Your weekly guide for things to do in Abu Dhabi

Here are the top things to do in Abu Dhabi

This article was updated on November 24, 2025.

Abu Dhabi’s finally stepping out of its summer hibernation and the city’s buzzing again. From cultural festivals and rooftop adventures to beach clubs and long lunches, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The city feels like it’s shaking off the week and stretching into something lively, so it’s a good time to get out and soak it all in. Whether you want art, sea air, or a reason to dance, there’s plenty waiting for you.

Laugh Out Loud at Ting Irie’s Caribbean Comedy Night

If you need a night that feeds the soul and your funny bone, Ting Irie has you. Expect island style jokes, proper belly laughs, and a vibe that feels like a mini holiday. Your ticket gets you two drinks and crispy plantain chips, which already feels like a win.

Location: Ting Irie, Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Time: Thursday, 27th November, 7.30pm

Cost: Dhs95

Contact: (052) 188 2790

Bring Your A Game to Quiz Night at Captain’s Arms

Round up your smartest friends or the ones who pretend to be. Captain’s Arms hosts a lively Thursday quiz where the questions are clever, the prizes tempting, and the bragging rights priceless.

Location: Captain’s Arms, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Time: Thursdays, 8pm

Contact: (056) 688 5361

Maritime Festival

Let the sea stories of the UAE pull you in as this festival brings tradition to life along the Corniche. Wander between family workshops and fish auctions, pause for folk games, and get swept up in Emirati performing arts. The main showcase, Danat, sets the mood with its dramatic scenes, while music sessions and beach outings keep things light. There are plenty of food stalls, shopping corners inspired by marine life, and even exclusive merch if you want a keepsake of the day.

Location: Al Bahar at the Corniche

Time: 4pm to 11pm

Cost: Dhs30

Abu Dhabi Art Fair

This is where the city’s art lovers gather for an annual feast of colour and imagination. Local and international galleries fill the space with work that stretches from the traditional to the daring. As you wander through the halls, you’ll spot installations, commissions, and exhibitions that spill into venues across the emirate. It’s the kind of outing that leaves you buzzing with ideas long after you’ve left.

Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat

Time: 2pm to 9pm daily

Contact: (02) 657 5800

Beach Day at Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa

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If your soul is begging for sunshine, this beach club has you covered. Choose a sunbed or cabana and let the day unfold at its own pace. Families and pets are welcome, and the beach comes alive with volleyball, kayaking, and padel for those who can’t sit still. Food trucks and the beach bar keep the flavours fun with Mexican dishes and cold drinks that go down easy. With no minimum spend and fully redeemable bed fees, it’s the kind of beach day you look back on fondly.

Location: Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa

Time: Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 7pm

Cost: Weekdays: Dhs150 (single bed), Dhs250 (double), Dhs350 (small cabana), Dhs500 (large cabana). Weekends: Dhs250 (single), Dhs350 (double), Dhs500 (small cabana), Dhs1000 (large cabana). Padel: Dhs150 for 1 hour, Dhs280 for 2 hours. Kayak: Dhs150 for 1 hour.

Contact: (056) 358 4458

New Menu Exclusives at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori

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Goldfish has a way of making even the simplest bite feel intentional, and its new Abu Dhabi exclusives are no exception. The grilled calamari with pineapple sauce hits that sweet-meets-smoky note, while the chicken truffle gyoza feels like a hug wrapped in dough. There’s flame-kissed salmon, Caribbean chicken, tamarind rice noodles, and a crisp crab salad for the light eaters. The new hand rolls keep things classic. If you’re hungry for something fresh this week, this is your stop.

Location: Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Marina Mall

Time: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 11pm

Cost: À la carte

Contact: (02) 665 6485

Ladies Night at Barbossa

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Thursdays get a glow-up at Barbossa, where the girls drink for free and the music keeps calling you back to the dance floor. It’s an easy night out with free flowing drinks from 7pm to 10pm and not a dirham spent on entry. The energy usually spills into the late hours, so gather your crew and enjoy a night that feels like a little rebellion against the workweek.

Location: Barbossa, Abu Dhabi

Time: Thursday, 7pm to 10pm

Cost: Free

Contact: (050) 185 8068

Lunch With a View That Does All the Talking at NIRI

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Business lunch just got an upgrade. At NIRI Restaurant & Bar, the view alone is worth clocking out early for. The three-course menu (Dhs99) is light, balanced, and bursting with Japanese flair. Think miso soup, maki rolls, grilled skewers, or a crispy beef katsu don. Pair that with the sound of the waves and you’ve got the perfect midday reset.

Location: NIRI, Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Time: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm

Cost: Dhs99

Contact: (02) 546 8886

Your Thursday Ticket to Italy Without Leaving Abu Dhabi

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Ease into the weekend Italian-style at Giornotte’s Thursday night feast. For Dhs200, enjoy three hours of antipasti, endless pizza and pasta, plus free-flowing wine and beer. Whether you’re inside or on the garden terrace, it’s the kind of meal that lingers in the best way.

Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Time: Thursdays, 6pm to 11pm

Cost: Dhs200

Contact: (02) 818 8203

Sheikh Zayed Festival

This is one of the UAE’s biggest cultural events, and it’s back with over 4,000 performances, 750 large-scale shows and a crowd of more than 20,000 participants from around the world. Expect fireworks, drone shows, and enough food, music and heritage displays to fill an entire season.

Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi

Times: Daily, 4pm to 12 midnight and 4pm to 1am on weekends

Cost: Dhs 10

Contact: 800 555

Stretch, Sweat and Glow by the Sea at Supersculpt

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Your Thursday morning motivation is sorted. Head to Fahid Beach Club for SUPERSCULPT, an energising outdoor yoga class with instructor Saoirse Correia and beats by DJ Cookie. Afterwards, cool off with a beach swim and tuck into a well-earned brunch. You’ll leave glowing.

Location: Fahid Beach Club

Time: Thursdays from 9am

Cost: Dhs100 (Dhs150 with brunch)

Contact: (056) 358 4458

25 Minutes to Tulum

There’s a new beach club in town, and it’s only 25 minutes from the city. Expect turquoise water, chic cabanas, and that toes-in-the-sand feeling without having to leave Abu Dhabi.

Location: 25 Minutes to Tulum, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat

Times: From 9am to 1am

Cost: Prices vary

Contact: (02) 691 0208

Refined Weekday Dining at Flamingo Room

Flamingo Room by tashas is serving a business lunch worth leaving your desk for. The menu features two starters and one main, with dishes like Burrata, Tuna Tartare and the signature Calamari Mozambique.

Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

Times: 12pm to 3pm

Cost: Dhs 150

Contact: (02) 675 9301

Ferrari World Roof Walk

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See Yas Island from a whole new angle with a walk across the world’s most famous red roof. You’ll clip in, step out and feel the thrill as you take in the skyline and the iconic Ferrari logo right beneath your feet.

Location: Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Times: 10am to 7pm

Cost: From Dhs 85

Contact: (02) 496 8000

Step back in time at Al Ain Museum

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The UAE’s first museum has reopened, and it’s a beautiful blend of history and modern design. Explore 8,000 years of regional heritage, from ancient artefacts to the ingenious aflaj irrigation system that once made desert life possible. Perfect for a family day trip steeped in culture.

Location: Al Ain Museum, next to Sultan Fort

Time: Daily, 9am to 7pm

Cost: Dhs 47.25 (Adults), Dhs 36.75 (Guided Tour), Dhs 18.38 (Guided Tour under 18), Free for youth under 18

Contact: Visit Al Ain Museum website

Reem Island Boat Rides

See Al Reem Island from a new angle as you drift across the water on your choice of boat. Whether it’s a donut boat with friends, a romantic swan boat ride, or a solo spin on a tricycle boat, it’s a simple way to slow down and soak in the skyline. Make this week one filled with sunshine, sea breeze, and a little splash of adventure.

Location: Reem Island

Time: Monday to Thursday: 3pm to 1pm, Friday to Saturday 10am to 12am/ 3pm to 11pm

Cost: From Dhs70 depending on the type of boat

Contact: (052) 399 8822

Tuesdays were made for tacos at Barbossa

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Taco Tuesday is serious business at Barbossa. For two hours, you get bottomless tacos and margaritas for Dhs180. The vibe is electric, the flavours are bold, and the salsa verde hits just right. There’s also a Dhs130 option if you’re skipping the alcohol, but either way, come hungry and ready for a fiesta.

Location: Barbossa, Yas Bay Waterfront

Time: All day, every Tuesday

Cost: Dhs180

Contact: (050) 185 8068

Dine seaside at Beach Garden, Beach Rotana 

Just in time for the return of cooler days, Beach Rotana’s new Beach Garden is serving Mediterranean flavours by the shore. Expect a breezy open-air setup, skyline views, and a menu filled with dishes like roasted seabass, wagyu burgers, and handmade ice cream. With international beers and classic cocktails, it’s a new go-to spot for lazy afternoons and laid-back dinners.

Location: Beach Garden, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi

Times: Monday to Thursday 4pm to 1am, Friday to Sunday 1pm to 1am

Contact: (02) 697 9186

Sunset Supper at Kai Beach 

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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: Thursday to Sunday 5.30pm to 9pm

Cost: À la carte prices

Contact: (050) 283 5795

Afternoon Tea at Infinity Lounge

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Settle into Infinity Lounge for a slow afternoon with front-row views of the Arabian Gulf. The afternoon tea for two is a spread of smoked salmon wraps, avocado muffins, dark chocolate choux, lemon cheesecake, and scones served warm with jam and Kaymak. Add two drinks and live music and you’ve got the perfect excuse to linger a little longer.

Location: Infinity Lounge, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

Time: Daily, from 3pm to 7pm

Cost: Dhs 210 per set (serves two)

Contact: (02) 498 0000

Cycle around Yas Marina Circuit

Image: Etihad Website

TrainYAS transforms the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit into a fitness playground, inviting you to cycle along the same track that hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Even bikes and helmets are available to borrow free of charge, making it one of the city’s most unique sporting experiences. All you need to do is register online before you go and scan your code on arrival.

Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6pm to 10pm

Cost: Free

Register: yasmarinacircuit.com

Prison island

Think escape room meets obstacle course. At Prison Island, teams tackle challenges inside quirky themed cells, racking up points with every puzzle solved. It’s part brainpower, part physical hustle, and fully addictive.

Location: Abu Dhabi Mall

Time: 10am to 8:30pm

Cost: from Dhs99 per player

Contact: (058) 819 9176

Lucky 8 Arcade

This is not your average arcade. Lucky 8 is a mashup of billiards, karaoke, PlayStation battles, and old-school board games, making it perfect for groups who can never agree on just one activity.

Location: Bloom Soho Square, Saadiyat Island

Time: Weekdays 1pm to 10pm, Weekends 1pm to 12am

Contact: (02) 672 6105

Sidekicks

Image: Warner Bros Website

Step into Warner Bros. Hotel Abu Dhabi’s family friendly all day dining spot where your favourite supporting characters come to life. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and you might just meet a beloved character during your visit.

Location: Sidekicks, Warner Bros Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas Island

Times: Daily from 7am to 10:30pm

Contact: (02) 692 7742

@thewbabudhabi

Enjoy Emirati food 

Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Website

Dine inside Qasr Al Hosn and soak in the rich Emirati culture. Erth serves wholesome dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that blend traditional flavours with modern touches.

Location: North Parking, Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Times: Daily from 12pm to 11pm

Contact: (02) 679 4014

Sip, snack and unwind

Image: What’s On Archive

Perched on a rooftop with sweeping Yas Island views, this chic lounge serves up Mediterranean-style tapas and signature cocktails, the perfect spot to sip, snack, and unwind.

Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Times: Daily, 5pm to 2am

Contact: (800) 6996

Feast and entertainment

Image: Solutions Leisure Website

Yas Bay Waterfront’s award-winning bar brings rock ‘n’ roll vibes to your nights with craft beers, classic burgers and live entertainment. Watch the UAE’s best bands or catch big sports events on the many large screens. Open daily until 2am.

Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island

Times: Daily from 12pm to 2am

Contact: (02) 235 8659

Relax with cocktails

Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Website

Relax by the pool with cocktails and tapas while enjoying stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Escape Bar is perfect for a laid-back day or evening unwind.

Location: Radisson Blue Hotel & Resort, Corniche

Times: Daily from 9am to 10pm

Contact: (02) 681 1900

Perfect spot for a draft beer

Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Website

Classic English pub vibes with hearty dishes and a wide range of draft beers. Outdoor seating overlooks the renovated Le Meridien Village making it a perfect spot for any time of day.

Location: Le Meridien Village, Abu Dhabi

Times: Daily from 12pm to 2.30am

Contact: (056) 688 5361