In the past few years, the capital has become a magnet for worldclass sporting events, cultural exhibitions and concerts as well as appearances from some of the music industry’s most famous performers. This disparate cast in recent years has included Roger Federer, FC Barcelona, Andrea Bocelli, Beyonce and Elton John among many others.

Some of these events are planned far in advance and we provide a summary here, with confirmed or approximate dates. Many others will be organised at shorter notice so it’s worth checking in the magazine listings for current events. Nowadays, barely a week goes by without something happening that’s worth catching as Abu Dhabi cements its position as a centre of top-quality entertainment and culture.

Ramadan & Eid 2010
August 20 - September 14 2010
The event is about a folk festival that spreads an atmosphere of joy and delight over the holy month of Ramadan and Aid. In addition to consumer exhibition of goods, clothes, gifts, excellent Arabic food and children’s rides also the festival presents musical and traditional shows.

The Internet Show 2010
September 21 – 22 2010
The Middle East's only internet business event. Maktoob from Yahoo! presents The Internet Show - a series of free to attend seminars and an exhibition. It is the only event that brings together Big, Medium and Small business from all industries along with government, all eager to find new ways of doing internet business. Whether your business already has an online business strategy, or if you are looking to evaluate and implement one there is something here for you.

International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition Abu Dhabi 2010
September 22 – 25 2010
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) offers you a complete Hunting and Equestrian experience. Featuring camel and horse auctions, saluki shows, art competitions, and traditional hunting activities, ADIHEX is a truly dynamic event that perfectly captures UAE's deep-rooted traditions, culture and heritage.

Chic Lady Show 2010
September 30 2010- October 04 2010
The Chic Lady show is an exclusive event offering products and services solely related to women, beauty and elegance. The show has an interesting blend of glamour, latest trends, fashion shows, jewellery, evening wear and much more!

Abu Dhabi Medical Congress 2010
October 17 – 19 2010
 www.abudhabimed.com

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
October 28 2010
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, set to open on October 28, 2010, is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. The Park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance, technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m2 and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

Middle East Film Festival
October 14- 23 2010
 It is the first of its kind in the region for tourism in the natural environment; it includes a global conference alongside the exhibition. This initiative will give an opportunity for industry leaders and associations to discuss the environmental challenges facing the tourism industry and solutions currently being implemented in the sector with the pioneers of the tourism sector.

Middle East Film Festival
October 14- 23 2010
Bringing together the best of talent from the east and west, the festival offers an eclectic mix including world premieres from leading directors and hidden gems from the world of film.

ADIPEC 2010 (Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference)
November 01 – 04 2010
www.adipec.com

Abu Dhabi Art
4-7 November 2010
An art fair designed to stimulate dialogue between east and west through the exhibiting of contemporary art from over 20 countries, held in the suitably splendid setting of the Emirates Palace.

International Banking and Financial Services Technology Exhibition
November 09 – 11 2010
Under the Patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces, the World Health Care Congress (WHCC) Middle East will begin a three-year endeavor on December 5-7, 2010 in Abu Dhabi.

International Real Estate & Investment Show 2010
November 10 – 13 2010
www.realestateshow.ae

Holiday and Travel Show & Seyaha 2010
November 11 – 13 2010
Holiday and Travel Show – Seyaha 2010 is a dedicated event for ‘Holidays and travel’ industry which is open to the general public. The event gathers the related authorities, air lines, travel agents, hotel and resorts, recreation parks, tour operators, spas, entertainment professionals, Rent a car companies and media in the travel and holiday industry all under one roof.
Seyaha creates an ideal platform for the tourism industry professionals to interact, market and promote the best holiday and travel products, services and packages directly to the customers.

Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
November 12 - 14 2010
One of the highlights of the year and the final event on the 2010 Formula 1 calendar, the race takes place at the Yas Marina circuit which received worldwide acclaim following the inaugural race in 2009. Outside the racing action, look out for some of the biggest music stars in concert after the racing finishes each day.

World Green Tourism Congress (WGTC)
November 22 – 24 2010
World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi is the first dedicated eco-tourism event in the region; a congress & supporting exhibition bringing together key industry leaders to share their experience and expertise, with the common goal of committing to initiatives that ensure a bright and sustainable future for tourism in the Middle East and the rest of the world. 

Abu Dhabi Junior Golf championship
November 27 – 29 2010
Recognized as one of the world’s top tournaments for under-18 golfers. Attracting over 41,000 entries per year. The tournament will once again by run by the UK’s prominent national daily newspaper the daily telegraph. ADTA is the title sponsor.

F1 Powerboat Championship
December 2- 3 2010
F1 powerboat is a global series taking place in six countries on three continents. ADTA is the major sponsor of team Abu Dhabi F1 powerboat squad, which includes two local drivers, Thani Al Kanzi and Ahmed Hameli, and is under the management of the ADIMC.

Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS) 2010
December 07 – 11 2010
www.admotorshow.com

FIFA World Club Cup
December 8-18 2010
Bringing together clubs from every continent, the competition decides who can claim to be the world’s best football team. You can expect to see some of the most famous footballers from Europe and South America display their skills.

World Green Tourism Congress
December 6 – 8 2010
It is the first of its kind in the region for tourism in the natural environment; it includes a global conference alongside the exhibition. This initiative will give an opportunity for industry leaders and associations to discuss the environmental challenges facing the tourism industry and solutions currently being implemented in the sector with the pioneers of the tourism sector.

Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
December 10 – 15 2010
It is a race that local and international teams compete over 6 days in Running, Biking, rowing boats, Kayaking and swimming. It attracts the outstanding athletes in adventure races in the world reviewing their ability to challenge the elements of nature and geography in Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most enjoyable tournaments endurance at all.

Capitala World Tennis Championships
January 2011
Now established as the opening event of the ATP tour season, the Championships have attracted all the top names to Zayed Sports City including legends of the game like Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
January 2011
gets closer to the greats at the European Tour-backed season opening Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, with its world-class playing field, enhanced spectator viewing platforms. A revitalized interactive championship village and a host entertainment and F&B outlets. The 6th edition is teeing up its most impressive showing to date.

Al Ain Aerobatic Show
January 2011
Stand by for an aerobatic extravaganza that combines awesome displays of military and civil aircraft, dizzying stunt flying and knuckle-gnawing. High-soaring. Wing-tip-to-tip competitions. One of the longest running events in the emirate, the Al Ain Aerobatic show continues to live up to its billing as one of the world’s foremost aerobatic spectaculars.

Gourmet Abu Dhabi
February 2-16 2011
Back for the third year from 2 to 16 February 2011, mark your calendars as Gourmet Abu Dhabi returns for yet another gastronomic experience! Set to feature a host of international Michelin-starred masterchefs, renowned patissiers, special guests and the fines chateaus, Gourment Abu Dhabi will satisfy your gourmet cravings with unique dining experiences in perfect grandeur. Stay tuned to www.gourmetabudhabi.ae for more updates! 

Abu Dhabi Yacht Show
February 13-16 2011
Having jumped straight into the Superyacht league on its inaugural showing in 2009, the exhibition is now on course to achieve a top three industry ranking. ADTA is a headline sponsor.

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
March 12 2011
Looking to build on the outstanding success of the 2010 inaugural US$250,000 Abu Dhabi international Triathlon, the 2011 event is expected to have double the field with more than 1,500 international athletes, including 75 world elites. Once again the event will feature signature racing distances and a stunning course that weaves throughout Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks.

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Mar 25- April 1 2011
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge- one of the world’s most prestigious international cross country rallies- runs entirety across Abu Dhabi emirate, taking hardened motorsport drivers through some of the most demanding yet stunning landscapes on the planet, such as the expansive Rub Al Khali ( Empty Quarter), the world’s largest expanse of unbroken sand and home to 200 metre high majestic rolling dunes.

Al Gharbia Water Sports Festival Sports Festival
May 2011
Numerous sporting competitions and activities open for anyone to join. Includes kite surfing. Surf sea kayaking. Power-boating. Jet skiing. Wakeboarding. Beach volleyball and Beach football.

Summer in Abu Dhabi
June- July 2011
The summer in Abu Dhabi family festival continues to go from strength to strength, with great activities, award-winning international acts, best-in-class edutainment and unbeatable ticket, hotel and attraction deals throughout the emirate. From ‘ hanging out’ with marvel’s spiderman and watching gravity-defying trapeze artists to seeing dance spectaculars and learning about the wonders of science, there is no better place to ‘ get out into the great indoors’ than summer in Abu Dhabi.