and EDM star David Guetta will perform at a new music festival organised by MDL Beast, the Saudi company behind the mega dance music festival Sandstorm.

Other acts announced include British RnB singer Jorja Smith, Dutch DJ Hardwell and rappers Tinie Tempah, Tyga and Rae Sremmurd. Arab artists performing include Egyptian hitmaker Mohamed Hamaki.

Doors open at 9pm. Day passes start at QAR 269 ($74); mdlbeast.com

7. Daydream Festival: November 22 to December 18 at Doha Golf Club

Dance music stars Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto will headline this EDM festival, alongside a dozen other artists.

Also on the bill are Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Alok, Timmy Trumpet, Major Lazer Soundsystem, Nervo, Jonas Blue, Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten and Nicky Romero.

Launched in Belgium in 2010, Daydream has expanded internationally with festivals taking place in the Netherlands, Mexico, China and Spain, before its first Doha event in 2019.

Doors open at 10am. Day passes from $104; Tixbox.com

8. Jason Derulo: November 22 at W Doha

US singer Jason Derulo perming in Poland last year. EPA
US singer Jason Derulo perming in Poland last year. EPA

A regional favourite, the RnB star will return to Doha for a club gig.

Expect Derulo to sing and dance his way through hits Whatcha Say, Wiggle and Swalla.

Doors open at 10pm. Tickets from 500 Qatari riyals; tickets.virginmegastore.me

9. Amber Lounge: November 27 to December 18 at Le Royal Meridien Doha

Formula One'sexclusive after-party is making an appearance at the Qatar World Cup.

Running for three weeks, the lavish event will feature a number of DJ performances, including Basement Jaxx, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Fatman Scoop and Le Twins.

Look out for celebrities and former football stars tipped to make an appearance at the club.

Doors open at 10pm. Tickets from $100; amber-lounge.com/qatar

10. Enrique Iglesias: December 4 at Doha Golf Club

With his backing band in tow, Iglesias’s shows are crowd-pleasers. His euphoric sets move easily between his English and Spanish hits.

The star is also known to invite the occasional fan on to the stage for a selfie, so if you are the lucky one chosen ensure your mobile phone is charged.

Show starts at 10pm. Tickets from 350 Qatari riyals; Tixbox.com

11. Post Malone: December 5 at Doha Golf Club

The hitmaker will round off his Gulf tour — which includes shows in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi — in Doha.

Expect new tracks to be played from his fourth album, Twelve Carat Toothache, and hits including Circles, Sunflower, Psycho and I Like You (A Happier Song).

“I can't wait to take to the stage and perform for my fans in the Middle East,” he said. “Together, we're going to enjoy a fantastic weekend.”

Ticket prices and information will be made available soon at Tixbox.com

12. Robbie Williams: December 8 at Doha Golf Club

After ringing in the new year with a rousing concert in Dubai, Williams will make his Qatar debut.

A charismatic performer, his set will include singalong favourites Let Me Entertain You, Feel and Angels.

Ticket prices and information will be made available soon at Tixbox.com

13. Maroon 5: December 13 at Doha Golf Club

Formed in 2002 from the ashes of their previous group, Kara's Flowers, Maroon 5 have been a mainstay in the charts.

Look forward to a hit-laden set featuring chart-toppers This Love, Harder to Breathe and Moves Like Jagger, showcasing a hotchpotch of influences ranging from disco and funk to rock.

Ticket prices and information will be made available soon at Tixbox.com

The 26 best concerts and events coming to Abu Dhabi, from Post Malone to Blackpink

  • Comedian Mo Amer will play his biggest UAE show yet in Abu Dhabi in March. Getty Images
    Comedian Mo Amer will play his biggest UAE show yet in Abu Dhabi in March. Getty Images
  • Bollywood film producer and director Karan Johar will co-host the International Indian Film Academy Rocks event in February. AFP
    Bollywood film producer and director Karan Johar will co-host the International Indian Film Academy Rocks event in February. AFP
  • British singer-songwriter Sting will play his hits in Abu Dhabi in January. AFP
    British singer-songwriter Sting will play his hits in Abu Dhabi in January. AFP
  • Junk Kouture aims to engage and inspire young designers to create works from rubbish around them. A fashion show will take place in Abu Dhabi in January. Photo: Junk Kouture
    Junk Kouture aims to engage and inspire young designers to create works from rubbish around them. A fashion show will take place in Abu Dhabi in January. Photo: Junk Kouture
  • The musician Shujaat Khan will perform at the Cultural Foundation in December. Photo: Saffron Media
    The musician Shujaat Khan will perform at the Cultural Foundation in December. Photo: Saffron Media
  • Le Trio Joubran are at the Cultural Foundation in December. Photo: Youness Hamiddine
    Le Trio Joubran are at the Cultural Foundation in December. Photo: Youness Hamiddine
  • Yemeni-Emirati singer Balqees Fathi will perform at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain, in December. AFP
    Yemeni-Emirati singer Balqees Fathi will perform at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain, in December. AFP
  • Emirati singer Hussain Jassmi will perform a National Day concert in Abu Dhabi. Satish Kumar / The National
    Emirati singer Hussain Jassmi will perform a National Day concert in Abu Dhabi. Satish Kumar / The National
  • K-pop group Blackpink bring their Born Pink world tour to Abu Dhabi in January. Getty Images
    K-pop group Blackpink bring their Born Pink world tour to Abu Dhabi in January. Getty Images
  • Award-winning, Nigerian-Romanian will perform in the UAE as part of Abu Dhabi Classics. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
    Award-winning, Nigerian-Romanian will perform in the UAE as part of Abu Dhabi Classics. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
  • The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing their Gala Concert in December. Photo: Abu Dhabi Classics
    The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing their Gala Concert in December. Photo: Abu Dhabi Classics
  • Post Malone will perform at Etihad Park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in December. AP
    Post Malone will perform at Etihad Park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in December. AP
  • Imagine Dragons will perform at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena on January 26, 2023. Photo: Eric Ray Davidson
    Imagine Dragons will perform at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena on January 26, 2023. Photo: Eric Ray Davidson
  • The Lion King will be on stage at Etihad Arena throughout December. Photo: Disney
    The Lion King will be on stage at Etihad Arena throughout December. Photo: Disney
  • An installation by artist Daniel Popper as part of the last Mother of the Nation Festival. The event returns to the Corniche later this year. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    An installation by artist Daniel Popper as part of the last Mother of the Nation Festival. The event returns to the Corniche later this year. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • British comedian Jimmy Carr will take to the Etihad Arena stage in January. Getty Images
    British comedian Jimmy Carr will take to the Etihad Arena stage in January. Getty Images
  • Scottish stand-up comedian Kevin Bridges will perform at Etihad Arena in January. Getty Images
    Scottish stand-up comedian Kevin Bridges will perform at Etihad Arena in January. Getty Images
Updated: November 02, 2022, 4:58 AM