8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this long weekend: June 12 to 15
From scent-led art at Louvre Abu Dhabi to spa resets, live entertainment and more
There’s a long weekend incoming, and Abu Dhabi is rolling out everything from immersive art encounters and chilled-out wellness escapes to high-energy entertainment and culture-backed experiences.
Whether you’re planning to slow things down or fill every day with something cool, the capital has a little something for every mood to add to your ‘Things to do in Abu Dhabi’ list this weekend.
Catch the World Cup
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Snooty Fox at Dusit Thani is a gastropub with a personality to match its name. It does live sport without sacrificing the food or the fit-out – the screens are well-placed, the menu runs to proper comfort classics, and the drinks list holds up. Happy hour runs daily until 8pm, which is useful when kick-offs are early. Thursday bingo and Friday quiz nights give it more going on than most sports bars.
Where: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi
Contact: 02 698 8137, @snootyfoxpub.abudhabi
*Top spots to watch the World Cup in Abu Dhabi*
Beat the heat at Snow Abu Dhabi
Not making plans in Abu Dhabi this weekend because of the heat? We got your back. Yes, there are malls, and other indoor venues with the AC cranked up, but if you want to really feel cool, head to Snow Abu Dhabi where winter magic lives all year-round. Go with the family and explore snow-covered slides, bumper tubes, a crystal carousel, and daily snowfall – perfect for a family-friendly playful cool-down. The temperature stays at -2ºC, so come bundled up and ready for snowball battles. Definitely a must try especially if you’re looking out for the coldest activities in Abu Dhabi.
Where: Reem Mall, Al Reem Island
When: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Cost: Tickets from Dhs220
Contact: 600 599905, @snowauh
Tuck into a tasting-menu at Li Jiang
MICHELIN Guide-recommended Li Jiang has introduced its first-ever tasting menu experience, The Art of Asia showcasing bold regional flavours. The menu features otoro nigiri topped with oscetra caviar, hosomaki lobster tail with crisp tempura texture, chargrilled wagyu flank skewers, and a choice of wagyu striploin or delicately prepared miso black Cod for the main course. It will cost Dhs450 per person with beverage pairing.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi
When: Mon to Sun, 6pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs450 per person with beverage pairing
Contact: lijiangabudhabi.com
Experience an evening of classical ballet
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Experience the legacy of Maya Plisetskaya, one of the most influential ballerinas of the 20th century, in a special performance at The Cultural Foundation. Featuring celebrated works such as Carmen Suite, The Dying Swan and Don Quixote, the production is brought to life by leading soloists from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres. Tickets start from Dhs259. Book here.
Where: Cultural Foundation, Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi
When: June 12, 2026
Cost: From Dhs259
Contact: @abudhabicf
Challenge yourself at Spartan City
Usually, a trip to Etihad Arena means you’ve got tickets to a concert, comedy show or sporting event. On June 13, however, the venue is swapping entertainment for endurance as Spartan City Abu Dhabi returns for its second edition. After attracting more than 4,000 participants last year, the event once again transforms one of the capital’s biggest venues into an indoor fitness challenge. Expect a 3km course packed with 15 signature Spartan obstacles designed to test your strength, stamina, speed and coordination. Head here to learn more before you sign up for the challenge, and if you’re up for the task, sign up here.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: June 13, 2026
Contact: arabia.spartan.com
Pack your bags and head to Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
If you’re up for a road trip, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is worth the drive. Set between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, the resort is running a summer offer where children and teenagers up to 15 years old stay and dine free when sharing the same meal plan as their parents. Families can enjoy newly renovated ocean-facing rooms, daily breakfast at Views Restaurant and a dedicated Teen Escape programme featuring beach volleyball, pool challenges and movie nights under the stars. There are also savings on dining, spa treatments and water sports, making it an easy option for a long weekend escape without leaving the UAE.
Where: Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah
When: Valid for stays until September 30, 2026
Cost: Varies by stay dates and room type
Contact: 09 244 9000, @lemeridienalaqah
A scent-led journey through art
Love visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi? Have you ever experienced Art in Scents? This immersive experience, produced in collaboration with Givaudan, transforms Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection into a sensory journey through ten bespoke fragrances, including the signature scent inspired by the museum. The guided experience includes Art in Scents – a book produced by Magique, a multisensorial and olfactory design studio. Each page releases a unique fragrance from a selected artwork from the collection. It uses micro-encapsulation technology where the scents are embedded directly into the booklet pages, allowing visitors to engage with the artworks through the universal language of smell. Book here.
Hit the pause button at Sense, A Rosewood Spa
Make the most of the long weekend with a restorative spa treatment to ease tense muscles and reset your body. At Sense, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, a 60-minute treatment now comes with an added treat: either 30 extra minutes free or a 30-minute infrared light therapy boost tailored to your wellness goals. You can check out the spa menu here.
Where: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: 02 813 5537, rosewoodhotels.com
Images: Supplied and Instagram
