What to do in Abu Dhabi

If you've been keeping an eye on the calendar to plan your next public holiday, the wait is over. The UAE has officially confirmed the start date of Eid Al Adha 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on the evening of Tuesday, May 27. The Presidential Court announced that Wednesday, May 28, 2025, will be the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that: Arafat Day, which falls on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, will be observed on Thursday, June 5, 2025 Eid Al...

The iconic venue Sphere, which revolutionized live entertainment in Las Vegas, is coming to Abu Dhabi! Sphere Entertainment has teamed up with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) to build the legendary venue's twin in the capital city of the UAE that promises to take entertainment in the region to new heights.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by DCT Abu Dhabi - Official (@dctabudhabi) Although the exact location of the venue remains under wraps, Abu Dhabi’s Sphere is set to follow in the futuristic footsteps of its Las Vegas counterpart. With advanced...

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...

Islamic New Year is coming soon, and with it being an official public holiday in the country, everyone is waiting to see if we will get a public holiday this year. The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, signifies the start of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, which means its dates don’t align with the solar-based Gregorian calendar. This shift in dates also affects when the Islamic New Year is celebrated. Last year, it fell on July 21, a Friday, which resulted in a public holiday...

Abu Dhabi has expanded its public paid parking services to include several new areas, according to an announcement from Q Mobility. As of Thursday, July 10, parking fees are now in effect in the following locations: Eastern Mangroves Dolphin Park Sectors along Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, including: Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park 1, 2, 4, and 5 Al Qurm Plaza Q Mobility is responsible for managing both Mawaqif, the capital’s public parking system, and Darb, the toll collection platform. The expansion follows the completion of infrastructure upgrades in these areas, such as curb painting, installation of directional signs, and...

Ramadan will bring several changes to Abu Dhabi, from working hours to city services. One key update affects transport, as Darb toll and public parking fees will follow adjusted timings during the holy month. Q Mobility has shared the revised timings, and they will apply as soon as Ramadan start date is officially confirmed. Darb toll fees during Ramadan 2026 in Abu Dhabi: Monday to Saturday: 8 AM to 10 AM (first phase) and 2 PM to 6 PM (second phase) Sundays: free all day Public parking fees (Mawaqif system) during Ramadan 2026: Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 6...

The warning alert system is used to quickly inform UAE residents about important safety situations and provide instructions on what to do. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has now introduced a small update to the system, mainly adjusting the notification sound. From now on, alerts will follow two different sound settings depending on the time: During the day (9 AM until 10:30 PM): familiar high-tone alert sound when a warning is issued. When the situation is over, the system will send a normal message notification to indicate that it is safe to resume regular activities. At...

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new kind of fitness experience — one powered by artificial intelligence, smart data, and personalised insights. Unveiled during the first-ever Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the “Gym of the Future” is designed to shift the focus from simply building strength to promoting long-term health and wellbeing. Developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, this innovative concept combines advanced technology and wellness strategies to offer fully personalised fitness journeys, all driven by real-time data and automation.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by B·U·T digital (@but.digital) As soon as...

The UAE has climbed to 5th place in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. This puts the country ahead of major global economies like the United States, Germany, and Sweden — and marks a steady rise from its 28th position in 2009. In the 2025 results, the UAE secured: 1st place in absence of bureaucracy 2nd — in policy adaptability 4th — in government efficiency The annual ranking, conducted by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), assesses 69 countries based on key indicators including economic performance, business efficiency, infrastructure, and government effectiveness. At the top of the list were...

One of the most demanding fitness events is heading to the capital this summer. Spartan Race is coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 20, offering a new twist on the popular obstacle challenge. This time, it will take place in a climate-controlled indoor setting, with a short outdoor stretch included. The adult race features a 3 km course with 15 Spartan obstacles. Designed for speed and accessibility, this version of Spartan — called a “City” race — is compact and high-energy, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Young athletes can also take part in the competition, with...