What to do in Abu Dhabi

CineMAS 2025 has returned to Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, and it's more than just a celebration of indie film. Running until Sunday, June 1, this year’s edition unfolds across seven themed days, each packed with powerful screenings and curated line-ups designed to challenge, reflect, and resonate. Organised around themes of identity, heritage, climate, labour, duplicity and statelessness, CineMAS 2025 invites audiences to dive into a deeper cinematic experience. The programming has been put together by regional institutions like Arab Film Studio, NYUAD, The Climate Tribe, and others, ensuring a strong local perspective.     View this post on...

Superhero fans, here's some great news! The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) is back for its 13th edition, bringing a weekend packed with celebrity guests, entertainment, and everything pop culture. The event takes place from April 18 to 20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and if you get your tickets now you can meet some of the biggest stars in the movie industry! MEFCC is kicking off its celebrity lineup with two big names from the Marvel Cinematic Universe — Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio. Fans of Netflix’s "Daredevil" will recognize Cox as Matt Murdock, the...

Yas Winter Fest is back! This year, the island transforms once again into a festive wonderland, offering families a chance to make unforgettable memories together. Whether you’re returning for the fun or experiencing it for the first time, this is the ultimate destination for 10 days of winter cheer. The festival is open daily from December 12 to 21, so get ready for an experience your kids will remember for many-many months. 6 Reasons to Visit Yas Winter Fest in 2025 1. Meet Santa There’s nothing quite like the excitement of meeting the jolly man himself! Bring your kids to...

Looking for a holiday destination that promises endless fun for the little ones? Rixy Kids Club at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi has a spectacular lineup of festive activities that will keep your children entertained while creating lifelong memories.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi (@rixosmarinaabudhabi) Festive Fun at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi From December through January, Rixy Kids Club transforms into a wonderland of creativity, excitement, and joy. Whether your child loves arts and crafts, energetic outdoor play, or dazzling live performances, this kid-friendly oasis has something for everyone. Festive...

A major new attraction is on the horizon for the UAE, as The Walt Disney Company and Miral have confirmed plans to launch a Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The project will mark Disney’s seventh global resort destination and its first-ever park in the Middle East. Disney Theme Park Resort in UAE to Get a Unique Castle The development will be fully built and operated by Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based company behind many of the capital’s major leisure and entertainment venues. Disney collaborates closely on design and concept through its Walt Disney Imagineering team. As it...

Abu Dhabi is powering ahead with its clean mobility goals. In a major step towards a more sustainable future, Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced the installation of 1,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 400 locations throughout the emirate. The rollout covers Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, marking the first phase of a long-term EV infrastructure plan. All new charging points will be unified under the Charge AD brand, with standardised pricing: AED 0.70 per kWh for AC (alternating current) chargers AED 1.20 per kWh for DC (direct current) fast chargers The initiative supports the UAE’s...

Step into a world of light, art, and tradition as Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi hosts a special event celebrating 40 years of friendship between the UAE and China. Running until Saturday, February 1, this festival, organized in partnership with the Embassy of China and the Chinese Language Institute, is a vibrant showcase of both nations’ cultural heritage. Entry is just AED 10 per person. The festival’s main attraction is the breathtaking Zigong Lantern Exhibition. Picture yourself strolling among 20 glowing lantern installations, each crafted by expert artisans from Sichuan, China. Beyond the lanterns, visitors can dive into...

From January 10 to February 28, 2025, the Al Wathba region in Abu Dhabi will host the second edition of the Al Wathba Dates Festival, a key feature of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event celebrates the enduring cultural and agricultural significance of date palms in the UAE. This year’s festival will bring together date enthusiasts, farmers, and traders from around the globe. It will include 12 competitions highlighting date packaging — with and without additives — featuring six...

Abu Dhabi’s culinary reputation took another leap forward with the unveiling of the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2025 at the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on October 31, 2024. This third annual Michelin ceremony, presented by Experience Abu Dhabi and the Department of Culture and Tourism, added new stars to the emirate’s dining scene, celebrating both local Emirati and international flavors that are shaping Abu Dhabi as a dining destination of choice. Among the night's top honors, Ryba, a newcomer located in Souq Al Mina, won both a Michelin star and the coveted "Opening of the Year" title. The restaurant,...

K-Pop fans in the UAE are in for something big this August. A three-day K-Pop training workshop is coming to Dee Studio in Abu Dhabi, offering a rare chance to train like the real idols do — and it’s completely free. From August 20 to 22, the Kpop Academy X DIMA Dream School will run sessions in dance, vocals, and even video production. The programme is a joint effort by the Korean Cultural Center and South Korea’s Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA) — the same institute behind the success of stars from SEVENTEEN, ZEROBASEONE, and Kwon Eunbi.  ...