Dine, explore and relax across the city’s top spots
The weekend has arrived, and Abu Dhabi is packed with brilliant ways to make the most of it.
Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained, head out to an Amalfi-inspired pool pop-up for some well-deserved relaxation, enjoy a nice meal with friends or simply get out and explore something new, the capital is packed with things to do this weekend.
From a new glow-in-the-dark padel event to scavenger hunts on Yas Bay or a new Bake My Day pop-up, there are plenty of fantastic ways to make the most of your days off.
So, grab your diary, round up your favourite people and get ready for a weekend filled with fun.
Over to you, Abu Dhabi.
Best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi
Catch a movie for free at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Saturday, 6pm, 1 August, Louvre Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting Art in Motion, a free family-friendly film series featuring weekly screenings of beloved animated classics in the museum’s Auditorium. The programme starts with Wall-E this Saturday, a film that follows a solitary robot on a future, uninhabitable, deserted Earth in 2805, left to clean up garbage.
If you want to make it a full day out with the little ones, add the newly opened Children’s Museum exhibition, A Board Game Adventure to the itinerary.
Free. For further information and to book, visit louvreabudhabi.ae
Get a taste of Italy by the sea
All summer, Beach House at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
If you’re missing out on Euro summer this year, Beach House may have the next best thing. The beachside restaurant has debuted Sapori d’Estate, a seasonal dining experience inspired by the effortless charm of the Italian coast. Set along Saadiyat Beach with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, the experience features a three-course menu celebrating Italy’s vibrant flavours through handmade pasta, fresh seafood and classic dishes, paired with two selected beverages. Highlights include fettuccine alla nerano with calamari, lasagna classica and the restaurant’s signature tiramisu, offering guests the perfect setting for relaxed lunches and sunset dinners by the sea.
AED 280 per person. For reservations, call 02 407 1234 or email reservations.abuph@hyatt.com
Start your weekend with a candlelit dinner
Every Friday, 6pm-9pm, Villa Sélène at Yas Links
Villa Sélène has just launched Oumsia, a new Friday evening experience that brings together food, music and stunning scenery. It all begins with a welcome mocktail before you dig into a curated selection of Mediterranean-style sharing plates, to the sound of a live piano performance and surrounded by candlelit tables. A dreamy Friday evening plan.
AED240 for one, AED390 for a couple’s package, AED960 for table of five (all packages include sharing dishes, welcome mocktail, non-alcoholic digestif). To book, call 054 990 4246 or email villa.selene@viyagolf.com
Watch sports at a new bar
Rush, W Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking for a new spot to experience the thrill of live sports, then the W Abu Dhabi has just the place. They recently opened Rush Bar, the hotel’s new dedicated sports destination, which was designed as the ultimate venue to gather, celebrate, and watch the biggest sporting events from around the world, from football to rugby. And while many sports are on summer break, this weekend you can watch the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations matches plus action straight from the Pretoria Premier Padel P1.
For reservations, please call 02 656 0000, WhatsApp 050 642 0893, or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com
Take little ones to the Electric Ocean Festival
Seaworld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s popular Electric Ocean Festival has returned this summer, transforming the park into a vibrant, neon-lit underwater world with live entertainment, immersive experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy dazzling performances by drummers, aerial acrobats, breakdancers and SeaWorld characters, alongside new attractions such as an immersive silent disco, as well as returning favourites like glow-in-the-dark face painting and interactive art stations. With extended opening hours from 10am to 8pm daily, the festival offers families plenty of time to experience the park’s rides, animal encounters and spectacular evening entertainment.
Until 30 August. For further information, visit seaworldabudhabi.com
Make dessert the main event
Daily from 1 August, 3pm-5pm, Pearl Lounge, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Pearl Lounge is giving you the best excuse to indulge your sweet tooth with a two-hour unlimited crêpe experience featuring freshly prepared crêpes made to order. Yes, we said unlimited.
Guests can customise their creations with a variety of toppings or enjoy signature options such as blueberry, strawberry, mango passion and classic Nutella crêpes.
AED 65 per person (2-hour unlimited crêpes). To book, call 02 510 1234 or email dineatgrandhyattabudhabi@hyatt.com
Enter the world of gaming at the Yas Gaming Festival
Until 9 August, Yas Mall
The Yas Gaming Festival is back to Yas Mall from 31 July to 9 August for its fifth edition, transforming Town Square into a “Multiverse of Gaming Worlds” with immersive gaming zones featuring PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, racing simulators, arcade games and more. Open daily from 10am, the festival also hosts esports tournaments, cosplay competitions on 1 and 8 August, stage performances and giveaways, including gaming merchandise and Aldar Gift Cards. Visitors can join the action by spending AED50 or more at Yas Mall, collecting a Yas Gamers Wristband and registering for tournaments, making it a must-visit summer event for gamers and families alike.
Spend AED50 at Yas Mall for entry. 31 July to 9 August, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit yasmall.ae
Visit a new cookie pop-up
Bistro 81, The Residences, InterContinental Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
BMD (Bake My Day) has arrived in Abu Dhabi, bringing freshly baked treats to the heart of the capital. Located at Bistro 81 in The Residences at InterContinental Abu Dhabi, the pop-up is giving cookie lovers the chance to enjoy freshly baked goodies throughout the day, with a selection of flavours perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.
For further information, follow @bakemyday.me on IG
You might also like: Best summer camps for kids in Abu Dhabi
Go for a night dip
Daily, 12pm – 10pm, The Lean, Andaz Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
The Dip Club at The Lean has extended its opening hours, giving you even more time to unwind at Abu Dhabi’s highest rooftop pool at Andaz Abu Dhabi. For AED 200, fully redeemable on food and drinks, you can enjoy pool access, refreshing beverages and stunning panoramic views of the city. If you’re looking to elevate the experience, add AED 100 for access to the cold plunge – the perfect way to cool off this summer
AED 200, fully redeemable. For further information and to book, visit hyattrestaurants.com
Try a crazy new ride
Warner Bros. World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi unveiled its newest DC-themed attraction, the Kryptonite Collider, last Sunday. The immersive and high-energy thrill ride plunges guests into one of Lex Luthor’s latest experiments, in a 32-seat centrifuge-style experience that combines intense spins, fast-paced motion and immersive storytelling, making riders feel as though they’re unlocking superpowers as the action unfolds.
For further information and to book, visit wbworldabudhabi.com
Take your crew for Padel with a glowy twist
Daily from 1 August, 8am to 10pm, Space42 Arena
Space42 Arena is bringing Abu Dhabi’s only glow-in-the-dark padel experience to the city this August, transforming its fully air-conditioned indoor courts into a vibrant neon-lit venue complete with glowing gear, music and an energetic atmosphere. Running until 31 August, the limited-time pop-up offers daily morning and evening sessions, Ladies Glow Night every Thursday, and tailored packages for birthdays, corporate events and private celebrations. With prices starting from AED 245 per court, Glow Padel promises a fun and unique summer activity for friends, families and groups looking for an unforgettable sporting experience.
From AED 245 per court. For further information and to book, visit abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Visit the Amalfi Coast without getting on a plane
Saadiyat Beach Club
Saadiyat Beach Club is teaming up with Malfy this summer, with the official partnership launching on 1 August at Sunset Splash, where guests can enjoy free-flowing selected beverages, live entertainment and Italian poolside vibes.
Packages from AED 299. For further information and to book, visit saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Go on a family adventure
Various hotels
Abu Dhabi National Hotel is offering families great value during the school holidays with its Kids Go Free staycation packages across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The offers include complimentary stays for children, breakfast for two adults and two children, and access to leisure facilities such as beaches and pools. Participating hotels include Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche from AED 299, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain from AED 279, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Resort from AED 309, and Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort from AED 329, providing a range of family-friendly escapes.
Win big on Yas Bay before it’s too late
Fridays, 6pm, Yas Bay
View this post on Instagram
To get everyone in Abu Dhabi ready for its first location in the capital, Rowley’s is hiding 12 keys around the waterfront, with prizes worth more than AED 13,000 up for grabs. Expect everything from AirPods and Ray-Bans to dining experiences and even a Birthday Steak Pass. Simply sign up, scan the QR code, solve the clue and race to find a key before everyone else. Clues drop at 6pm but there are only two Fridays left, so you better get down there before it’s too late.
Until 7 August. For more information, follow @rowleys.uae on IG
Treat yourself this weekend with Careem Food
Abu Dhabi
Weekend plans should be about relaxing, not standing over a hot stove. Whether you’re planning a movie marathon, catching up with friends or simply enjoying a lazy day at home, let Careem Food do the cooking. Spend AED60 or more on eligible orders in Abu Dhabi and get 20 per cent cashback (up to AED15) credited straight to your Careem Wallet after delivery.
For further information, visit careem.com
Your chance to win AED30,000
Until 14 September, Yas Marina and Yas Bay
View this post on Instagram
Why just dine when you could win AED 30,000? Spend AED 100 or more at participating restaurants across Yas Bay and Yas Marina and you’ll receive one entry into the Summer Spree e-draw. Every meal brings you closer to incredible prizes to shop, dine, stay and play across Abu Dhabi and the UAE, making every visit even more rewarding this summer.
For further information, visit summerspree.ae
Feast on unlimited dim sum at Shang Palace
Until 30 September, Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, daily, 6pm-8pm
If you’re craving exceptional Chinese cuisine, Shang Palace has just the thing. The new Dragon’s Feast serves up an indulgent dining experience with unlimited handcrafted dim sum, including lobster dumplings, alongside standout dishes such as wok-fried XO prawns and smoked beef short ribs, all created by Master Chef Luo Ming Hui. Finish with a decadent dessert and enjoy the elegant Gongfu Tea Ceremony.
AED 169 per person (food only). Gongfu Tea Ceremony – Wed, Thu & Fri. For bookings, call 02 509 8555
Discover traditional Emirati games at ADSS
Until 23 August, ADNEC
There’s much more to Abu Dhabi Summer Sports than staying active. At the free Abu Dhabi Culture Pavilion, families can discover traditional Emirati games, artisan workshops, falconry demonstrations, live performances and the authentic Bait Al Gahwa coffee experience. Running until 23 August at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, it’s a fantastic way to explore the UAE’s rich heritage while enjoying one of the capital’s biggest indoor summer attractions.
For further information, visit adsummersports.aexcs
