The UAE events calendar remains active this April, despite a run of concert postponements linked to the regional conflict.
The month includes 1990s Egyptian pop at Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, trance act ATB and a local metal bill at The Agenda and Alserkal Avenue, and Atif Aslam returning to Coca-Cola Arena.
Beyond the music listings, the programme moves between stand-up comedy, short-form theatre and a Rumi-inspired stage production.
The 10 events below are confirmed at the time of writing, with tickets available through official platforms. Given recent schedule changes, it is worth checking venue channels closer to the date.
Here’s what’s coming up across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
1. Classical Masterpieces by Firdaus Orchestra: April 10 at House of Arts, Expo City Dubai
The all female Firdaus Orchestra presents a programme of orchestral works spanning well-known classical repertoire, including selections from Beethoven and Mozart.
Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh75
2. The Laughter Factory April Tour: April 10 to 18 at multiple venues, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The Laughter Factory returns with a multi-date comedy run across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, featuring a rotating line-up led by South African comedian Robby Collins.
The programme includes sets from Italy’s Valentina Danubio, the UK’s John Hague and Indian performer Viswajit Dilip, with performances staged at venues including The Club in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Studio One Hotel, The Agenda and Dukes The Palm.
Various locations and timings; tickets from Dh140
3. Ehab Tawfik, Hamid El Shaeri and Hisham Abbas: April 11 at Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi
Three artists associated with the 1990s Arabic pop scene share the bill for a concert revisiting material from that period.
The line-up brings together Egyptian singers Ehab Tawfik, Hamid El Shaeri and Hisham Abbas, with sets expected to include Allah Aleik Ya Seedy (1997) and Habibi Dah (1999), reflecting the sound of Arabic pop in the 1990s.
Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 9pm; tickets from Dh395
4. The Fridge Metal Fest III: April 11 at The Fridge Warehouse, Dubai
The Fridge hosts the third edition of Metal Fest, bringing together UAE bands Verdict, Triton, April and Stowaways for a high-octane night at the Alserkal Avenue venue.
Doors open 6pm, show starts 7pm; tickets from Dh85
5. Frank by Danila Kozlovsky: April 12 at Meyana Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
Russian actor and performer Danila Kozlovsky brings his stage production Frank to Dubai, a solo show combining live music with theatrical storytelling.
Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh650
6. The Legends of Trance: ATB, Solarstone and Steve Allen: April 17 at The Agenda, Dubai
German DJ and producer ATB returns to Dubai alongside Solarstone and Steve Allen for a night of melodic trance and long-form club sets.
ATB broke through with 9PM (1999), one of the first trance tracks to cross into mainstream charts, and continues to tour internationally across club and festivals.
Doors open 8pm, show starts 9pm; tickets from Dh300
7. Atif Aslam: April 19 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Pakistani singer Atif Aslam returns to Coca-Cola Arena, continuing a run of regular Dubai shows at the venue that typically draws large South Asian audiences.
His sets span Bollywood hits and earlier catalogue material, including Dil Diyan Gallan (2017), Tajdar-e-Haram (2015) and Aadat (2005).
Show starts 7.30pm; tickets from Dh350
8. Dreams of Rumi: April 19 at Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Presented in a 360-degree format by Mr Dervish, this stage production draws on the life and work of Jalaluddin Rumi, combining music, poetry and Sufi whirling in a 70-minute performance.
Show starts 7pm; tickets from Dh200
9. Tony Ann: April 29 at Dubai Opera, Dubai
Canadian composer and pianist Tony Ann makes his Dubai debut with a performance showcasing his style of blending classical technique with modern jazz compositions.
He gained a global following through his online performances before moving on to release solo works and pop collaborations, and co-writing 2018 hit Sick Boy by The Chainsmokers.
Doors open 8pm, show starts 8.30pm; tickets from Dh229
10. Blue Note Celebrates International Jazz Day: April 30 at Dubai Opera, Dubai
Dubai Opera marks International Jazz Day with a programme centred on the catalogue of the revered US label Blue Note Records, performed by a sextet led by bandleader Peter Long and vocalist Sara Oschlag.
The set draws on material associated with artists such as John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock, with guest appearances including Italian saxophonist Francesco Cafiso.
Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh290
