English language entertainment in the UAE

UAE (especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi) offers extensive English-language entertainment with approximately 75% expat population, including movie theaters (VOX, Reel, Novo showing Hollywood films), theater venues hosting international productions (Dubai Opera, Etihad Arena), and live music venues. English TV channels include OSN, beIN Sports, BBC, CNN. English newspapers: The National, Gulf News, Khaleej Times. Movie tickets AED 35-75 standard, AED 100-200 premium. Most entertainment is tax-free with modern facilities. Browse more UAE guides on our blog.

English-Language Entertainment in Dubai

Since around 75% of Dubai population is expats, the city boasts thriving English-language entertainment across all categories.

Movie Theaters in Dubai

• VOX Cinemas: Largest chain, premium formats (IMAX, 4DX, Gold Class), multiple malls
• Reel Cinemas: Dubai Mall, Marina Mall - luxury recliners, gourmet snacks
• Novo Cinemas: IMG Worlds, Ibn Battuta Mall - premium experiences
• Tickets: AED 35-75 standard, AED 100-200 premium formats
• Films: Hollywood releases same day as US/UK, some minor censorship

Theater and Dance in Dubai

• Dubai Opera: World-class venue, Broadway shows, classical performances, ballet
• The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates: International productions, musicals
• Coca-Cola Arena: Major concerts, comedy shows, sporting events
• DUCTAC (Mall of the Emirates): Local theater productions, art exhibitions
• The Junction: Independent theater, smaller productions

Live Music Venues in Dubai

• Hard Rock Cafe: Live rock bands, international acts
• Jazz@Pizza Express: Jazz performances nightly
• Blue Bar (Novotel): Live music, relaxed atmosphere
• The Music Room: Live bands, dance floor
• Fridge Concerts: Warehouse venue for alternative/indie music
• Major venues: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera host international artists

TV and Radio in Dubai

English TV Channels:

• OSN (Orbit Showtime Network) - cable/satellite, HBO, sports
• beIN Sports - sports coverage
• BBC World News, CNN International
• National Geographic, Discovery
• Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ all available

English Radio Stations:

• Dubai Eye 103.8 FM - talk radio, news
• Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4 FM - contemporary hits
• Dubai 92 - pop music
• Radio 1 - dance/electronic music

English Newspapers in Dubai

• The National: Major English daily, UAE/international news
• Gulf News: Long-established, comprehensive coverage
• Khaleej Times: Daily newspaper, business focus
• Emirates 24/7: Online news portal
• Time Out Dubai: Entertainment/lifestyle magazine
• International papers available at hotels/bookstores

English-Language Entertainment in Abu Dhabi

Movie Theaters in Abu Dhabi

• VOX Cinemas: Yas Mall, Nation Towers, premium formats
• Reel Cinemas: Marina Mall - luxury seating
• Star Cinemas: Mushrif Mall
• Novo Cinemas: Al Wahda Mall, Al Ghazal Mall
• Same pricing/format as Dubai (AED 35-75 standard)

Theater and Dance in Abu Dhabi

• Etihad Arena: Yas Island - major concerts, international shows
• Cultural Foundation: Local and international performances
• Emirates Palace Auditorium: Concerts, cultural events
• NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center: Performances, exhibitions
• Manarat Al Saadiyat: Contemporary performances

Live Music Venues in Abu Dhabi

• Stars N Bars: Live music, sports bar atmosphere
• Jazz Bar & Dining: Hilton Abu Dhabi - live jazz
• Belgian Cafe: Live bands on weekends
• MAD on Yas Island: Nightclub with international DJs
• Etihad Arena: Major international concerts

TV and Radio in Abu Dhabi

English TV Channels: Same as Dubai (OSN, beIN Sports, BBC, CNN, streaming services)

English Radio Stations:

• Abu Dhabi FM 94.5 - pop/contemporary
• Radio 2 99.3 FM - classic hits
• Emirates FM - talk radio

English Newspapers in Abu Dhabi

• Same newspapers as Dubai (The National, Gulf News, Khaleej Times)
• The National headquartered in Abu Dhabi
• International papers widely available

Entertainment Apps and Websites

Movie Bookings

• VOX Cinemas app
• Reel Cinemas app
• Novo Cinemas app
• Entertainers.app (discounts)

Event Listings

• Time Out Dubai/Abu Dhabi
• What's On Dubai/Abu Dhabi
• Platinumlist.net (ticket booking)
• Dubai Calendar app

Comedy and Stand-Up

• The Laughter Factory: Monthly international comedians touring UAE
• Dubai Comedy Festival: Annual event
• Coca-Cola Arena: Major comedy acts
• Various hotel venues: Regular comedy nights

Festivals and Annual Events

Dubai

• Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan-Feb): Entertainment, sales, fireworks
• Dubai Jazz Festival (Feb-Mar): International jazz artists
• Dubai Comedy Festival (Various): Stand-up comedy
• Dubai Food Festival (Feb-Mar): Culinary events

Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Festival (Mar-Apr): Arts and culture
• Formula 1 Grand Prix (Nov): F1 race with concerts
• Mother of the Nation Festival: Cultural events

Streaming Services Available

• Netflix (full catalog)
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney+
• Apple TV+
• Shahid (Arabic content + some English)
• OSN Streaming
• Spotify (music)
• Anghami (music - Arabic focus)

Censorship and Content Restrictions

What's Censored

• Excessive violence or gore
• Sexual content
• Content critical of Islam or UAE
• Drug use glorification
• LGBTQ+ themes (may be edited or banned)

What's Available

• Most Hollywood films (with minor edits)
• International TV shows
• Streaming services (some titles may be unavailable)
• Live performances (subject to approval)

Entertainment Costs

Typical Prices

• Cinema tickets: AED 35-75 (standard), AED 100-200 (premium)
• Theater shows: AED 150-500
• Concerts: AED 200-2,000 depending on artist
• OSN cable package: AED 150-400/month
• Netflix: AED 29-56/month
• Comedy show: AED 100-300

Family Entertainment

• KidZania Dubai: Interactive city for children
• IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor theme park
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Ski Dubai: Indoor skiing
• Wild Wadi Water Park
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• Yas Waterworld

Booking Tickets

Online Platforms

• Platinumlist.net - events, concerts, shows
• Virgin Megastore UAE - concert tickets
• Q-Tickets - various events
• Ticketmaster Middle East
• Individual venue websites/apps