Global superstar Mariah Carey will make a highly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi in February 2026, headlining the new season of Saadiyat Nights. Following her sold-out debut at the open-air concert series in early 2024, the five-time Grammy winner will bring her signature vocals, chart-topping hits, and new material from her latest album Here For It All to the UAE capital.
A triumphant return to the capital
Organisers have confirmed that Mariah Carey will perform on 7 February 2026 at Saadiyat Nights, held on Saadiyat Island. Her return follows overwhelming fan demand after her first performance at the concert series in January 2024, which sold out weeks in advance and was celebrated for its energy, vocal brilliance, and starlit ambience.The 2025–2026 edition of Saadiyat Nights is shaping up to be a standout event in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar. The open-air music series, known for bringing world-class performers to the capital, will once again feature an impressive roster of international talent alongside Carey’s headline show.
A legacy of record breaking success
With more than 200 million albums sold globally, 19 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, and five Grammy Awards, Mariah Carey remains the best-selling female artist of all time. Her influence on pop and R&B spans more than three decades, defined by her five-octave range and timeless hits such as Hero, Fantasy, Always Be My Baby, We Belong Together, Dreamlover, and One Sweet Day.Carey’s live performances are renowned for their mix of vocal mastery and emotional connection, a hallmark that has made her concerts a global draw. Her upcoming Abu Dhabi show promises to blend nostalgic anthems with new material, celebrating both her musical legacy and continued evolution as an artist.
The new album — “Here For It All”
Mariah Carey’s latest project, Here For It All, released on 26 September 2025 through gamma, marks her 16th studio album and her first major release in nearly eight years. The album debuted at No. 1 across several Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Top R&B Albums, and Independent Albums.The record, produced in collaboration with Anderson .Paak, Kehlani, Shenseea, and The Clark Sisters, reflects a mix of pop, soul, disco, and gospel influences. It continues Carey’s impressive streak of placing new releases in the Billboard 200 top ten — a run that spans 35 years. Critics have praised the album for balancing contemporary production with Carey’s trademark vocal artistry.
A star studded Saadiyat Nights line up
The Saadiyat Nights 2025–2026 season will feature a diverse set of global artists, creating a month-long celebration of music in Abu Dhabi. Alongside Carey’s headline concert, the confirmed line-up includes:
- Ludovico Einaudi – 10 January 2026
- Lewis Capaldi – 17 January 2026
- John Mayer – 24 January 2026
- Ricky Martin – 31 January 2026
- Bryan Adams – 11 February 2026
Additional international acts are expected to be announced in the coming months, further elevating the series’ global appeal.Tickets for Mariah Carey’s concert on 7 February 2026, along with passes for the full Saadiyat Nights series, are available now via Ticketmaster.ae.
