Your editor-approved guide to the coolest events across the emirates this month…
It’s April in the UAE, which means a beach pop-up foodies will love, some major music events, a timeless musical and some renowned art exhibitions. Here are 10 brilliant new things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in April 2025.
Until April 13: Beach Canteen
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e& Beach Canteen lands at Nessnass Beach in Dubai from March 27 until April 13. This Instagrammable seaside pop-up is a foodies haven, featuring street food favourites and renowned international brands. Open daily from 4pm to 12am, the free-to-attend event will see TikTok sensation Brooki arrive in Dubai for the first time, as well as London’s viral churros brand, The Knot. Local brands including ChaCha Matcha and Humm Crumbs will also add to the culinary line-up. Catering to all tastes, this community event also promises non-stop live performances at the e& stage, fireworks on the first night of Eid, plus arcade games and a family pavilion with soft play and arts and crafts.
April 5: Dubai World Cup
Don your most fabulous fashion fits and get ready for a day at the races as Dubai World Cup returns to Meydan on Saturday April 5. Yes, the nine-race card – the final race day of the season – might be the main event, this equine extravaganza is as much about fashion as it is sports. There are a variety of packages on offer, with access to the vibrant Apron Views the most popular option for AED350, as well as several hospitality packages, including a brunch package in the Bubble Lounge for AED849.
April 7: Dine at the hands of culinary masters at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
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Three star culinary talents are teaming up for a six hands dinner at the iconic Burj Al Arab on November 7. For one night only, One Michelin Star Al Muntaha will welcome Row on 45’s Chef Jason Atherton and Tresind Studio’s Chef Himanshu Saini to join Chef Saverio Sbaragli for an extraordinary evening of culinary stardom. Set 200 metres above sea level, Al Muntaha provides a refined backdrop for the nine-course tasting menu, where each chef will present three signature dishes that showcase their talents. It’s AED1,600 or AED2,800 with optional wine pairing.
April 10 to 20: Les Miserables at Etihad Arena
Multi-award-winning musical Les Miserables will head to Yas Island’s Etihad Arena for a 10-date run from April 10. The Arena Spectacular features a cast and orchestra of over 65 people, who will present Victor Hugo’s enthralling tale of broken dreams and unrequited love in this timeless showcase. Tickets start from AED130.
April 12: Enjoy a night out Ibiza style as Ants takes over Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience
Since October, Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience has been bringing a taste of Ibiza to Dubai Harbour with headline sets from Calvin Haris, Adriatique and Black Coffee. And on April 12 the party continues as the globally renowned electronic music brand Ants returns to Dubai for the first time since 2018. Bringing with it a huge headline line-up of Marco Carola, Andrea Oliva and Calussa, it’s set to be a big night of cutting-edge house and techno with some seriously sensational visuals. Tickets start from AED200.
April 13 to 20: Get creatively inspired at the return of Alserkal Art Week
Alserkal Art Week returns to our favourite creative hub in Dubai for 10-days of exhibitions, talks and installations this April. The whole district will come alive under the theme A Wild Stitch. Highlights include Vanishing Points, a major exhibition by Imran Qureshi at Concrete; a new public art commission curated by Fatoş Üstek under Between a Beach and Slope, designed to challenge the notion of belonging; and 15 new gallery exhibitions.
April 14 to 16: Check out a legion of fashion talent at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week
Discover celebrated designers and mingle with influential figures in the global modest fashion space at The St Regis Saadiyat Island during the 10th edition of Modest Fashion Week. Featuring a line-up of over 30 designers from more than 15 countries, styles will cover everything from modest wear essentials to dazzling evening wear from designers including Saudi-born Leen, the Australian label Ashaalia, and made-in-the-UAE Rabail Riaz, known for its handmade accessories. It’s invitation only, but you can get on the guest list here.
April 18 to 20: Sing-along at a music festival in Abu Dhabi
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Abu Dhabi’s three-day music festival Club Social returns from April 18 to 20, bringing together some huge A-Listers for a weekend of music, art and dancing at Etihad Park. On Friday April 18, rockers Snow Patrol will bring hits like Chasing Cars and Just Say Yes to the UAE capital, performing alongside the guys behind She Moves In Her Own Way, The Kooks. On Saturday, we’ll be singing and dancing along to the addictive tunes of Usher, and then on Sunday, Raye and London Grammar close the show. Tickets start from AED295.
April 18 to 20: Discover works from over 120 global galleries at Art Dubai
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The 2025 edition of Art Dubai will bring together regional art aficionados for three days from April 18 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah. A beacon of celebration of art in all its forms from around the Middle East, Central and South Asia and Africa, this year’s edition is themed around 20th Century modern masters who have had a lasting impact on global culture. This year, there will be more than 120 galleries from over 40 countries, plus talks, events and live performances. Tickets start from AED100.
April 26: Round out the month at a new music festival headlined by Ed Sheeran
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OFFLIMITS is the name of Abu Dhabi’s exciting new one-day music festival, bringing some of the biggest names in pop music to Etihad Park. Created by Theory Eleven, one of the biggest pop stars on the planet – Ed Sheeran – will be Thinking Out Loud as he performs a two-hour set of his most iconic songs in the UAE capital. Also on the bill, Stop and Stare hitmakers One Republic; the rockers behind I Predict A Riot, Kaiser Chiefs; and 1990s dance music favourites, Faithless. Tickets start from AED495.
