1. Lords of the Sound Orchestra: Harry's Magic Symphony in concert at Zabeel Theatre in Dubai

Step into a world of wonder with Harry’s Magic Symphony, a spellbinding live concert experience making its debut in Dubai. Performed by the acclaimed symphony orchestra Lords of the Sound, this extraordinary evening brings to life the unforgettable music from the Harry Potter film saga.

From the first notes of the Hogwarts Express journey to the powerful themes that score the battles against the dark forces, every piece will be performed with breathtaking orchestral brilliance.

The stage will come alive with stunning visuals, captivating lighting, and magical surprises that make you feel as if you’ve stepped right into the wizarding world.

Date: Thu 08, January, 2026
Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai

2. The Laughter Factory January 2026 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Rak

The Laughter Factory opens 2026 with the trademark energy that has made it the UAE’s longest-running comedy tour. Each show brings together sharp wit, international talent, and the kind of no-filter humour that keeps audiences laughing long after the night ends.

These performances are staged in intimate venues across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, giving comedy fans the rare chance to be just metres away from the comics themselves. It’s an atmosphere built on immediacy: fast-paced jokes, quick-fire interactions, and a room fully alive with laughter.

Date: Sat 10 - Sat 17 January 2026

Location:

• Friday 9th of January - Mezz, The Agenda, Dubai Media City

• Saturday 10th of January - Studio One Hotel, Dubai

• Sunday 11th of January - The Club, Abu Dhabi: 19:00

• Thursday 15th of January - The Bay, Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah: 20:00

• Friday 16th of January - Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills, Dubai

• Saturday 17th of January - Dukes, The Palm, Dubai

Ticket: Starting from 160 AED

3. Tamerlano at Dubai Opera in Dubai

Presented by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, this landmark production brings one of Handel’s most commanding operas to Dubai for the very first time.

In January 2026, Tamerlano arrives at Dubai Opera in a grand staging that blends the elegance of European Baroque with the musical spirit of Central Asia, offering audiences a rare cross-cultural interpretation of the 1724 masterpiece.

Directed by acclaimed Italian visionary Stefano Poda, the production draws inspiration from the life and legacy of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), shaping an emotional story of power, love, and fate. The opera unfolds at the meeting point of empires, where personal ambition and human fragility collide.

Date: Sat 10 - Sun 11 January 2026
Location: Dubai Opera, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 300 AED

4. Light Middle East Awards 2026 in Dubai

Join top designers and innovators for a night celebrating brilliance, creativity, and inspiration!

Recognizing Excellence in Lighting Design and Technology – Shaping the future of Light in the Middle East.

The most coveted lighting design awards are back for their 12th edition. The Light Middle East Awards will be held on 14th January, 2026, at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai.

From visionary projects to ground-breaking products, the awards celebrate creativity, sustainability, and innovation that are redefining the future of the industry, not just in the Middle East, but across the globe.

Date: Wed 14 January 2026
Location: Conrad Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 3,089.48 AED

5. The Beginning by the UAE National Orchestra

Witness history as the UAE National Orchestra premieres a symphonic declaration of heritage.

There will never be another night like this.

The Beginning marks a historic moment as the UAE National Orchestra takes the stage for the first time in its inaugural season. Seventy musicians and thirty choral voices unite in a concert celebrating pride, heritage and unity.

Date: Mon 19 January 2026
Location: Dubai Opera, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 250 AED

6. Zakir Khan at Dubai Opera

After a sold-out appearance at the 2025 Dubai Comedy Festival, Zakir Khan returns to Dubai Opera this January, bringing his unmistakable humour and storytelling to the stage once again.

Zakir’s journey to becoming one of India’s most celebrated comedians is a story in itself. Raised in Indore, he stepped away from college and built a career by performing stand-up in Hindi at a time when the scene was dominated by English comics. His breakthrough marked a defining shift in modern Indian comedy.

Date: Tue 20 - Wed 21 January 2026
Location: Dubai Opera, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 250 AED

7. Rob Beckett at Dubai Opera

Bobby Beckles, better known as Rob Beckett, returns to Dubai with his brand-new stand-up show, Giraffe, following a sell-out UK and Irish tour.

From Bromley to Brisbane, he’s been smashing stages and motorways across the globe. Now he's bringing the laughs back to the UAE, fuelled by takeaway dinners and hotel buffet breakfasts.

His wife’s worried he’ll miss the kids. He calls them podcast content providers. He’ll cope.

Date: Thu 22 January 2026
Location: Dubai Opera, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 195 AED

8. Quoz Arts Fest 2026 in Dubai

Quoz Arts Fest is an annual arts and culture event that brings the curious together in the heart of Al Quoz.

Created for those who seek the unexpected, the offbeat, and the culturally rich, QAF transforms Alserkal Avenue into a vibrant celebration of creative expression.

From emerging artists to experimental formats, it amplifies stories from the region and its diaspora through art, performance, music, food, and more.

Date: Sat 24 - Sun 25 January 2026
Location: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 100 AED

9. Dream Theater - 40th Anniversary Tour 2026 Live in Dubai

GRAMMY Award-winning progressive metal legends Dream Theater will return to Dubai for their first ever arena show in the UAE, transforming Coca-Cola Arena into a progressive rock theatre for one night only with their legendary live show for their 40th Anniversary Tour.

Presented by All Things Live Middle East, this unique all-seated concert offers fans a one night only Dream Theater concert - a one-of-a-kind experience where the large scale arena becomes an intimate theatre, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the band's intricate musicianship and epic storytelling from the comfort of their seats.

Date: Tue 27 January 2026
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Ticket: Starting from 225 AED