20 brilliant things to look forward to in Abu Dhabi this October

Making the most of October…

Festive season, here we come. Things are picking up pace in the capital – as the festive season rolls around, so does all the fun and this is a great time to be here. Comedians, Christmas and crawling your way around the city. Here is your October in Abu Dhabi.

Go seaside brunching at the newly reopened Sand & Koal

On Saturdays we brunch…at Sand & Koal’s brand new ‘By the Sea’ brunch from noon to 4pm, complete with a family-style feast and live entertainment. Packages start at Dhs380 for food and soft beverages.

Sand & Koal, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Sun, starting Oct 26, 12pm to 4pm, starts at Dhs380, @sandandkoal.uae

Catch an art exhibition

Head over to Artbooth Gallery to catch renowned Emirati artist Sarah Alagroobi’s solo exhibit titled Slanted Dreamscape. Explore Alagroobi’s evocative and textured landscapes, offering a distinctive insight into her dreamlike visions.

Artbooth Gallery, Centro Capital Center by Rotana, Oct 27, @artboothgallery

Go surfing at the all-new Surf Abu Dhabi

Surf at the biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility in the world, right here on Hudayriyat Island. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a Bambi-esque beginner, there’s something for everyone here.

Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island, coming soon, @surfabudhabi

Get joyful at Hidden Bar’s happy hour

The Sundown Specials at Hidden Bar are all about having a good time – sip on your favourites and sample innovative drinks at 50 per cent off on select options from 5pm to 7pm, every day

Hidden Bar, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, daily, 5pm to 7pm, 50 per cent off,  @rosewoodabudhabi

Watch hoopers in their element at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games

Witness the professionals shooting their shot, as 17-time NBA champs Boston Celtics will take on defending champions Denver Nuggets in two pre-season games at the Etihad Arena.

NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Oct 4 and 6, @etihadarena.ae

Get a dose of elite nostalgia with Backstreet Boys

Performing as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, arguably the most legendary boyband of all time are on their way to light up the stage in the capital. Catch the Backstreet Boys singing their greatest hits and dance along.

Backstreet Boys, Etihad Arena, Oct 23, tickets start at Dhs325, @etihadarena.ae

Laugh out loud with Matt Rife

The unfiltered funnyman and crowd-work king will be taking the stage at Etihad Arena as part of his global ProbleMATTic tour. The comedian is quite in demand, having gone viral on social media recently – this is your chance.

Matt Rife, Etihad Arena, Oct 27, tickets start at Dhs295, @etihadarena.ae

Be enthralled by Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate

The ultimate family entertainment extravaganza will return to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, where you can meet Mickey and the gang, set sail with Moana, bring back summer with Anna and Elsa and jam with the Toy Story gang.

Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate, Etihad Arena, Oct 16 to 20, tickets start at Dhs175, @etihadarena.ae

Entertain the whole family with Stick Man Live on Stage

Stick Man Live on Stage will arrive in Abu Dhabi all the way from London’s West End, and this adaptation of the much-loved story book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is about to share a touching, funny and original production with you. One for the family.

Stick Man Live on Stage, ERTH Hotel, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, October 11 and 12, shows at 3pm and 6pm, from Dhs155, virginmegastore.me

Discover a new sport (?) with Power Slap

As part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC CEO Dana White is bringing Power Slap to Abu Dhabi for its international debut. Headlining the event in the UAE capital will be a clash of legends of the sport.

Power Slap 9, Space 42 Arena, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, Thursday October 24, from Dhs150, @powerslap. @adshowdownweek.

Throw it back with Take That

The iconic boyband, comprising musicians Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen will return to the capital for their second performance of the year, on Friday October 25.

Take That Live, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Friday October 25, from Dhs299, ticketmaster.ae

UFC 308

It’s that time of year again, and UFC 308 is coming to the Etihad Arena on October 26. With a great featherweight contest confirmed against Ilia Topuria and second-ranked Max Holloway, as well as No.3 ranked Robert Whittaker taking on Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event, this is going to be a fight night to remember.

UFC 308, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 26, etihadarena.ae

Meet the footballing legends

As part of an incredible week of programming planned for you, NBA Fan Appreciation Day, this Saturday, October 5 will feature some of the biggest names in the history of football. From Roberto Carlos to Iker Casillas, Luís Figo, Ronaldinho to Thierry Henry and Gerard Piqué will compete in a 3 vs. 3 contest at the Etihad Arena.

Try a taste of Sushisamba in the capital

The beloved Dubai institution and celebrity hotspot is opening doors in Abu Dhabi this month – renowned for its Insta-breaking decor, jaw-dropping views and menu of Japanese, Peruvian fusion dishes. Don’t miss out.

Sushisamba Abu Dhabi, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, opening October,  sushisambaabudhabi.com

Check out a new beach club

Inspired by the ‘joie de vivre’ mindset of Greece, Ilios Beach Club will be your one-stop destination for poolside parties and flavourful dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, when you’re on Hudayriyat.

Ilios, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, midnight to 1am daily. Tel: (0)2 419 8508, @_iliosbeachclub

Indulge in all the autumn feels at Jones the Grocer

This fan-favourite spot is bringing back its very own Pumpkin Spice Latte in honour of spooky season. The limited-edition drink will be available starting from October 1 to November 1, so don’t forget to grab yours.

Jones the Grocer, across various locations, Oct 1 to Nov 1, @jonesthegrocer

Go anime crazy at Animenia

Animenia Abu Dhabi invites Anime fans to escape to Neo-Tokyo with Nippon-inspired live entertainment, world-famous anime directors, voice actors, manga artists, video game creators, cosplayers, and characters from hit shows including Naruto, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hello Kitty.

Get creative with Feels

Feels has partnered with FoscArt for a hands-on experience crafting beach-inspired accessories with an eco-conscious twist. Use recycled plastic, paper beads, seashells, and fabric scraps. For Dhs100, tickets to the workshop include access to all materials, a drink, and a main dish.

Feels, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Oct 5, Dhs100, Tel: (0) 54 582 1338, @wearefeels 

Celebrate World Teacher’s Day with Sand Dollar

This well-loved, homegrown boutique is all about chic luxury, offering handpicked luxe resort wear for women, men and children. On Saturday October 5, avail a generous 20 per cent discount off its entire range.

@sanddollardubai

Try a homegrown Italian eat

Andreas Di Venezia is officially open at Andalus Al Seef Resort and Spa and is bringing a homegrown slice of Italy to the capital. Tuck into wholesome and authentic food in a welcoming space for the whole family.

Andreas Di Venezia, Andalus Al Seef Resort and Spa, daily, 7.30am to 1am, Tel: (0) 50 130 4511, @andreasdivenezia 

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