Earlier this week, the Louvre Abu Dhabi announced that its fifth anniversary celebration would feature US singer John Legend as its headliner. Taking place on Nov. 12, the “All of Me” singer’s performance marks the most recent addition to an extensive line-up of live performances, concerts and music festivals taking place within the next month in the UAE.

Kickstarting this line-up is RELM Fest, a brand new festival spearheading The Point’s ‘Recognizing Emerging Local Musicians’ initiative. The festival is free to attend, and will take place during Fall break from Oct. 21 to 23 at The Point at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Five regional artists, including Palestine’s Noel Kharman, Emirati singer-songwriter Hamdan Al Abri and French-Lebanese singer Lea Makhoul, will take to the stage, accompanied by a fireworks show and synchronized fountain displays. More artists and DJs are expected to be announced within the next week.

The weekend after Fall break provides more than a few options for concert lovers to choose from. Oct. 28 will see Jason Derulo return to Dubai after his performance at EXPO 2020 earlier this year, to perform hits like “Want to Want Me,” “Whatcha Say,” and “Jalebi Baby” at the Coca Cola Arena. Tickets for the Silver, Gold and Golden Circle seating sections are still available to purchase at Coca Cola Arena’s official website and at Platinum List starting from 275 AED.

After a similarly successful appearance at EXPO 2020 last year, AR Rahman will return to the UAE on Oct. 29. The Oscar-winning Indian composer’s performance will take place a bit closer to home this time, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Tickets can be purchased on the Etihad Arena official website from 55 AED and on Platinum List from 80 AED. While there are no age restrictions for the event, those aged under 18 years need to be accompanied by someone over 21 years old. The ticket holders also need to present a green Alhosn or vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test for entry.

"After a two-year hiatus, Club Social is coming back to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island for an unmissable edition." said Omar Kawas, the General Manager at the creative events company, BRAG. Serving as a collaboration between BRAG, Live Nation and Yas Island, the 3-day long festival will also take place on Yas Island from Oct. 28 to 30.

Happening at Yas Links Golf Course, the first day will feature the British indie-rock band Kaiser Chiefs and electronic-pop duo Clean Bandit, while the second day will be headlined by Liam Gallagher, best known for being the lead vocalist of Oasis. Both weekend passes, and individual day passes are available to purchase on Ticketmaster and [Platinum List] (https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/84026/club-social-festival-presents-liam-gallagher-kaiser-chiefs-clean-bandit-dj-set-battle-of-the-bands), with official prices starting from 175 AED. However, NYUAD students are eligible for an exclusive university discount of 20 percent off. The discount can be accessed by making use of the ‘hidden links’ for day one and day two and using the code “NYU20” when buying tickets. The third day of Club Social will take a bit of a different direction: with tickets going for only 25 AED, attendees will be afforded the chance to witness local artists face-off in a Battle of the Bands. In addition to the event ticket, a green Alhosn or vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test are required.

NYUAD’s very own Battle of the Bands will take place only a week later on Nov. 6. For the first time since 2019, the East Plaza will set the scene for a showdown between talented NYUAD community members. In addition to being a fantastic chance to experience and watch performances, students, staff and faculty alike are welcome to submit their music and apply for the chance to compete.

Applications are due by Oct. 23. The grand prize is an opportunity to record an EP in the Gazellian Records Studio and will be decided through a combination of the community’s response to the performance and a final vote by a judge. Tickets for this event are free and available to order on Eventbrite.

Finally, as mentioned, John Legend will perform at the Louvre on Nov. 12. With the Silver seating section already sold out, tickets are now available from 595 AED on Platinum List. Similarly to the other Abu Dhabi based events, a Green Alhosn, or vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test are required in order to gain entry to the event.

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are a number of exciting events coming up both in the next month and toward the end of the semester. Some notable mentions include the ABBA Revival Band concert happening at Theatre by Q2E in Dubai on Oct. 28 and 29 and the Filipino boy-group SB19’s performance at Sheikh Rashid Hall of the Dubai World Trade Centre on Oct. 29. One Republic, Cigarettes after Sex, and Ministry of Sound Disco will also headline Amplified Music Festival at Yas Links from Nov. 11 to 13. Keep checking the websites for further information on entry requirements, as these are subject to change.