From food trails to messy play, film screenings to live performances – 421 is bringing the vibes this month!
Looking for something fun, hands-on, and totally different this month?
421 Abu Dhabi has packed its calendar with foodie adventures, hands-on workshops, live performances, and film screenings – all designed to inspire and connect.
Whether you’re into arts, culture, or just love trying something new, there’s something here with your name on it.
Fancy writing in a cosy café setting?
Pencil In has you covered. Want to taste your way through Abu Dhabi’s food history? Join the Abu Dhabi Food Trails.
Need a creative outlet? Tatreez embroidery, messy play for kids, and rock painting are all happening.
And for those who love live entertainment, there’s a performance showcase, a film screening, and even a jam session where you can learn to cook traditional Emirati dishes.
It’s all about exploring, creating, and experiencing the city in a whole new way.
Scroll down to find your next favourite workshop, grab a friend (or go solo), and make some new memories at 421 Abu Dhabi this February and beyond!
DIVE INTO CREATIVITY: EXCITING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS AT 421 ABU DHABI
Write, Sip & Focus at Pencil In
20 February 6 pm – 8 pm
Love to write but need a creative nudge? Join Pencil In, a supportive writing group where you can work solo – together! Enjoy a cosy ambiance, inspiring energy, and a free coffee from Auro Café. Open to all, no experience needed – just bring your words and let them flow!
Abu Dhabi Food Trails: A Bite of History
21 February 6 pm – 8 pm
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Discover Abu Dhabi’s past – one delicious dish at a time! This food walk takes you through some of the city’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, where tradition meets taste. Expect flavourful bites, cultural insights, and new foodie friends along the way.
You might also like: DAZ Festival 2025 kicks off in Al Ain – The ultimate outdoor adventure awaits
Stitch-In for Palestine
22 February 11 am – 1 pm
Learn the beautiful art of tatreez embroidery while honouring Palestine’s rich heritage. Stitch a simple yet meaningful motif, whether a flower or a grave, and contribute to a communal artwork that speaks of memory and resilience. No experience needed – just an open heart and steady hands.
Khayal Series: Memory Lane for Kids (Ages 6+)
22 February 2 pm – 4 pm
A mix of storytelling, a scavenger hunt, and a rock-painting craft – this fun-filled workshop for little explorers is all about celebrating treasured memories. Parents are welcome to join the creative adventure.
Messy Play for Tiny Hands (Ages 1-6)
23 February 10 am – midnight
Let the little ones splash, squish, and explore with hands-on sensory play inspired by nature! From desert sands to ocean waves, each session introduces toddlers to new textures, colours, and sounds. Parental supervision required – expect a beautiful mess!
Jamming Session: Emirati Eats
23 February midday – 2 pm
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Step into an Emirati home kitchen with Meera and her mother, who will guide you through cooking two classic dishes – thareed and balaleet. This intimate, music-filled session will have you cooking, learning, and connecting over generations-old recipes.
Performance Soiree: 421 Performance Collective Showcase
23 February 6 pm – 9 pm
Get ready for a night of movement, storytelling, and expression as Performance Co//ective’s first cohort takes the stage! A mix of writing, dance, and vocal performance, this showcase highlights months of artistic exploration. Stay after the show for a chat with the artists over light bites.
Palette to Pedagogy: Teachers’ Evening
25 February 4 pm – 6 pm
Calling all educators! Explore the thought-provoking winter exhibitions at 421 and uncover new ways to bring art into the classroom. A must-attend event for teachers looking for fresh inspiration.
Film Screening: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia
27 February 10 am – midnight
A special Ramadan film night, reflecting on history, remembrance, and forgetting. This thought-provoking screening is inspired by Abdullah Al Saadi’s exhibition and promises an evening of deep conversations and powerful storytelling. Film schedule coming soon!
Must-see exhibitions
Abdullah Al Saadi: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia
Until 4 May
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A deep dive into the UAE artist’s journey through history, poetry, and geography.
Alla Abdunabi: Are Your Memories of Me Enough for You?
Until 4 May
A fascinating exploration of symbols, memory, and cultural narratives.
421 Arts Campus, Mina Zayed. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am 8pm
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