What to do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is getting ready to welcome jazz lovers from around the world as the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2025. On April 30, the UAE capital will come alive with the sounds of jazz, blending classic styles with the region’s rich musical traditions.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Abu Dhabi Culture (@abudhabiculture) Expect a unique fusion of Arabic and jazz music, where instruments like the oud, qanoon, and ney flute will mix with jazz improvisations, creating a fresh and exciting sound. Abu Dhabi’s role as host isn’t by chance. Recognized...

For the first time ever, Abu Dhabi is hosting a professional surfing tournament, the Surf Abu Dhabi PRO, part of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour. This exciting event will take place from February 14 to 16 at Hudayriyat Island, offering fans a chance to witness some of the world’s best surfers in action. What to Expect at Surf Abu Dhabi PRO The competition brings a lineup of top-tier athletes, including 2024 WSL Champion Caity Simmers, Morocco’s leading surfer Ramzi Boukhiam, and Jack Robinson, Australia’s Olympic silver medalist. Olympic medalists Caroline Marks and Tatiana Weston-Webb will also showcase their talent...

Wonderland is officially open in Al Wathba, and it’s the perfect spot for family fun this season! Located near the main square, the park is part of Sheikh Zayed Festival. It’s designed to be a fun-filled entertainment hub with exciting rides, chill spots to relax, or family activities to enjoy together. Here’s what you can expect when entering Wonderland: Thrilling rides & attractions The park is home to a roller coaster, an ice-skating rink, a haunted house, a mirror maze, and a dinosaur-themed park. Kids will love the pony rides, and there’s The Rope Maze climbing area for some extra...

Yas Island continues its transformation into one of the UAE’s most desirable destinations with a new addition that blends luxury, lifestyle, and location. Aldar Properties, a real estate development company owned by the Abu Dhabi government, has officially teamed up with Hilton to launch the first Waldorf Astoria Residences in Abu Dhabi — and the spotlight is firmly on Yas. This marks two major milestones: the first branded residential project of its kind on Yas Island, and the debut of Waldorf Astoria’s residential brand in the UAE capital. It also signals a fresh chapter in high-end real estate on the...

Ramadan nights have their own rhythm. You break fast, head out late in the evening, and suddenly it’s midnight and no one’s ready to go home. If you’re looking for a place that matches that mood, Layali Ramadan 2026 is back in Abu Dhabi for this Holy Month, and it’s bringing Suhoor under the stars to Saadiyat Island once again. Back for its second season, the festival turns an open-air spot into a Suhoor destination throughout the entire month. The setup is simple and stylish: lanterns, comfortable seating, and plenty of space. This season, the Suhoor menu is curated by...

As the year draws to a close, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a spectacular celebration to welcome 2024. From masquerade balls to beachside galas, the capital will be jam-packed with exciting events for ringing in the New Year. Here's a list of the best places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Abu Dhabi to help you plan your day. Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Abu Dhabi Andrea Bocelli Live at Emirates Palace The elegant Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental will host Andrea Bocelli on New Year’s Eve, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy his timeless melodies...

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.  ...

If you’re planning a visit to Saadiyat Island soon, here’s a cool hangout spot worth checking out. The newly opened pedestrian promenade connects Louvre Abu Dhabi with Natural History Museum, offering a stroll through the island’s cultural district with incredible views and peaceful green spaces. Along the walk, you’ll find three awesome pop-up cafés that make it even more of a must-see: Brooki, a vibrant pink kiosk serving trendy cookies, open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM FLTR with a relaxed green vibe, perfect for a chill break, open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM Como Lounge, ideal...

Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is no stranger to global recognition, and the latest MENA’s Top 50 Restaurants list proves it. If you're a food lover, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the region’s best dining spots are right here in the UAE. Let’s take a look at the standouts that made the list in 2026. MENA’s Top Restaurants in Dubai for 2026 Dubai is clearly dominating, with seven dining spots mentioned in the top 10: Kinoya (2) Trèsind Studio (3) Orfali bros (4) Surfet Maryam (7) Jun’s (8) Manao (9) Moonrise (10) It’s no surprise that...

We’re hitting the crunch stage of the Asia Cup 2025, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On September 18, Sri Lanka will take on Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. Afghanistan are in a tricky spot — they’ve won one game and lost another. To make it to the Super Four, they must beat their opponents. Sri Lanka have been in impressive form so far. They kicked off the tournament with a solid six-wicket win over Bangladesh and followed it up with a four-wicket victory against Hong Kong. Momentum is on their side, and...