Let’s be honest, we have all had a moment where we belted out the chorus to Another Love a little too loudly in the car. It’s practically a rite of passage. If you are ready to trade the car acoustics for the real deal, you are in luck. Tom Odell is touching down in Dubai this weekend, and the buzz around City Walk is already building.
The British singer-songwriter is set to take over the Coca-Cola Arena this Saturday, January 24, 2026. If you have seen him live before, you know this isn’t just a guy sitting at a piano—it’s a full-body workout of emotion. He hammers the keys, stands on the stool, and commands the room in a way few ballad singers can.
Coming off a massive run of shows supporting Billie Eilish in Europe and the US, Odell is bringing his A-game to the UAE. Whether you are a “day one” fan from the Long Way Down era or you discovered his haunting track Black Friday through TikTok trends last year, this gig promises to be one of the highlight events of January.
Tickets: What’s Left and What It Costs
Okay, let’s talk logistics because nobody likes showing up to a sold-out sign. As of writing, there are still tickets available, but the “good spots” are moving fast.
If you are planning a last-minute weekend plan, here is the damage to your wallet:
- Silver (Reserved Seating): Dhs295 – Good for those who want to enjoy the music without standing for three hours.
- Gold (Reserved Seating): Dhs395 – Better views, central positioning.
- Floor Standing: Dhs395 – This is strictly for the 21+ crowd. If you want to be close enough to see the sweat on his brow (and the intensity of that piano playing), this is where you need to be.
You can grab these directly via the Coca-Cola Arena site or Live Nation. Just a heads-up: digital tickets are the norm now, so make sure your phone is charged and the brightness is up when you get to the scanners.
The Setlist: Sad Bangers and New Anthems
Tom Odell has evolved a lot since his debut. While he knows we are all waiting for that song (and yes, he will play it, usually as the grand finale), his recent material is some of his strongest work yet.
His 2024 album Black Friday stripped back the production and focused on raw, unfiltered lyrics about anxiety and the weirdness of modern life. It resonated massively here in the UAE, where the hustle culture is real.
What are we likely to hear? Based on his recent tour stops, the setlist is a mix of high-energy jams and quiet, intimate moments. Expect to hear:
- “Black Friday”: The track that went viral for a reason. It hits different live.
- “Best Day of My Life”: ironically uplifting and melancholic at the same time.
- “Heal”: A fan favorite that usually gets the whole arena quiet.
- “Can’t Pretend”: Because we need that dramatic piano intro.
- “Another Love”: Get your flashlights ready.
The “City Walk” Logistics Guide
We all know the drill—Dubai traffic on a Saturday evening can be a test of patience. The Coca-Cola Arena is smack in the middle of City Walk, which is great for vibes but tricky for cars.
Parking Strategies: If you are driving, the arena parking fills up instantly. Your best bet is the Red Parking at City Walk. It is underground, massive, and only a short walk to the arena plaza. If you are trying to save a few Dirhams and get your steps in, parking at Dubai Mall near the Fashion Avenue extension and walking across the link bridge is a solid hack (plus, getting out is usually easier).
Metro: The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is the closest, but keep in mind it’s not exactly “doorstep” service. It’s a good 15-minute walk (or a quick Careem ride) to the arena doors. Given the weather is perfect right now, the walk is actually quite pleasant.
Where to Eat Before the Show
You can’t sing sad songs on an empty stomach. Since you are in City Walk, skip the arena concession lines and grab a proper meal nearby. The area has transformed recently with the new licensed district, C2.
- For a quick bite: Pickl is right there if you want a burger that hits the spot. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s quick.
- For a sit-down vibe: Try Mythos at C2 for some Greek food that feels like a warm hug, or Nola if you want to keep the energy high with some jazz and jambalaya before heading to the concert.
Why You Should Go
Look, we have a lot of concerts in Dubai. From massive pop stars to throwback bands, the calendar is packed. But Tom Odell offers something a bit more grounded. His shows don’t rely on pyrotechnics or backup dancers; it’s just pure musicianship.
He has a way of making a 17,000-seat arena feel like a small jazz club in London. He talks to the crowd, he improvises, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. In a city that loves luxury and polish, seeing something so raw is genuinely refreshing.
If you are free this Saturday, grab a ticket. It’s going to be one of those nights where you leave feeling a little bit lighter than when you walked in.
See you in the standing pit!
Read more:
12 Exciting Things to Do This Weekend in Dubai
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