In recent years, something has changed. Names you used to see only in London, Berlin, or New York are now appearing in Cairo, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, often in settings that no European city can compete with. From Athens, most of these destinations are just a two to five-hour flight away, so seriously consider a quick trip packed with experiences!
This is the big news of the year. Shakira returns to Egypt after almost twenty years, performing in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with a start time of 20:00.
The concert was originally scheduled for April and was rescheduled. So, if you already had a ticket, it is still valid.
The setting makes all the difference: one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, set against a 4,500-year-old monument. It isn’t just a concert—it’s an image that will make its way around the world.
Tickets: https://ticketegypt.venflare.com/events/6f9c1782-c4d5-4f9a-b2b1-29372e2bdda9
Marrakech International Film Festival — November 20–28
Every night during the festival, a giant screen is set up in the city’s central, historic square. There, everyone (locals and tourists alike) can watch free movies under the stars, in a unique setting filled with vitality, traditional food stalls, musicians, and street performers.
At the same time, major international and Hollywood film stars walk the red carpet at the official venues (such as the Palais des Congrès).
November is also the ideal month for Morocco, featuring mild weather and avoiding the summer crowds.
Schedule: https://marrakech-festival.com/en/home/
MDLBEAST Soundstorm — December 3–4, Riyadh
Fourteen stages set up in the desert, just outside Riyadh, and hundreds of thousands of people. Soundstorm is now the largest music festival in the Middle East, and last year it hosted over 200 artists.
The lineup is usually announced in October or November, so if you’re interested, it’s worth booking your flight and hotel first and getting a ticket as soon as it comes out.
Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi, and The Chainsmokers in Abu Dhabi — December 3–6
The final Formula 1 race at Yas Marina is the biggest party of the year in the Emirates, and the line-up for the Etihad Live concerts proves it:
Thursday: Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi
Friday: Alex Warren
Saturday: Imagine Dragons
Sunday: The Chainsmokers and The Script
The best part is that the concerts are included in the race ticket. That means with one ticket, you get to see four nights of music and the final race of the season.
Tickets: https://www.etihadarena.ae/
Starlight Festival at the Pyramids — October 8–11
EXIT, one of Europe’s largest festivals with a 25-year history in Serbia, is coming to Egypt for the first time and setting up stages literally in front of the Pyramids of Giza.
It is the first multi-day, multi-stage electronic music festival ever held at this location. Over 50 artists, three stages, and two main nights featuring names you usually see in Ibiza or at Tomorrowland:
October 9: Adriatique, Indira Paganotto, Pete Tong, Vintage Culture, WhoMadeWho October 10: Charlotte de Witte, Michael Bibi, Enrico Sangiuliano
Welcome parties and farewell parties are being held in Cairo on October 8 and 11.
Tickets: https://ticketegypt.venflare.com/events/b02a7b85-b469-4a35-9bb0-abbc18f09ac2
For Greek passport holders, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates generally allows for a visa on arrival. For Riyadh, a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa is required, which Greek citizens can apply for through the official portal. For a short tourist visit to Morocco, a pre-issued visa is typically not required, while for Egypt, a visa on arrival or an e-Visa is available. Before traveling, be sure to check the official websites of the respective countries or contact your airline, as rules, allowed duration of stay, and passport requirements can change.
