What to do in Abu Dhabi

With summer temperatures on the rise, Abu Dhabi Summer Sports 2025 is providing a welcome indoor alternative for sports enthusiasts, families, and athletes. Held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor sports festival is now open and will run until August 21. Now in its fourth edition, the event transforms the ADNEC halls into a fully air-conditioned hub for activity and wellness. This year’s setup features: 52 indoor courts Dedicated zones for different sports and age groups     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (@adsummersports) From high-energy team games...

If you drive regularly in Abu Dhabi, a small change is coming that you’ll notice pretty quickly. The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has added two new toll gates to the Darb system. Both will start operating on May 4, 2026. Here’s where you’ll find them: Al Qurm Toll GateLocated on Wahat Al Karama Street, covering both the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street Ghantoot Toll GateLocated on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ghantoot Both toll gates will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fee is AED...

Big changes are coming to Abu Dhabi’s DARB toll system starting September 1, 2025. The city is scrapping the daily and monthly caps, which could impact how much you pay for tolls on public roads. Here’s what you need to know if driving in the capital: 1. No More Daily or Monthly Caps Right now, you pay a maximum of AED 16 per day and between AED 100 to AED 200 per month depending on how many vehicles you own. Starting in September, these caps will be removed. That means if you use the toll roads often, your costs could...

If your car is looking a bit dusty, you might want to think twice before putting off that car wash — especially in Abu Dhabi. Authorities in the UAE’s capital take clean streets seriously, and letting your vehicle get too dirty can actually cost you money. Why Can You Be Fined for a Dirty Car in Abu Dhabi? While a light layer of dust won’t get you in trouble, a car covered in excessive dirt is seen as an eyesore. According to Law No. 2 of 2012, abandoned or very dirty vehicles negatively impact the city’s appearance, and owners can...

After a different starts in their Super 4 campaigns, both Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in a must-win match on September 25 in Dubai. With both teams having their eyes on the final, this clash is crucial for keeping their hopes alive in Asia Cup 2025. Although Bangladesh secured an important win in Super 4, Pakistan comes into this game with a stronger T20I record over the past year. Both teams are vying for crucial points in this decisive match, and the outcome could have a significant impact on their journey to the final. With high hopes riding on...

Fireworks lighting up the skyline, busy streets, late dinners, and countdown plans that stretch past midnight: New Year in the UAE is always a big moment. If you’re heading out to celebrate or just moving around the city on January 1, knowing where you can park for free can save a lot of time, money, and a bit of stress. Here’s a look at how public parking works across the UAE during New Year holidays 2026. Abu Dhabi: Free Parking and Tolls on January 1 If you’re celebrating in Abu Dhabi, getting around on New Year’s Day will be easier...

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,...

Summer in Abu Dhabi usually means one thing: finding creative ways to stay active indoors. Luckily, one of the city's biggest indoor sports events is making a comeback. Abu Dhabi Summer Sports 2026 returns to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from June 6 until August 23, filling the venue with games, workouts, competitions, and family activities. You'll get access to 52 courts and activity zones, where you can play everything from football and basketball to archery, judo, chess, and obstacle course challenges. Not enough of a challenge? Spartan Indoor Race is back in Abu Dhabi this June. If you're in the...

Abu Dhabi is making significant strides to improve daily commutes with the construction of two new bridges designed to streamline traffic along a key route. Announced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), this infrastructure project promises to reduce travel delays and enhance connectivity across the city. The project, valued at AED 315 million, targets a busy corridor linking Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street. This upgrade will facilitate smoother journeys for commuters heading to central Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport, Mussafah, and Hudayriyat Island. Key Features of the Project: Three-lane flyover bridge on Al...

The UAE passport has officially entered the major league, now the second strongest in the world in the 2026 Henley Index. With access to 187 countries visa-free, Emiratis can enjoy more travel freedom than ever before: the EU, the UK, Thailand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, just to name a few. This marks a significant rise, up from 10th place just last year, and an impressive leap from its modest 38th position in 2016. Today, the UAE is ranked alongside countries like Japan and South Korea. In the past 10 years, the country has gained visa-free access to 152...