Ed Sheeran returns to Abu Dhabi: A guide to tickets, travel and concert details
New hits and live surprises await you at OFFLIMITS Festival
DUBAI: Get ready, music lovers. Ed Sheeran is bringing his magic to Abu Dhabi once again, headlining the highly anticipated OFFLIMITS Festival at Etihad Park, Yas Island, today.
Fans across the UAE and beyond have been eagerly counting down the days, and if you are wondering whether you can still grab a ticket – the answer is yes, but you will need to move fast.
Festival-goers can expect an electrifying atmosphere as gates open at 3PM, with the venue set to stay alive until 3AM. Sheeran is scheduled to take the stage at 9.45PM sharp, under the sparkling Abu Dhabi skies.
Alongside Sheeran, the OFFLIMITS line-up boasts an impressive roster of international stars, including OneRepublic, Kaiser Chiefs, Faithless, and a host of rising talents from the region and beyond.
Ticket information
Fans eager to catch the British superstar live can still secure general admission tickets priced at Dh495. Those looking for an elevated experience can opt for premium standing tickets at Dh895. However, VIP options like the Limitless Lounge have already sold out, a testament to the high demand for this landmark event. Tickets are available for purchase, but with the excitement building, availability is dwindling quickly.
The OFFLIMITS Festival promises a genre-spanning feast of music, mixing pop, rock, EDM and indie sounds across futuristic stages designed by acclaimed architect Florian Wieder, best known for his work with Beyoncé. With over 20 acts scheduled and an expected crowd of 40,000, it is shaping up to be the biggest open-format music celebration the Middle East has ever seen.
How to get there
Travelling from Dubai? Careem has launched a special ‘concert rides’ service specifically for the event. The 10-hour round-trip package offers a stress-free journey with two options: a Comfort ride for four people at Dh749 or a Max ride for up to six passengers at Dh849. Pre-booking is available now through the Careem app, with a curated playlist included to get you in the festival mood.
For those already in Abu Dhabi, Careem is offering a 20 percent discount on two rides within the city using the promo code OFF20. Public intercity bus services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also operating as usual, providing another travel option. However, no special public transport arrangements have been announced, so planning ahead is strongly advised.
Parking spaces around Etihad Park will be available but are expected to fill up quickly. Early arrival is recommended to avoid delays and to enjoy the full spectrum of performances from early afternoon onwards.
Ed Sheeran in UAE
Ed Sheeran's connection with UAE audiences goes back nearly a decade. His first appearance in the Emirates was in 2015, when he performed a sold-out show at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Armed with only a guitar and a loop pedal, Sheeran created an unforgettable experience, winning hearts with hits like The A Team and Thinking Out Loud.
In 2017, he returned to close out his world tour at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai, despite having recently suffered a bicycle injury. Sheeran powered through the pain, delivering a memorable two-hour set that left fans clamouring for more.
The scale of his performances grew even larger in 2024, when he staged two massive sold-out shows at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Drawing nearly 69,000 fans, Sheeran performed on a colossal revolving 360-degree stage, supported by six towering masts and over 55 tonnes of equipment. The spectacle featured pyrotechnics, giant screens, and fireworks – but true to form, Sheeran kept the focus firmly on his music, using his signature live looping technique to create a one-man symphony.
This time around, Sheeran arrives in Abu Dhabi following the release of his latest single, Azizam, and a surprise appearance at the iconic Coachella festival earlier this month. Fans can expect a blend of new material and beloved classics, making this a night to remember.