Dine, explore and relax across the city’s top spots
Looking for something to do this week?
Abu Dhabi has plenty going on, whether you fancy dressing up for a ladies’ night, laughing your way through a stand-up show or discovering something new at one of the city’s galleries.
There’s also a beachside party, a lavish Saturday brunch, an exhibition dedicated to fashion and beauty, and an after-dark adventure at Al Ain Zoo.
Add in AI-powered music, thought-provoking theatre and a chance to have your say as part of a new Guggenheim Abu Dhabi artwork, and your diary is looking pretty busy.
Over to you, Abu Dhabi.
Best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi
Indulge in Brunch at The Park at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Saturday, 1pm-4pm, The Café, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
It’s time to make your Saturday a little more indulgent with Brunch at The Park, launching this Saturday, 3 October. Guests can expect a lavish spread of global flavours, from oysters and caviar to live sushi counters, flame-grilled specialities and Middle Eastern favourites. There’s live entertainment for the grown-ups, while younger guests can enjoy their own experiences at Camp Hyatt. This is a relaxed weekend brunch with plenty to explore, plate by plate.
For bookings and more information, visit hyattrestaurants.com
Enjoy An Evening of Mohamed Abdel Wahab at Cultural Foundation
Friday, 2 October, 7.30pm, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
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Spend an evening with the music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab, one of the most influential figures in Arabic music. The UAE National Orchestra celebrates the legacy of ‘The Musician of Generations’ with a symphonic performance bringing his much-loved compositions to life. Known for blending traditional Arabic melodies with Western influences, Abdelwahab helped shape the sound of the Arab world, making this a chance to hear his familiar works in a rich orchestral setting.
For tickets and more information, visit uaenationalorchestra.ae
Party it up at The Club
Friday, 2 October, 7pm-1am, The Shore and Main Beach, The Club, Abu Dhabi
Beach season is officially back, and The Club is kicking things off with a carnival-inspired night by the water. Expect live music from YFY Band, tropical flavours, drinks and plenty of beachside energy, with the party taking over The Shore and Main Beach until 1am. Dress for the theme and go all out for the Best Dressed competition, with a prize up for grabs. The adults-only celebration is open to members and non-members, so it’s also a good excuse to see what The Club is all about.
AED 99 for members and AED 135 for guests and non-members, including food, a welcome drink and one additional drink coupon. Further drinks from AED 15. For tickets, visit The Club’s Main Reception or book online via Virgin Tickets. Guests must be aged 21+. For more information, email membership@the-club.com or call 02 673 1111.
Witness this exciting new show at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Thursday and Friday, 1-2 October, The Black Box, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
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What happens when art, identity and representation collide? Untitled 14KM takes audiences inside an imagined museum of North Africa, Middle East Contemporary Art, following a poet, museum director, curator and artist as they work together to create a fictional exhibition. The satirical performance explores Arab-Andalusian heritage, modernism and contemporary Arab art, while questioning who gets to define identity, culture and artistic legitimacy.
Tickets from AED 52.50 to AED 105. For more information and tickets, visit publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu
Experience AI and music coming together at Encounters of Intelligences
Saturday, 3 October, Zayed Theatre, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Forget the usual concert blurb – this one is about seeing what happens when technology gets a seat at the musical table. Encounters of Intelligences brings soprano Isabel Cañada Luna and four musicians together with AI, electronic sounds and reactive visuals, moving from classical performance into something far more experimental. By the finale, the audience gets to influence a new AI-created piece live, making each performance part concert, part experiment and part glimpse into where music could be heading next
Tickets are AED 50. For more information, visit sorbonne.ae.
Go B.I.G at this exciting brunch
Every Saturday, 1pm-4pm, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
If your idea of Saturday plans involves eating a lot, drinking a little (or a lot) and settling in for an afternoon of music, B.I.G. Brunch has you covered. There are five culinary hubs to work your way through, from mezze and Asian flavours to meat cuts from the Vault, plus drinks on tap and plenty of booming beats to keep things lively. Pick your package, bring your appetite and, when brunch wraps up, head to W Lounge to keep the party going.
AED390 soft package, AED475 house package, AED590 sparkling package. For bookings, call 02656 0000
Indulge in a month of delightful experiences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
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September is looking rather tempting at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, with a packed line-up of dining, drinks and wellness experiences to enjoy. From elegant afternoon tea at Café Ginori and a decadent chocolate cake to gold-topped burgers at The Manhattan Lounge, there’s plenty to treat yourself to. Over at Sontaya and Sophia, expect flavour-packed dishes inspired by Asia and Anatolia, while Buddha-Bar Beach brings sunset drinks, seafood and weekend DJs. For some downtime, The St. Regis Spa offers its cooling Glacial Skin Facial.
For further information, visit stregissaadiyatisland.com
Treat yourself to Saturday brunch at WB™ Abu Dhabi
Saturdays, 1pm-4pm, Yas Island
Make your Saturday a little more indulgent with The Director’s Club Signature Saturday Brunch. This leisurely afternoon brings together premium cuts, bold flavours and expertly crafted drinks in the stylish setting of the hotel’s signature steakhouse. Settle in, take your time and enjoy a relaxed weekend feast with plenty of flavour.
AED 275. For bookings, call 02 815 0000
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 or visit morecravings.com
Experience a thought-provoking art exhibit at The Art Gallery at NYUAD
Until 3 January 2027, NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery
Art lovers have more time to explore one of Abu Dhabi’s standout exhibitions, with All Manner of Experiments: Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group now extended until 3 January, 2027. The exhibition delves into the influential Baghdad Modern Art Group, founded in 1951 by Iraqi artists Jewad Selim and Shakir Hassan Al Said, bringing together paintings, sculptures, works on paper and archival material. There’s also a new programme of Saturday talks, conversations and screenings planned for the autumn, exploring modern Arab art, archives, women artists and alternative modernities across the region.
For more information and details of the upcoming programme, visit the publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu
Get the right answer at Manarat Al Saadiyat
25 September-22 October, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
You don’t have to wait until Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens to get involved. At Manarat Al Saadiyat, Network of Answers invites you to pick up a phone and respond to a series of questions, sharing your thoughts, memories and perspectives about life in Abu Dhabi. The interactive installation by artist Agatha Gothe-Snape is creating a growing archive of voices from the city, with every answer becoming part of the artwork. There’s no registration needed, so just turn up and have your say.
Free. No registration required. For more information, visit guggenheimabudhabi.ae
Laugh out loud with The Laughter Factory
4 October, 7pm, The Club, Abu Dhabi
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Thirty years, thousands of comedians and plenty of nights that have left audiences crying with laughter – The Laughter Factory is still going strong. This month’s line-up brings four comedians to the stage, with Marlon Davis, George Zach, Denisa Alexe and John Hague each bringing their own style, stories and plenty of punchlines. The long-running comedy club has built its reputation on bringing professional comedians from the international circuit to UAE audiences, making this one for anyone in need of a proper night out.
For more information and tickets, visit thelaughterfactory.com
Give yourself a makeover at the Sajaya Exhibition 2026
1-4 October, ADNEC Centre Al Ain
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Fashion, beauty and wellness are all under one roof at Sajaya Exhibition, returning to Al Ain for four days from Thursday, 1 October. Browse clothing, accessories, perfumes, textiles and cosmetics, alongside skincare, body care and women’s wellness products from brands across the UAE and beyond. It’s a good one to wander around if you’re after some new-season inspiration, a beauty refresh or simply fancy discovering something new. Best of all, entry is free.
Free entry. For more information, visit adnecalain.ae
Get active with Citymoov
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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
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
