Think the arrival of the Grand Prix in the capital is a big event? Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for some non-stop action and events coming to Abu Dhabi over the next few months.

Until May 2010: Abu Dhabi Classics 2009/10
The second Abu Dhabi Classics season kicked off with a stunning debut performance by the New York Philharmonic, and the rest of the season is promising to be just as spectacular. A Valentine’s Gala, Disney in Concert and The Magic of Opera are just some of the highlights within the concert calendar.


4-9 Dec: 3rd Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
Desert hiking, mountain biking, sea-kayaking ... the Abu Dhabi Challenge is the team sporting event for real adrenaline junkies. Teams of four from all around the world sign-up six days of racing across the Emirate as spectators cheer on in a slightly less strenuous style.

8 Dec: The Killers
Following the likes of George Michael, Shakira and Alicia Keys, the edgy, American indie rockers The Killers are the next big headline act to perform in the capital at the spectacular Emirates Palace hotel.

9-19 Dec: 2009 FIFA Club World Cup
A serious highlight for football fans, the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup is being hosted in Abu Dhabi for the first time – seven top teams and some of the world’s greatest football names.

11 Dec: Creamfields Abu Dhabi
A first for the capital Middle East, the famous dance festival will be arriving for a night of international DJ acts and dance music.

31 Dec-2 Jan: Capitala World Tennis Championship
2009 kicked off victoriously with the first edition of the Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, and this year the crowds are expecting another gripping three days. Six international tennis stars including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be taking to the courts in the hope of walking away with the $250,000 prize.

21-24 Jan 2010: Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
There’s more sporting action on the horizon with The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Three of the world’s top ten golfers, including two-time Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner, England’s Paul Cassey, are already confirmed for the 2010 action.

27-31 Jan 2010: Al Ain Aerobatic Show
This breathtaking show assures all eyes are on the skies with top pilots from around the globe performing high-action stunts, races and team performances in the air above the Emirate’s “Garden City”.

5-19 Feb 2010: Gourmet Abu Dhabi
Fifteen days of cooking master classes from some of the world’s top chef’s, exquisite gala dinners and world cuisine made last year’s inaugural Gourmet Abu Dhabi a sell out. This year – don’t expect anything less than a feast of entertainment.

March-April 2010: Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival (ADMAF)
The two week annual festival has gone from strength to strength in the six years it has been running. The 7th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival promises another stunning line-up of performers, including ballet, opera, classical and Arabic music.

April 2010: Red Bull Air Race
The high-flying international air competition draws thousands of spectators to the Corniche in Abu Dhabi to watch top-stunts and some of the world’s fastest pilots compete in a series of challenging obstacle courses.

April 2010: WOMAD Abu Dhabi
Music, arts and culture are the theme behind Peter Gabriel’s world recognised, flag-themed festival. Local and international talent took centre stage last year – and plenty more of the same is expected next April.

Oct 2010: Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF)
The third annual Middle East Festival brought the likes of Frieda Pinto, Demi Moore and Hilary Swank to the red carpet while 128 films from the likes of Egypt, Syria and Iraq played across the Emirate. An absolute must for celebrity-spotters and film fanatics.

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