One of the UAE’s biggest music festivals is returning with a lineup packed with international stars.
OFFLIMITS Music Festival will take over Etihad Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on November 21, 2026, bringing together global chart-toppers, acclaimed rock bands and rising regional artists for a full day of live entertainment.
Leading this year’s lineup are Shakira, the Jonas Brothers and three-time GRAMMY Award winner NE-YO, alongside several internationally recognized acts and emerging regional performers. With more artists still expected to be announced, the second edition of OFFLIMITS is shaping up to be one of the largest live music events in the UAE this year.
For music fans in Dubai, the festival offers another major reason to head to Yas Island for a weekend of world-class performances.
A Festival That Brings Every Genre Together
Unlike many music festivals that focus on a single style, OFFLIMITS is designed as an open-format festival, bringing together artists from different genres on one lineup.
Pop, rock, R&B, indie and Arabic music all share the same stage schedule, creating an event that appeals to a wide audience rather than a single fan base.
Throughout the day, festivalgoers can move between performances while enjoying food vendors, interactive experiences, entertainment zones and large-scale stage productions.
The concept has helped OFFLIMITS establish itself as one of the Middle East’s most ambitious live music festivals after only one edition.
Shakira Headlines the Biggest Names
Global superstar Shakira returns to the UAE as the festival’s headline performer.
The Colombian singer has built one of the most successful careers in modern pop music, with worldwide hits including Whenever, Wherever, Hips Don’t Lie and Waka Waka. Known for her energetic live performances, she remains one of the most recognizable artists on the international touring circuit.
Her appearance is expected to draw visitors from across the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
Jonas Brothers Bring Their Stadium Hits
Joining Shakira are the Jonas Brothers, the American trio made up of brothers Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas.
Since their reunion, the group has continued to sell out arenas around the world while releasing new music alongside fan favorites from earlier in their career.
Festival audiences can expect a performance featuring some of their biggest songs, making OFFLIMITS one of the few opportunities to see them perform in the region.
NE-YO Adds R&B to the Lineup
Completing the list of headline performers is NE-YO, whose catalogue includes some of the biggest R&B hits of the past two decades.
Songs including So Sick, Miss Independent, Closer and Because of You have made him one of the defining artists of modern R&B.
His addition strengthens the festival’s open-format approach by bringing another globally recognized genre to the lineup.
More International and Regional Artists
The festival extends well beyond its headline acts.
Confirmed performers include:
Rock and Indie
- Biffy Clyro
- KALEO
- Scouting for Girls
- Toploader
Regional Artists
Festival organizers have also confirmed that more artists will be announced, meaning the lineup is expected to expand before November.
Everything Visitors Need to Know
Why OFFLIMITS Stands Out
The UAE has welcomed some of the world’s biggest touring artists in recent years, but festivals bringing together multiple international headliners remain relatively uncommon.
OFFLIMITS distinguishes itself by offering a broad musical mix rather than focusing on one genre. That means fans can experience global pop stars, rock bands, R&B performers and regional talent during the same event.
Its location at Etihad Park—one of the country’s premier outdoor concert venues—also allows for large-scale productions that match international festival standards.
With thousands of fans expected to attend, OFFLIMITS continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a destination for major entertainment events while giving Dubai residents an easy opportunity to experience a world-class festival just over an hour away.
Planning Your Visit
Etihad Park is located on Yas Island, home to several of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.
Visitors travelling from Dubai can easily make the journey by car, while many choose to extend their trip with an overnight stay on Yas Island to enjoy the area’s hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Since the festival begins in the afternoon and runs into the evening, arriving early is recommended to enjoy the full lineup and avoid peak entry times.
Why This Matters
Major music festivals continue to play an important role in the UAE’s growing entertainment industry, attracting international visitors while giving residents access to world-class live performances closer to home.
With Shakira, the Jonas Brothers and NE-YO sharing one stage alongside an expanding list of international and regional artists, OFFLIMITS 2026 is positioned to be one of the country’s biggest music events of the year.
For anyone planning their concert calendar, this is likely to be one of the standout weekends of the UAE’s 2026 events season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is OFFLIMITS Music Festival 2026?
The festival takes place on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Where is it being held?
The event will be held at Etihad Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Who is headlining the festival?
Shakira, the Jonas Brothers and NE-YO headline the 2026 edition.
Are more artists expected to be announced?
Yes. Festival organisers have confirmed that additional performers will join the lineup before the event.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through the official OFFLIMITS website and authorised ticketing partners.
