We're in the middle of the UAE's refreshing, and event-packed, winter as we move into 2019, and so the first half of the new year is set to be jam-packed with concerts. There will be everything from hip-hop and jazz to Russian and Korean pop.
Here are the tickets to book now for next year:
Russian Music Festival
The Russian Music Festival will feature 14 concerts spread over eight days. It will cover various genres, ranging from a regal opera performance at Emirates Palace by famed tenor Oleg Gazmanov to a hip-hop club gig at Mad on Yas Island featuring Egor Kreed and Artik & Asti.
When: December 31 to January 8
Where: Various Abu Dhabi venues
Details: Tickets from Dh175 at 800tickets.com/rmf
Momoland
The nine-piece K-Pop girl group's UAE performance will be their debut gig in the Middle East. Expect a big stage show full of colour and catchy melodies.
When: January 4
Where: Dubai Tennis Stadium
Details: Tickets from Dh200 at 800tickets.com
Redfest DXB
The pop festival returns for another weekend, with Camila Cabello leading a bill of radio-friendly favourites including rappers G-Eazy and Macklemore, soul singer Jess Glynne and decksmiths DJ Snake and Jax Jones.
When: February 14 and 15
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Details: Tickets cost from Dh395 at www.platinumlist.net
Dubai Jazz Festival
The line-up this year includes R'n'B singer Alicia Keys, funk group Jamiroquai and indie band Snow Patrol.
When: February 20-22
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Details: Tickets from Dh350 at dubaijazzfest.com
George Ezra
The distinctively voiced Budapest singer will bring the global hit to Dubai for his first performance in the region. He made his name with that hit in 2016, which he followed up with Shotgun. He'll be performing songs from his latest album, Staying at Tamara's, and more.
When: January 22
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Details: Tickets from Dh295 at www.ticketmaster.ae
The Valkyrie by Bayreuth Festival
This celebration of Richard Wagner's seminal opera, The Valkyrie, by Bayreuth Festival will be a family affair, with the lavish production directed by Katharina Wagner, the composer's great-granddaughter. With tickets to Bayreuth Festival productions in Germany notoriously hard to get – there is annual demand from more than 500,000 people for the 60,000 tickets available – the chance to see them perform in the capital is one you shouldn't miss.
When: January 30 and February 1
Where: Emirates Palace Auditorium
Details: Tickets from Dh200 at abudhabimusic.ae
Underworld at Groove on the Grass
The British band shot to fame when their track Born Slippy (Nuxx) featured in the film Trainspotting. Despite their decades on the road, the group remain an electrifying live act.
When: February 8
Where: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
Details: Tickets cost from Dh295 at dubai.platinumlist.net
Jake Bugg
A singer with a love of old-school folk, Jake Bugg's acoustic songs have earned him plaudits including being called "the new Bob Dylan." His 2012 self-titled debut album topped the UK charts. He comes to Dubai on the back of a world tour promoting his latest record, Hearts That Strain.
When: February 7
Where: Dubai Opera
Details: Tickets cost from Dh195 at dubaiopera.com
Abu Dhabi Festival 2019
The 16th annual event features an expansive programme of concerts, ranging from the orchestral to the jazzy. Highlights include Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel's staging of Puccini's Tosca on March 15.
When: March 7 to 30
Where: various Abu Dhabi venues
Details: www.abudhabifestival.ae
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