As the spring season settles in, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its reputation as a global capital for world-class leisure and entertainment. The month of March arrives with a particularly diverse portfolio of experiences, ranging from high-octane digital sports to the timeless charm of West End theatre. Whether you are looking for a deep dive into Emirati heritage or a sophisticated evening of classical music, the city’s curated schedule ensures there is something for every resident and visitor.

Here are four essential events to add to your Abu Dhabi itinerary this month:

1. Celebrate Global Heritage at the Sheikh Zayed Festival

Running until 22 March at the expansive Al Wathba grounds, the Sheikh Zayed Festival remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations in the region. Named in honor of the UAE’s founding father, the festival is a massive, open-air tribute to traditional Emirati life and global diversity.

Visitors can wander through meticulously designed country pavilions that showcase the food, music, and crafts of dozens of nations. Beyond the cultural exchange, the festival is a hub for family fun, featuring the “Extreme Week” stunts, a massive funfair, and the signature nightly fireworks that light up the desert sky. It is a rare opportunity to see traditional falconry and dhow-building demonstrations alongside modern drone shows.

2. Witness the Magic of Mary Poppins at Etihad Arena

Marking a major milestone for the city’s performing arts scene, the world-renowned stage production of Mary Poppins makes its Abu Dhabi debut on 25 March. Taking over the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Yas Island, this Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production is a masterclass in theatrical “supercalifragilistic” magic.

The musical brings the beloved 1964 film and P.L. Travers’ original stories to life with breathtaking choreography and classic numbers like Step in Time and Feed the Birds. With its high-flying stunts and intricate set designs, it is set to be the premier family event of the season, proving that a spoonful of sugar is exactly what the capital needs this March.

3. Bask in the Glow of Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

For those seeking a more contemplative and atmospheric evening, the Candlelight Concert series returns on 28 March. This edition focuses on Antonio Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons, performed by a talented string quartet in a venue completely transformed by the soft glow of thousands of candles.

This experience is designed to break down the barriers of traditional classical music, offering an intimate and accessible setting for everyone. The acoustics of the venue, combined with the gentle flickering of candlelight, create a multi-sensory environment that makes Vivaldi’s 18th-century compositions feel remarkably modern and moving.

4. Experience High-Speed Thrills at the Gran Turismo World Series

Also on 28 March, the adrenaline shifts from the concert hall to the digital track. Abu Dhabi plays host to the Gran Turismo World Series, where the world’s elite sim-racers descend on the capital to compete for global supremacy.

This isn’t just “gaming”; it is a professional motorsport event that demands incredible precision and physical endurance. As the line between virtual and reality continues to blur, spectators can expect high-intensity drama as drivers navigate hyper-realistic versions of the world’s most famous circuits. It is a perfect addition to Abu Dhabi’s sporting calendar, reflecting the city’s forward-thinking embrace of e-sports.

Abu Dhabi in March offers a rich tapestry of experiences where tradition, art, and innovation live side-by-side.