Shah Rukh Khan is bringing his own music festival to the UAE. UNIFYD Festival Abu Dhabi takes over Etihad Live on Yas Island for one night on Saturday 20 March 2027, with Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla and Sonu Nigam headlining and more than 15 artists across several stages. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 10:30AM, only on the District app, with an Emirates NBD presale a day earlier. Here is everything confirmed so far: the line-up, the venue, the ticket dates and the rules for the night.
Last updated: 17 October 2026, from District’s official event page and the organisers’ announcement. We’ll update this page when prices and the full line-up are released.
UNIFYD Festival Abu Dhabi at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 20 March 2027 |
| Venue | Etihad Live, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Gates open | 3PM |
| Show | 5PM to 2AM |
| Curated by | Shah Rukh Khan |
| Headliners | Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, Sonu Nigam |
| Artists | 15+ across multiple stages |
| Emirates NBD presale | Monday 19 October 2026, 9:30AM to Tuesday 20 October, 9:30AM |
| General sale | Tuesday 20 October 2026, 10:30AM |
| Tickets | District app only |
| Prices | Not announced yet |
| Age | 5 and above, everyone needs a ticket |
What is UNIFYD?
UNIFYD is a new one-day Indian music festival conceived and curated by Shah Rukh Khan. It is produced by D’YAVOL Live, part of the D’YAVOL collective Khan co-founded with Aryan Khan, Leti Blagoeva and Bunty Singh, together with the ticketing platform District. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Miral are partners, and Emirates NBD is the associate partner.
The idea, in Khan’s words, is simple: he has spent a lifetime telling stories on screen and watching them bring people together, and music has that same power. Abu Dhabi is the debut edition. The organisers have said the festival could travel to other cities after that.
Who is performing at UNIFYD Abu Dhabi?
Three headliners are confirmed, with the rest of the line-up still to come.
- Arijit Singh. The voice behind Tum Hi Ho, Kesariya, Channa Mereya and most of the last decade’s biggest Bollywood love songs, and a two-time National Film Award winner.
- Karan Aujla. The Punjabi star behind Tauba Tauba and Softly, with a huge following in the UAE’s South Asian community.
- Sonu Nigam. One of Indian music’s most loved voices. According to the organisers, UNIFYD will be his first-ever performance at a music festival.
The organisers say more than 15 artists will perform across multiple stages, covering different generations of Indian music. The full line-up has not been announced yet.
When and where is UNIFYD Festival?
UNIFYD takes place on Saturday 20 March 2027 at Etihad Live on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It is a one-day festival. According to District’s event page, gates open at 3PM and the music runs from 5PM until 2AM.
Yas Island is about 90 minutes by car from central Dubai, and the festival falls on a Saturday night, so a Dubai day trip is realistic. If you would rather stay over, Yas Island’s hotels tend to fill up around big concerts, so book early.
When do UNIFYD Festival Abu Dhabi tickets go on sale?
Tickets are sold exclusively on the District app. There are two sale windows:
| Sale | When (UAE time) | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD presale | Mon 19 Oct 2026, 9:30AM to Tue 20 Oct, 9:30AM | Emirates NBD cardholders only |
| General sale | Tue 20 Oct 2026, 10:30AM | Everyone |
A few things to know:
- Ticket prices have not been announced. District’s page lists them as “coming soon”.
- The presale is a 24-hour window for Emirates NBD cardholders. If you have a card, this is your best chance at the cheapest categories.
- Download the District app and create your account before Tuesday morning. Big Indian-artist sales in the UAE tend to move fast.
Check the District app for the final prices and terms on the day. Ticket rules and prices can change.
What are the rules at UNIFYD Abu Dhabi?
From District’s official event page:
- Entry is for ages 5 and above, and everyone aged 5 and up needs a ticket.
- It is an outdoor venue with a standing area only. There is no seating.
- Food and drinks are sold on site, with veg and non-veg options.
- Limited wheelchair accessibility, with staff on hand to help, and accessible washrooms.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Medical support on site is first aid only.
Is UNIFYD worth the trip from Dubai?
If you have been waiting for Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla or Sonu Nigam to come back to the UAE, this is three of them in one night, plus a dozen more acts, at a venue built for big outdoor shows. For Dubai residents it is a Saturday evening on Yas Island and a drive home, or a weekend if you make a trip of it.
For the latest Dubai and Abu Dhabi events, follow @dubaisecret_ on Instagram.
