Akon has been confirmed as the Saturday night headliner at Emirates Dubai 7s 2026, bringing a familiar voice of 2000s R&B and pop to this year’s festival.
The singer will perform on the Frequency on 8 stage on Saturday, 28 November, after the second day of rugby at The Sevens Stadium, according to organisers.
When and Where Is Akon Performing?
Akon takes the Frequency on 8 stage on Saturday, 28 November. The stage sits at Pitch 8 at The Sevens Stadium on the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66) and hosts the festival’s headline acts after dark.
An exact set time has not yet been announced. Organisers say Sunday’s Frequency on 8 headliner is still to be revealed.
Who Is Akon?
The Senegalese-American singer, songwriter and producer rose to global fame in the mid-2000s with a run of chart hits including “Smack That”, “I Wanna Love You”, “Right Now (Na Na Na)” and “Lonely”.
Organisers say Akon has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. He is also a five-time Grammy nominee, according to Time Out Dubai.
Past Emirates Dubai 7s Headliners
Akon follows a line of international acts at the festival. In 2025, Frequency on 8 featured Shaggy, Sean Paul and FISHER, according to organisers.
Earlier editions have featured Kylie Minogue, Craig David and Becky Hill, as well as Stormzy and Sugababes, What’s On reported.
What to Expect From His Set
Organisers have not released a setlist or set length. As the Saturday headliner, Akon plays the festival’s main evening stage after the day’s rugby has finished.
The set time will be added here once it is announced.
For tickets, transport and the full schedule, see our Emirates Dubai 7s 2026 guide.
Looking for more live music? Mariah Carey brings her Christmas show to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 12 December. For more news and events across the UAE, visit Dubai.News.
Need to Know
- Artist: Akon
- Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
- Stage: Frequency on 8, Pitch 8, The Sevens Stadium
- Access: Saturday day pass or three-day pass
- Set time: To be announced
