Top things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend

Looking for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend? We have you covered

This article was updated on December 3, 2025.

The weekend’s calling and Abu Dhabi’s answering in full flavour, sound, and style. Here are easy ways to lift your weekend, whether you want a long lazy brunch, a night of fine dining or a slow sunset reset by the sea. Pick your mood and let Abu Dhabi do the rest.

Explore the Stories of a Nation at Zayed National Museum

Image: Zayed National Museum

If you have been waiting for the perfect moment to visit the new landmark of the Cultural District, this is it. Zayed National Museum stands tall and proud on Saadiyat, home to more than 3,000 objects that tell the story of this land across 300,000 years. You will find fossils older than imagination, quiet treasures like the late Sheikh Zayed’s asa, and rare photographs that trace the roots of the Al Nahyan family. Set aside a few hours.

Location: Saadiyat Island, Cultural District

Time: 10am to 6pm

Cost: Adults Dhs70, UAE university students Dhs35, UAE employed teachers Dhs35. Free for children under 18, people of determination and their companions, UAE based seniors aged 60 and above, journalists on assignment, ICOM and ICOMOS members

Contact: 600 565566

Step Into the Natural World at the New Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

The newest gem on Saadiyat is already making waves as the region’s largest natural history museum. Inside, the story of life on Earth unfolds from an Arabian point of view, grounding global history in the landscape we call home. It is expansive, beautiful, and full of moments that pull you in with wonder.

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District

Time: 10am to 6.30pm on weekdays, until 8.30pm on weekends

Cost: Dhs70

Contact: Visit Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi for more information

Lounge, Dip, and Dine at The Lean Rooftop Pool Deck

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If the weekend calls for sunshine and something cold in your hand, The Lean at Andaz Capital Gate has you covered. The rooftop feels like an escape, with music, design, and skyline views that invite you to stay longer than planned. Weekend pool access is fully redeemable, or gather your people and book a private cabana with a bottle of bubbles. The weekday Bento Affair is a flavour packed treat with a starter, main, side, and two drinks for Dhs185.

Location: Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

Contact: (050) 765 6435

Toast to the Weekend with Spritz at The Ritz

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When Friday rolls around, there’s no better way to ease into the weekend than with a glass (or three) of spritz. Sorso’s Spritz at The Ritz is a three-hour ode to Italy’s most refreshing cocktail, paired with cold cuts and cheese that hit just right. Settle in, sip slow, and let the good times flow.

Location: Sorso, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi

Time: Friday, 7pm to 11pm

Cost: Dhs185 for three hours of unlimited spritz cocktails with cold cuts and cheese platter

Contact: (02) 818 8888

Wellness weekends at Fahid Beach

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If your Friday needs a little rhythm, FRQNCY @ Fahid is where it’s at. The island gathering blends wellness, music, and community in a laid-back but lively way. Start with a padel session, then stay for sunset sounds from Lemal Pierre Nelson, Rob Forrest, and Raydizz, who’ll keep the vibe rolling with deep house, Afro-House, and Amapiano.

Location: Fahid Beach

Time: 3pm to late

Cost: Dhs200 minimum spend; Social Padel @ Fahid Dhs150 for 1 hour or Dhs280 for 2 hours

Contact: (056) 358 4458

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s BBQ Par-Tee

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It’s back, and it’s as family-friendly as ever. The BBQ Par-Tee at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is an afternoon of good food, good music, and a relaxed, open-air setting that’s perfect for the whole crew. Kids eat free, parents unwind, and the smell of the grill fills the air. This one’s the weekend plan that everyone will agree on.

Location: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Time: Saturday, 1pm to 5pm

Cost: Dhs199; House Package Dhs299; Dhs99 for children aged 6–12; under 5s eat free

Contact: (056) 660 8780

Sip and snack by the sea at Infinity Lounge

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Take a break from the heat and settle into a lazy afternoon by the water. Infinity Lounge’s afternoon tea is a treat for the senses, with smoked salmon wraps, avocado muffins, dark chocolate choux, lemon cheesecake, and freshly baked scones with jam and Kaymak. Add two drinks and live music, and you’ve got yourself the perfect weekend escape.

Location: Infinity Lounge, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

Time: Daily, 3pm to 7pm

Cost: Dhs249 per set (serves two)

Contact: (02) 498 0000

Get your culture fix at the Sheikh Zayed Festival

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Back and bigger than ever, the Sheikh Zayed Festival brings together over 4,000 performances, 750 large-scale shows, and a crowd of 20,000 from around the world. Expect fireworks, drone shows, food stalls, music, and heritage displays that will keep you busy from afternoon till midnight.

Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi

Time: Daily, 4pm to 12 midnight; 4pm to 1am on weekends

Cost: Dhs10

Contact: 800555

Go on a Latin food adventure at Khayal

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Khayal at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan is serving up Latin flair with Fiesta de Sabores, a buffet bursting with bold flavours. Think smoky tacos, Argentine empanadas, and hearty Brazilian feijoada. Add live Latino music and you’ve got a fiesta you won’t want to end.

Location: Khayal, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Cost: Dhs220 per adult; Dhs99 per child

Contact: (02) 201 4131

Al Fresco Saturday Brunch at Taparelle

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Brunch season is officially back and Taparelle’s patio is the place to be. Tuck into a five-course spread of French and Italian-inspired sharing plates while soaking up the Saadiyat sunshine. With a crisp glass in hand and good company around, this new al fresco brunch is the perfect way to ease into the weekend.

Location: Taparelle, Manarat Al Saadiyat

Times: Saturday, 3pm to 6pm

Cost: Dhs 300 (soft drinks), Dhs 350 (house drinks), Dhs 400 (Champagne); Kids under 12 à la carte

Contact: (02) 657 5832

Free Fitness Fun at The Galleria

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The Galleria is keeping weekends active with free fitness sessions for all ages. Join a family Zumba session, let the kids get their groove on, or start your morning strong with a community run. It’s a fun, free, and energetic way to kick off your weekend on Al Maryah Island.

Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

Times: Let’s Run – Saturdays 7:30am to 8:30am; Let’s Dance Zumba – Saturdays 9am to 10am; Zumba Kids – Sundays 9am to 10am

Contact: (02) 493 7400

Brunch by the Beach at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

Soak up the sun and the sounds of Buddha-Bar at this beachfront Saturday brunch. Feast on Pacific Rim flavours from fresh sushi to Wagyu sliders, with live entertainment setting the vibe. With the sea breeze, chilled beats, and vibrant dishes, this is weekend bliss done right.

Location: Buddha-Bar Beach, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Times: Saturday, 1pm to 4pm

Cost: From Dhs 395, Kids Dhs 200, under 5s free

Contact: (02) 498 8443

Kai’s Family Table at Kai Beach Saadiyat

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Gather the family for a laid-back Sunday by the sea at Kai’s Family Table brunch. Enjoy coastal favourites like mussels, prawns, and lamb rack, along with lemony desserts and a fun photo booth for the kids. It’s a wholesome beach day filled with sunshine, flavour, and laughter.

Location: Kai Beach, Saadiyat

Times: Sunday, 12:30pm to 4pm

Cost: Dhs 250 (soft drinks), Dhs 300 (house drinks); Kids 5–11 half price; includes beach access

Contact: (050) 283 5795

Beach Rotana – Dinner and a show 

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Benihana is serving up more than just dinner this weekend. The artistry of live teppanyaki, where chefs prepare each dish with flair before your eyes, takes centre stage at Benihana this weekend. From wagyu striploin and Angus tenderloin to lobster, prawns and scallops, the menu blends Japanese-American favourites with a touch of theatre. It’s dinner and a show rolled into one, and every plate is as memorable as the performance.

Location: Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi

Times: 1pm to 12am

Contact: (02) 697 9186

Al Bateen Ladies Club 

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This weekend visit Al Bateen Ladies Club by Matcha and Backyard, a new relaxed beachfront dining experience in the capital. The partnership marks Backyard’s first outpost in Abu Dhabi. Expect smoothies, juices, matcha blends and coffee paired with fresh bowls, buns and toasties, all served against the calm of Al Bateen Beach.

Location: Al Bateen Ladies Club, Abu Dhabi

Times: 8am to 8pm

Cost: Day passes start from Dhs 150

Contact: (02) 677 3099

SUSHISAMBA Alegria Weekend Lunch

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SUSHISAMBA launches its new Alegria Weekend Lunch, serving up its signature fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours. The menu is designed for long, lazy afternoons with dishes that celebrate the restaurant’s playful spirit and vibrant energy. Running every Friday to Sunday, it’s a new weekend ritual in the capital’s dining calendar.

Location: Podium 1, Conrad Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi

Times: 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Contact: (02) 811 5882

Sunset Supper at Kai Beach 

Sunset Supper at Kai Beach Club. Image supplied

Golden hour tastes even better with a taco in hand. Kai Beach is setting the scene for a laid-back evening by the water, where the boho vibes meet a menu made for sharing. Think bao, sliders, flatbreads and wraps, all paired with sea breezes and a sky that does half the entertaining for you.

Location: Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island

Time: 5.30pm to 9pm

Cost: À la carte prices

Contact: (050) 283 5795

Family Pool Day at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club 

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Sun, splashes and snacks, all in one spot. Yas Acres is turning the poolside into a playground this Saturday with face painting, bouncy castles, balloon twisting and arts and crafts to keep little ones busy while the grown-ups soak up the rays with food, drinks and music. It’s the kind of day out that guarantees tired, happy kids and relaxed parents.

Location: Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

Time: 10am to 7pm

Cost: Dhs 150 per person (Dhs 100 redeemable on F&B); Free for kids under 11

Contact: (050) 757 4808

Sunday Roast at Hawksbill Restaurant 

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If Sundays had a flavour, it would be gravy. Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is serving a proper roast complete with tender meats, seasonal veg and a golden Yorkshire pudding big enough to steal the spotlight. There’s even a vegetarian option, so no one misses out on the comfort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug and makes Monday seem a little less scary.

Location: Hawksbill Restaurant, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Time: 12pm to 7pm

Cost: Dhs 95 per person. Vegetarian option available

Contact: (056) 660 8780

B.I.G Brunch After Party at W Lounge 

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Brunch may end, but at W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, but the party refuses to. Every Saturday, the energy shifts from plates to playlists as W Lounge hosts the B.I.G Brunch After Party. Expect free-flowing drinks, a DJ spinning until sunset, and a crowd that isn’t ready to call it a night just yet.

Location: W Lounge, W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island

Time: 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Cost: Dhs 130 per person (for Garage brunch guests) | Dhs 155 per person (walk-in, non-brunch guests)

Contact:  (02) 656 0000

Guilty Fish: Abu Dhabi’s Bold New Saturday Brunch

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is turning brunch into theatre with The Chef’s Brunch 2.0. Launching on 20 September, it brings 39 culinary stations to life, from a caviar bar and Tomahawk carving to oysters shucked to order, sushi sliced by a sashimi master, and liquid nitrogen ice cream churned before your eyes.

Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Time: Every Saturday, 1pm to 4pm

Cost: Dhs 399 (soft), Dhs 499 (house), Dhs 699 (bubbles), Dhs 199.50 (child 5–11)

Contact: (02) 818 8203

Sensory Brunch at Siddharta Lounge

Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar

Abu Dhabi brunches are legendary, but Siddharta’s Sensory Brunch ups the game with a mix of great food, live performances, and stunning views. Every Saturday evening, guests can sink into cushioned cabanas overlooking the bay while indulging in a curated menu paired with packages ranging from soft drinks to sparkling wine. Add to that live entertainment and resident DJs, and you have a night that’s equal parts culinary delight and immersive show. It’s the brunch you book when you want to eat, drink, dance, and take in Yas Bay’s glittering skyline in one sitting.

Where: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island

Time: Saturday, 7pm to 11pm

Cost: Dhs259 (soft drinks), Dhs359 (house beverages), Dhs459 (sparkling)

Contact: (050) 601 1194

Slide Into Adventure at Radisson Blu Al Ain’s Cobra Waterslide 

Forget scrolling through Instagram this weekend. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain has just opened the Cobra Waterslide, a twisting, snake-shaped ride with drops for thrill-seekers and smaller slides for little ones. Combine a day of adrenaline with swimming in three outdoor pools, dining, and rooms with panoramic mountain views.

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain Al Sarouj District, Abu Dhabi

Cost: Day passes from Dhs160 for adults and Dhs140 for children

Contact: (03) 768 6666

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