As the countdown to 2026 begins, the New Year’s Eve concert season is set to dazzle audiences across the Arab world and beyond. This year promises an unprecedented variety of performers and venues, from Cairo and Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Riyadh and Beirut.
With fans eagerly awaiting to celebrate the arrival of the new year alongside their favorite stars, Soul Arabia highlights the standout concerts, what sets them apart from previous years, and the reasons behind the noticeable surge in ticket prices.
Music producer Abdallah Albaddad explained what makes this year’s New Year’s Eve concerts unique: “There’s remarkable diversity in the lineup of artists and the number of countries hosting these events. Audiences have more options than ever, making it easier to plan a night out, especially for those willing to travel to neighboring Arab countries.”
Why New Year’s Eve Concerts 2026 Ticket Prices are Rising
Ticket prices for New Year’s Eve concerts are up compared to regular shows. Albaddad noted: “Prices are higher due to several factors, including artists’ fees for New Year’s Eve performances and the cost of the accompanying musical bands”.
He added: “There is also a rise in hotel and venue prices, which automatically reflects on ticket prices. These concerts are primarily commercial, so promoters seek to raise prices to achieve profit. Yet, I believe there is no big difference between this year’s prices and those of last year.”
Audience Trends and Artist Fees in the 2026 Season
Determining the most in-demand concert is tricky, Albaddad says, assuring that Arab audiences often buy tickets at the last minute, sometimes just a day before the event. “It’s common to see over 50% of tickets sold shortly before the concert begins.”
Regarding artists’ fees, he added: “Fees vary by location and timing. For example, a performance in Cairo may cost less than in Dubai. The highest-paid artists are determined by multiple factors, including location and event timing.”
Requirements and Conditions for New Year’s Eve Stars
When asked about artists’ specific conditions for New Year’s Eve shows, Albaddad said: “Some set requirements for promotion, poster design and size, segment duration, and who participates in the closing act.”
Full Schedule: Major New Year’s Eve Concerts 2026 in the Arab World
Some of the most anticipated New Year’s Eve concerts announced so far include:
Egyptian Singer Angham at SEF Arena, Boulevard City, Riyadh
Lebanese singers Wael Kfoury and Najwa Karam at Arena Festival City, Dubai
Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe and Syrian singer Nassif Zeytoun at Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi
Egyptian singer Mohamed Hamaki and Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram at The St. Regis, Amman
Lebanese singer Wael Jassar at Nakheel Baghdad Complex Theater, Baghdad
Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama at the Beirut Opera House
Lebanese singer Rami Ayach and Egyptian singer Carmen Soliman at a major hotel in Cairo
Tunisian singer Saber Rebai, alongside some popular Egyptian music stars, at a Cairo hotel
This year’s New Year’s Eve concerts promise unforgettable performances, with fans enjoying both the thrill of live music and the variety of star-studded lineups across the region.
