This October is stacked: Arabic pop royalty, an 80s rock legend’s first Middle East show, folk metal in Expo City, and a boy band celebrating 25 years. Here are the seven nights worth circling.

Fri Oct 2 — Najwa Karam, Coca-Cola Arena

Lebanese star Najwa Karam opens the month at Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk — doors 7:30 PM, show 9:00 PM. Expect Yelaan Elboaad, Hayda Haki, Khallini Shoufak and a full-house singalong. Tickets are listed from AED 150 on the venue’s site. Book via coca-cola-arena.com or Platinumlist.

Sat Oct 3 — Richard Marx, Coca-Cola Arena

A rare one: Grammy winner Richard Marx plays his first-ever Middle East show at Coca-Cola Arena. Four decades of hits — Right Here Waiting, Hazard — in a 17,000-seat room. Tickets are listed from Dhs225, so check the live listing for current availability.

Mon Oct 5 — Shawn Chidiac: Laughing in Translation Remix, Coca-Cola Arena

Strictly a comedy night, but Dubai’s own viral comedian taking over the city’s biggest indoor venue is one of the month’s landmark live events. Shawn Chidiac brings his Laughing in Translation Remix solo show to Coca-Cola Arena with a DJ and support act. Prices weren’t verified at the time of writing — check Platinumlist for current from-prices.

Sat Oct 10 — Benny Benassi, MORTEN and DJ Slim, Coca-Cola Arena

The month’s biggest dance night: Satisfaction hitmaker Benny Benassi joins MORTEN and DJ Slim for the Frequency 971 event at Coca-Cola Arena. Expect standing sections to sell through fast. Prices weren’t listed at the time of writing — check the venue listing.

Sat Oct 24 — Nancy Ajram, Coca-Cola Arena

The region’s biggest pop star headlines Coca-Cola Arena on October 24 — the flagship Arabic pop night of the month and the show most likely to sell out first. Tickets were listed from around Dhs120, though categories move fast on popular nights — book early and confirm current prices on the listing.

Sat Oct 24 — Bloodywood, Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai

Crowd watching an open-air concert at dusk in Dubai's Expo City
Expo City Dubai hosts the month’s biggest open-air shows, including Bloodywood on October 24.

Same night, a very different energy: Indian folk-metal band Bloodywood mixes heavy riffs, dhol percussion and Punjabi folk instrumentation at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. Doors 6:00 PM, show 8:00 PM; tickets run through Ticketmaster.ae from AED 125 per current listings, presented by Live Nation Middle East. Age rule: under-16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Pair it with Global Village Season 31, which opens October 14, for a full day out south.

Sun Oct 25 — Blue 25th Anniversary Tour, Expo City Dubai

British boy band Blue celebrates 25 years at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Expo City Dubai. All Rise, One Love, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word: if you grew up on these songs, this is your night. Tickets are listed from AED 199; the show is strictly 14+, with under-16s accompanied by an adult. Tip: Live Nation’s Concert Week sale (September 28 to October 4) includes Blue at Dhs99 while stocks last.

Ticket tips and getting there

Singer performing on a brightly lit arena stage in Dubai with the crowd cheering
Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk hosts four of October’s biggest nights — arrive early for parking and entry queues.

Buy only from official channels: Platinumlist, the venue box office (coca-cola-arena.com for Arena shows), Live Nation Middle East, and Ticketmaster.ae. Platinumlist warns that resold tickets on secondary sites can be cancelled and refused at the door.

Coca-Cola Arena sits inside City Walk, and parking gets tight on event nights — arrive at least an hour before doors, or take the metro and walk. Age rules differ per event, so check the listing if you’re bringing teenagers. And October is packed beyond gigs: Oktoberfest runs all month, so confirm dates before stacking events into one weekend.

FAQs

Which concerts are happening in Dubai this October 2026?

Confirmed headliners: Najwa Karam (Oct 2), Richard Marx (Oct 3), Shawn Chidiac comedy (Oct 5), Benny Benassi with MORTEN and DJ Slim (Oct 10), Nancy Ajram (Oct 24), Bloodywood (Oct 24), and Blue (Oct 25).

Where do I buy concert tickets in Dubai?

Use official sellers only: Platinumlist, coca-cola-arena.com for Arena shows, Live Nation Middle East, and Ticketmaster.ae. Avoid secondary resale sites.

What are the age rules at Dubai concerts?

They vary per event — check the listing. Najwa Karam: 2+, under-16s accompanied; Bloodywood: under-16s accompanied by an 18+; Blue: strictly 14+, under-16s accompanied.

Can I still get Blue tickets for Dhs99?

Live Nation’s Concert Week sale (Sept 28–Oct 4) includes the Oct 25 Blue show at Dhs99 while stocks last. Afterwards, standard prices start from AED 199.

How early should I arrive at Coca-Cola Arena?

At least an hour before doors. City Walk parking fills up on event nights and entry queues form early.