9 brilliant things to do in Abu Dhabi in October

Hello, October…

‘Time is a social construct’  is a resounding feeling in the What’s On HQ these days. How are we already looking October in it’s big, sparkly, festive face? It might be mind-boggling, but it’s also just as exciting, because there’s loads of fun, wonderful things to do in the capital this month. You saw it here it first, folks.

Here are 9 awesome things to do in Abu Dhabi in October

Tango Night at Maté

When: Fridays in October

Welcome the weekend in style with Tango Night at Maté, where Fridays are all about delectable dinner and dance magic. From 8.30pm to 10.30pm at Dhs300 per person, enjoy a fusion of Argentinian and Lebanese fare with a Tango show.

Maté, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Abu Dhabi, Fridays, 8.30pm, to 10.30pm, Tel: (0) 2 407 1138, hyattrestaurants.com

NBA pre-season hooping at the Etihad Arena

 When: October 5 and 7

It’s the return of the NBA pre-season friendly face-offs, and this time it’s the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves warming up with a set of matches at, you know it, the Etihad Arena. Tickets start at Dh245.

Etihad Arena, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Oct 5 and 7, 8pm, tickets start at Dhs245, Tel: (600) 511115, etihadarena.ae

The Exceptional Chef series at José by Pizarro

When: October 14

The final chef in The Exceptional Chef Series is Kim Alter, captain at Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant Nightbird. She’s joining forces with José by Pizzaro for just one day to bring you a fusion feast from 12pm to 10pm.

José by Pizarro, Conrad Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Oct 14, 12pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 2 811 5666, @josebypizzaro

Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet at the Cultural Foundation

When: October 20 and 21

Everyone’s favourite childhood fairytale is coming to the Cultural Foundation in a new look, with classical ballet and an original score. There are evening and afternoon shows, with tickets from Dhs175.

Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi, Oct 20 and 21, tickets start at Dhs175, Tel: (0) 2 657 6348, culturalfoundation.ae

Diving into scuba diving at The National Aquarium

When: Throughout October

For all the folks out there who wish to make a change, The National Aquarium offers the PADI Discover SCUBA diving programme, which will teach you everything you need to know about diving. Sessions start at Dhs950.

The National Aquarium, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi, Tel: (0) 2 418 6666, thenationalaquarium.ae

Getting your ramen fix at SLRP by 3Fils

 When: Throughout October

The newly opened SLRP by 3Fils, located in Yas Mall, is a homegrown brand serving
handcrafted, freshly made ramen, kushiyaki and sushi. If you are a lover of authentic Japanese food, this one’s for you.

SLRP, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily, 12pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 54 252 3905,  @slrp.ramen

LOBI LOBI by Pascale Marthine Tayou at Cultural Foundation

When: Throughout October

Cameroonian contemporary artist Pascale Marthine Tayou’s exhibition at the Cultural
Foundation is a mix of sculptures and installations titled LOBI LOBI, named after a poem by the artist, and can be viewed until November 26, 2023.

LOBI LOBI by Pascale Marthine Tayou, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi, until November 26, 2023, Tel: (0) 2 657 6348, culturalfoundation.ae

Beauty glow up at Bloomingdale’s

When: Throughout October

Head over to Reem Mall to check out the first ever global beauty outlet by Bloomingdale’s featuring exclusive products, virtual makeup trials, masterclasses, and a whole lot of luxury. It’s a beauty enthusiast’s haven.

Bloomingdale’s, Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi, @bloomingdalesme

Wishing for winter with Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks

 When: Throughout October

We don’t really have autumn here, but we can sure pretend like we do with Starbucks’ incredibly iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Marking 20 years, their new range of pumpkin-Pinterest-perfect drinks is available at outlets across the UAE.

Starbucks, across various locations, @starbucksuae

Images: Supplied/Unsplash