What to do in Abu Dhabi

Waterfront Nights is returning to Yas Bay Waterfront this Ramadan, bringing an exciting mix of shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Running from March 15 to April 1, 2025, this pop-up market is the perfect spot to soak up the festive atmosphere while exploring local brands, enjoying live performances, and tasting delicious food — all with a free entry! Shop & Support Local Talent The event’s night market features 26 local brands, including 23 supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. From stylish apparel and accessories to perfumes and artwork, there’s plenty to discover. Look out for popular names like...

The UAE has confirmed the first official public holiday of the year, and it’s one that everyone can enjoy, whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah, or any other emirate! New Year’s Day (January 1) will be a day off for both public and private sector employees across the country. New Year’s Day in the UAE: Public and Private Sector Holiday Dates Public sector employees across all emirates will be allowed to work remotely on Friday, January 2. The first day back in the office will be on Monday, January 5. Meanwhile, private sector employees won’t miss out either....

The Asia Cup 2025 is reaching a fever pitch, and the final Group A showdown between India and Oman is happening on September 19 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This is your chance to see cricket at its finest live, and you don’t want to miss it! India comes into this clash firing on all cylinders. Unbeaten so far in the group, they’ve been dominant with both bat and ball. Oman has had a tough run, currently being at the bottom of the table, but this is their shot to fight back and leave a mark on the...

Missing a stadium ticket doesn’t mean missing the concert. This April, VOX Cinemas is bringing the BTS World Tour “ARIRANG” to the big screen, with live screenings across the UAE. The concerts will stream directly from Goyang in South Korea and from Japan, so you get the enjoy the full performance of your favorite K-pop band without leaving your city. Only two dates are scheduled: ARIRANG in Goyang (South Korea) on April 11 at 1:45 PM ARIRANG in Tokyo (Japan) on April 18 at 1:45 PM The live screenings will be available at select VOX Cinemas locations across the UAE,...

The legendary Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is set to perform at The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on June 1st! Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with soul-stirring melodies and an enchanting voice that has captivated hearts around the globe. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the torchbearer of the Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's musical legacy, is set to weave his magic, creating an atmosphere of pure euphoria. With a career spanning decades, Rahat has become a name synonymous with Sufi and Qawwali music, earning accolades for his remarkable talent and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level....

Calling all adrenaline lovers and racing enthusiasts! Yas Marina Circuit is revving up for an unforgettable season opener of the Yas Racing Series, and it's all happening this weekend on November 9 and 10. Get ready to witness heart-pounding motorsport action, featuring cars and superbikes tearing up the track — all at no cost to you. That's right, entry is entirely free with a quick online registration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yas Marina Circuit (@ymcofficial) The iconic Yas Racing Series kicks off in style with the Gulf ProCar Championship, the Middle East's...

Get ready, Abu Dhabi! The iconic British band, Take That, is coming to town for a spectacular one-night-only performance at Etihad Park on Friday, 25 October 2024. Take That, with their chart-topping hits and energetic performances, has been a musical force since the '90s. From "Back for Good" to "Rule the World," their songs have become anthems that span generations. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, the live experience is bound to leave you singing and dancing the night away. This musical powerhouse has claimed the coveted #1 spot on the Official UK Albums Chart...

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have made it to the top five of the IMD Smart City Index 2025, marking a major step forward in how cities use technology to improve daily life. This is the first time both cities have landed in the top 10 of the annual ranking, which looks at how smartly cities handle everything from public services and housing to sustainability and digital access. Dubai ranked 4th overall, scoring high marks for its healthcare services (82.8 out of 100) and green spaces (83.4). Abu Dhabi followed closely at 5th place, with slightly higher scores in both healthcare...

The Abu Dhabi Festival returns for its 22nd edition in 2025, uniting music, performance, and cultural exchange under the theme “Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony.” This year’s celebration shines a spotlight on the enduring friendship between the UAE and Japan, marking 50 years of cultural collaboration. Featuring world-class performances from internationally acclaimed artists, the festival promises a rich tapestry of musical traditions and contemporary innovation. Here’s a glimpse at the standout events scheduled for this year: KODO – April 8 & 9, 2025 Experience the electrifying rhythms of KODO, a legendary Japanese drumming ensemble. Combining theatre with traditional...

Waiting days for your salary could soon become much less common in the UAE private sector. Starting June 1, 2026, companies will be required to pay salaries on the first day of every month under a new MoHRE rule. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the update under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026. Any salary paid after the first day of the month will officially count as delayed Companies must transfer at least 85% of total wages If the transferred amount falls below 85%, the employee will still be considered unpaid under the system Companies must...