What to do in Abu Dhabi

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...

If you’ve scored tickets to Ed Sheeran this Saturday, April 26, and you’re heading from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to OFFLIMITS Music Festival, getting there just got a lot easier with Careem. Dubai-based super app has reintroduced its “Concert Rides” service, timed perfectly for fans heading to Etihad Park. This limited-time offering is designed for big events like OFFLIMITS and gives concert-goers a 10-hour round-trip ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi — complete with a personal driver and a specially curated playlist to set the mood. You can pre-book your ride now through the Careem app and choose between two...

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...

Air India Express is celebrating India's 79th Independence Anniversary with an incredible Freedom Sale, offering huge discounts on both domestic and international flights. This exciting sale covers 5 million seats, so there are plenty of opportunities to score affordable tickets for travel from the UAE to India and other destinations. Bookings are open until August 15, 2025. You can book through Air India Express’ website, mobile app, or any other major booking channels. For this Freedom Sale, the airline is offering affordable fares for both domestic and international flights: INR 1,279 (around AED 53.5) for tickets within country INR 4,279...

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...

Summer is heating up, but so is the entertainment scene in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! Whether you’re all about concerts, comedy, culture, or keeping the kids entertained, July is packed with epic experiences. Here’s your go-to calendar of events to fill your month with fun. Concerts & Live Music Jennifer Lopez: Live in Abu Dhabi Global icon J.Lo brings her energy to Etihad Arena with a night of hits, glamour, and non-stop dancing. A must for every pop fan! Adonis Live in Dubai The beloved Lebanese band returns to wow fans with poetic Arabic lyrics and irresistible indie-pop rhythms. Shreya...

One of Dubai’s most talked-about dining concepts is on its way to the capital. Kokoro, the UAE’s first dedicated hand roll bar, is set to open a new branch on Saadiyat Island in March 2026. The exact location has yet to be revealed, but the expansion marks a significant step for the homegrown brand that has redefined casual Japanese dining in the UAE. Kokoro first launched in March 2024 and quickly gained a loyal following in Dubai, with popular outlets in Alserkal Avenue and Nad Al Sheba. Known for its counter-seating format, no-reservations policy, and hand rolls, Kokoro has now served...

If you've been eyeing furniture from West Elm or Pottery Barn, now might be the time to grab a bargain. Williams-Sonoma Inc. is shutting down its stores in Kuwait on December 25, 2025, and they're offering discounts of up to 80% on everything before they close their doors for good. It's not just Kuwait that's affected by the changes, though. The company has already closed its Kout Mall branch earlier this year and is winding down operations in Bahrain, with stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi expected to shut down next month. View this post on Instagram A post shared...

Drivers in Abu Dhabi should be aware of upcoming road closures and diversions as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. The Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility) has announced temporary traffic changes via their official X account. Check the maps of affected areas and dates of road closures in Abu Dhabi below. Nahyan The First Street Diversion – Zakhir Roundabout, Al Ain Duration: Wednesday, April 2 (12 AM) to Sunday, April 13 (5 AM) A temporary diversion will be in place. Drivers are advised to use alternative roads. Jacques Chirac Street Closure – Saadiyat Island Duration: March 29 – June 30 (3...

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) just hit a major milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 29.4 million passengers in 2024—a massive 28.1% jump from the previous year. A big part of this success comes from Etihad Airways, which flew passengers to over 125 destinations, adding 29 new routes in just one year. The airport also saw eight new airlines join its network, including British Airways, Air Astana, and Aegean Airlines. Aircraft movements increased by 10%, reaching 249,747 takeoffs and landings. Key travel markets like the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt played a major role in this surge. Zayed International Airport isn’t...