CLAPTONE AND GROOVE ARMADA TO HEADLINE OPEN-AIR EVENT AT SURF ABU DHABI

Claptone and Groove Armada are heading to Abu Dhabi for an open-air night of house music at Surf Abu Dhabi on Friday, November 13.

Taking place at The Garden on Hudayriyat Island, the event will see a full production stage set up overlooking Surf Abu Dhabi’s wave pool, with James Greene opening the night before Decembr12, Groove Armada, Claptone and Kinsell take over across the evening.

Presented in association with Experience Abu Dhabi and supported by Abu Dhabi House Movement, the night forms part of the opening celebrations surrounding the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Abu Dhabi 2026.

British electronic duo Groove Armada will take over from 9PM with a two-hour DJ set.

With a career spanning almost three decades, the duo are behind tracks including ‘Superstylin’’, ‘I See You Baby’ and ‘At the River’, and have earned three Grammy nominations along the way.

At 11PM, golden-masked DJ and producer Claptone takes control. Known for tracks including ‘No Eyes’ and ‘Heartbeat’, Claptone has performed at major festivals around the world including Tomorrowland and Coachella.

Together, the two headliners bring decades of electronic music history to one of Abu Dhabi’s more unusual settings.

James Greene will be the first DJ behind the decks, opening the event as guests arrive at Surf Abu Dhabi before Decembr12 takes over ahead of the night’s two headliners.

Groove Armada will then step up from 9PM until 11PM, followed by Claptone from 11PM until 12:30AM. Kinsell will handle closing duties, taking the night through until 2AM.

The event arrives as international athletes and visitors descend on Abu Dhabi for the World Triathlon Multisport Championships, forming part of the celebrations around the competition’s opening ceremony.

For November 13, its outdoor event space The Garden will become an open-air electronic music venue, bringing together international headliners and UAE-based talent against the waterfront setting.

Claptone, Groove Armada, James Greene, Decembr12 and Kinsell perform at The Garden, Surf Abu Dhabi, on Friday, November 13. Doors open at 7PM, with General Admission and VIP tickets available via Platinumlist.