Dine, explore and relax across the city’s top spots
If you’re wondering what to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, you’re going to need a bigger calendar.
MEFCC is taking over ADNEC Abu Dhabi with celebrities, cosplay, gaming and enough pop-culture chaos to keep even the biggest geeks happy, while PAW Patrol Live! is bringing Ryder and the pups to Etihad Arena for a family-friendly adventure.
There’s also the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for something a little more literary, plus live performances, creative workshops and plenty of reasons to leave the sofa.
Basically, your weekend plans have plans of their own, so choose wisely, charge your phone and get out there.
Over to you, Abu Dhabi.
Best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi
Get swept up in a techno-fuelled rave
10 to 12 September, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
The award-winning The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave brings the intensity of a three-day rave to the stage for one relentless hour of movement, music and pure energy. Three dancers move non-stop to Detroit techno, capturing the sweat, exhaustion and euphoria of rave culture. Once the performance ends, stick around for Raving Ovation, where you can dance on stage to a guest DJ. A seriously immersive and exciting night out awaits.
Tickets from AED 52.50. For more information, visit publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu
Toast the ladies at The St. Regis Bar
Every Thursday from 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm, The St. Regis Bar
Gather your favourite ladies and head to The St. Regis Bar for an elegant evening of fine drinks, music and plenty of good conversation. Toast to the Ladies invites you to settle in and enjoy a selection of three beverages while a live DJ sets the soundtrack, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. So if you’re catching up with old friends or simply looking for a stylish night out, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up, raise a glass and enjoy some quality time together.
AED 95 per person. For bookings, call 02 694 4553, WhatsApp 050 9 863 771, email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com, or visit morecravings.com
Dive into a weekend of pop culture
11 to 13 September, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Calling all film buffs, gamers, comic fans and cosplay enthusiasts: MEFCC is back for a huge weekend of pop culture. Explore gaming arenas, artist alley, collectibles, comics and plenty of photo opportunities with celebrity guests, while the cosplay competition brings some seriously impressive costumes to life. There are also free workshops, creator panels, film screenings, giveaways and tournaments to get stuck into. Grab your friends, pick your favourite fandom and prepare for three days of full-on geeky fun.
Tickets from AED 160, with tickets for children aged 7 to 11 available for AED 50 at the door. Children aged six and under enter free. For more information, visit mefcc.com
Enjoy a Weekend of Wellness at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Reconnect with your wellbeing at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, where thoughtfully curated experiences invite moments of restoration and renewal. From soothing massages and revitalising infrared light therapy to immersive sound and light treatments, every experience is designed to nurture balance and elevate your sense of wellness.
Enhance your visit with a personalised training session and enjoy full-day access to the Fitness Centre and spa facilities, creating the perfect opportunity to focus on both movement and relaxation.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet pause or a dedicated wellness ritual, Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers an inspiring setting to invest in your wellbeing this weekend.
For further information, call 02 813 5550
Bring the pups to life at PAW Patrol Live!
11 to 13 September, Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Get ready for a heroic family adventure as Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups take over Etihad Arena this weekend. Heroes Unite brings the much-loved characters to the stage for an action-packed show filled with music, special effects and plenty of teamwork. This time, the pups must stop Mayor Humdinger’s Robo-Dog clones from causing chaos, making for a fun-filled mission little fans will love. Grab the kids, pick your favourite pup and settle in for a lively afternoon of family entertainment.
Tickets from AED 95. For more information and tickets, visit etihadarena.ae
Give your wardrobe a makeover with LIMÉ
Let LIMÉ give your wardrobe a fresh upgrade this weekend. The launch of LIMÉ Man in the UAE is bringing sleek suits, everyday tees, polos, jeans, trousers, loafers and more. The new collection is all about easy, polished dressing, with plenty of pieces to mix, match and wear on repeat. You can also browse LIMÉ’s Woman, Man and Kids’ collections online, with UAE delivery available in up to three working days. Time for a little weekend shopping spree perhaps.
For further information, visit ae.limestore.com
Make a day of it at Central’s family brunch
Every Saturday from 12 September, Central, Yas Bay
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Round up the family and head to Central for a Saturday brunch packed with food, games and plenty of entertainment. From pancake-making and face painting to magicians, creative activities and arcade action, there’s something to keep every age entertained. Enjoy a three-course sharing menu and unlimited drinks, with kids and teens also getting AED 100 of arcade credit to spend. It’s the kind of brunch where you can eat, play and let the weekend fun roll on.
From AED 200 for children aged 5 to 12. Adults are AED 350. For bookings, visit solutions-leisure.com
Try Beach House’s summer menu before it’s gone
Beach House, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Beach House at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi introduced Sapori d’Estate this summer, a seasonal dining experience inspired by the relaxed elegance of the Italian coast. Available until the end of September, the thoughtfully curated three-course menu celebrates the vibrant flavours of Italy, featuring handmade pasta, fresh seafood and timeless classics. Highlights include fettuccine alla nerano with calamari, lasagna classica and Beach House’s signature tiramisu. Whether enjoying a relaxed lunch with friends or enjoying dinner over a magical Saadiyat Island sunset, Sapori d’Estate allows you to experience the simple pleasures of an Italian summer, without a trip to the airport.
AED 280 (three course menu per person). For bookings, call 02 407 1234 or email reservations.abuph@hyatt.com
Get active with citymoov
Ready to swap the sofa for something a little more active? Sign up to citymoov and turn getting moving into a game. The free app from Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre sends you on fun quests around the city, so you can get active at your own pace while completing challenges along the way. Grab your family or friends, pick a quest and get going. It’s an easy way to make movement more fun, and there’s even a competition coming soon.
For more information, visit citymoov.ae
Try Beirut flavours at Em Sherif Deli
Em Sherif Deli, Al Mutarid Lifestyle Center, Al Ain
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Looking for somewhere new to eat this weekend? Make your way to Em Sherif Deli, which has brought its Lebanese flavours to Al Ain for the first time. You can expect a tempting mix of mezze, shawarma, sandwiches, sweet treats and more, served in the brand’s relaxed deli-style setting. It’s the third UAE location for Em Sherif Deli and its first outside Dubai, making it a tasty new addition to Al Ain’s growing dining scene.
For more information, visit emsherif.com
Brunch it up Rio style
After a two-month break, Barbossa’s much-loved Rio Carnival Brunch is back at Yas Bay this September. Enjoy a lively Brazilian feast, flowing drinks and plenty of carnival spirit, with guacamole, pão de queijo, feijoada, flame-grilled picanha and coconut fish bake on the menu. Keep the Caipirinhas and Caipiroskas coming, settle in to feel-good Latin beats and soak up the buzzing Saturday atmosphere. Basically, your weekend plans just got a whole lot more fun.
Discover contemporary French dining at Bord Eau
You might also like: 18 super cool things to do in Abu Dhabi in September
Scratch and win at Abu Dhabi Mall
From 14 August to 11 September, Abu Dhabi Mall
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Back-to-school shopping just got a little more exciting in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Spend AED 200 at Abu Dhabi Mall on everything from backpacks and stationery to sports gear, shoes and lunchboxes, then head to the Customer Service desk for a Scratch & Win card. With more than 1,300 instant vouchers up for grabs, prizes range from AED 100 to AED 5,000, so you could leave with more than just school supplies.
For more information, visit abudhabi-mall.com
Get crafty with the kids this weekend
11 and 12 September, Al Ain Museum
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Looking for a creative activity to keep little hands busy? Head along to Bedazzle Your Brush this Friday, 11 September, where visitors can decorate and add some sparkle to their very own hairbrush. There’s also a fun doll-making workshop this Saturday, 12 September, where children and families can create heritage-inspired dolls while learning about traditional Emirati clothing, including the kandoura, abaya and shayla. Pick your fabrics, decorate your doll and get creative together. Registration is required for the doll-making session.
Bedazzle Your Brush runs from 12pm to 6pm on 11 September. Doll Making takes place from 4pm to 6pm on 12 September. For further information, visit alainmuseum.ae
Gather your girl gang and head to The Lean
Fridays, 4pm-10pm, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Gather your girl gang and head to The Lean for Blush Fridays, a poolside sunset session running every Friday from 4pm to 10pm. For AED 125, ladies can enjoy rooftop pool access, a sharing platter, music and those all-important golden-hour views. Expect chilled afternoon vibes to turn up as the sun goes down, making this a lovely spot for a Friday catch-up.
AED125 for three hours select mixed drinks and house beverages. 30% off a la carte dining per gentleman. Includes pool access and a curated sharing platter. For bookings, call 050 765 6435
Experience equestrian artistry at its finest
12 September, 7pm, Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, Al Jubail Island
Step into a world where horses and riders move as one at Furusiyya: The Return to Origins, the opening performance of Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts’ new season. You can enjoy graceful choreography, classical horsemanship and a cinematic soundtrack, with sweeping projections bringing the story of Furusiyya to life. Watch eight horses move in perfect synchrony during the spectacular carousel sequence, before being swept up in an evening celebrating heritage, trust, precision and the remarkable bond between horse and rider.
AED150. For further information, visit store.adrea.ae
Get lost in a world of books
13 to 18 September, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Calling all bookworms: the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is back for its 35th edition, bringing a huge celebration of books, ideas and storytelling to the capital. Browse thousands of titles, discover new authors and publishers, and soak up the buzz of one of the region’s biggest literary events. Indonesia takes centre stage as this year’s Guest of Honour, showcasing its rich literary and cultural heritage. It’s a brilliant chance to stock up on your next reads and discover something completely new.
Free entry. For more information, visit adbookfair.com
Order a Lebanese favourite from Graze Burger
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Planning a chilled weekend at home? Order in from Graze Burger and skip the cooking. The Lebanese favourite has landed in Abu Dhabi, serving up juicy, loaded burgers with plenty of bold flavours to choose from. Get a few different burgers for the table, add some crispy sides and make a night of it. So, whether you’re having friends over for a movie, watching the game or simply fancy a weekend treat, Graze Burger is an easy dinner option without leaving the sofa.
To order, visit grazebrgr.com
Take a trip to Al Ain Zoo for Glow After Dark
5 September to 4 October, Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is getting an exciting glow-up this September with Glow After Dark, running from 5 September to 4 October. The evening festival brings the Zoo to life with illuminated animal displays, LED performers, glowing stilt walkers and the new Nature Venture storytelling show. Open from 2pm to 10pm, with festival activities starting at 5pm, it’s a great option for an evening out with the family. Make time for the safari, giraffe feeding and Lemur Walk, then refuel at one of the Zoo’s restaurants before heading home.
AED 31.50 for adults, AED 10.50 for children aged 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. For further information, visit alainzoo.com
Swap screen time for family time at Yas Mall
Until 30 September, Yas Food Hall, Yas Mall
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Swap scrolling for smiles with Time Well Spent, a family-friendly experience at Yas Food Hall by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA). Running until 30 September, the initiative encourages parents and kids to put their phones away and make the most of being together, with interactive games, activity kits and phone pouches available across 15 participating dining venues. It’s all about turning a simple meal into proper family time, think more chatting, playing and laughing, and a little less screen time.
For further information, follow @AbuDhabi_ECA
Explore a new art exhibition at Rizq Art Gallery
