What to do in Abu Dhabi

This week, the UAE celebrates one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Adha. The holiday traditionally begins with early morning prayers at mosques on the first day of Eid. In 2026, Eid Al Adha begins on Wednesday, May 27, and here are the prayer timings across the UAE. Eid Prayer in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Al Ain: 5:45 AM Abu Dhabi City: 5:51 AM Zayed City: 5:56 AM Celebrating this Eid in the capital? Don’t miss top activities and events during Eid al-Adha break in Abu Dhabi. Eid prayer in Dubai is scheduled for 5:47 AM....

If you often find yourself unsure about what your child is doing online, now you’re legally required to know. In the UAE, parents must actively monitor their children’s digital activity under the new Child Digital Safety Law (CDS Law). This law places responsibility on parents and caregivers. It’s no longer just advice, but a legal obligation. From monitoring what their children are exposed to, to managing screen time, the law ensures that parents have a key role in protecting their children’s online privacy and well-being. This article serves as a helpful guide, providing essential tips on how to comply with...

Abu Dhabi’s waterfront will soon glow again. Manar, the capital’s large-scale light art exhibition, is coming back this November as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi programme by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This year’s edition, Manar 2.0, will feature more than 35 artworks by international and local artists. Among the names announced are teamLab, Carsten Höller, Shezad Dawood, Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, and Nujoom Alghanem. The works will range from light sculptures and projections to interactive installations and performances.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting a free outdoor yoga session under its dome to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21. The event is organized in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and invites community members to join in this unique experience. Yoga mats will be provided, though participants may bring their own if preferred. Prior registration through the official website is required to attend. In addition to the Louvre Abu Dhabi session, the Indian Embassy will hold a grand event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) under the theme “Yoga for One...

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...

If you live in the UAE or have kids approaching adulthood, there’s a legal update worth knowing about. Under the new law, adulthood in the UAE will officially start at 18. The change comes under an updated federal law linked to the Civil Transactions Law and replaces the previous age of 21. In everyday terms, this means: full legal responsibility now starts at 18 from this age, it's now possible to work full-time, drive, and get married Adulthood was previously calculated using the Hijri lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar most people use. Because of that, “21”...

Abu Dhabi just got a new spot for evening beach fun! The Abu Dhabi City Municipality has opened Night Beach on the Corniche, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a swim after sunset. Whether you're an early riser or prefer the cooler evening hours, this beach is the perfect place to cool off while getting some exercise. Night Beach is open daily from 6 PM to 10 PM, with extended hours on the weekends, running until midnight from Friday to Sunday. In addition to swimming, the beach offers plenty of activities to keep you active, including volleyball, basketball,...

The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is turning into one of the most music-packed weekends of the year. Just when it seemed the Yasalam After-Race Concerts lineup was complete, organisers have announced a new addition: Elyanna will take the stage on Friday, December 5. The Palestinian-Chilean singer, known for her genre-bending sound that blends Arabic music with Latin beats, is no stranger to the UAE. Earlier this year, she opened for Coldplay at their sold-out shows in Zayed Sports City Stadium — performing to over 200,000 fans. She also made history as the first artist to sing in...

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Waterworld is getting even bigger this summer. The long-awaited expansion opened to the public on July 1, 2025, adding 13,445 square metres of brand-new aquatic fun. The updated section builds on the park’s existing theme, continuing the tale of "The Legend of the Lost Pearl" with a new storyline set in the Lost City. It introduces 20 new rides, slides, and experiences, thoughtfully designed for a wide range of age groups — from young kids to thrill-seekers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yas Waterworld™️ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (@yaswaterworldyasisland) Here’s...

Construction has officially started on the UAE-Oman railway project, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and GCC cooperation. The long-anticipated Hafeet Rail line will initially run between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, Oman’s key port city. The rail line promises to deliver fast, efficient, and sustainable travel across national borders. With passenger trains reaching speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, the journey between the two cities will take just 100 minutes. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers, and the freight trains will transport cargo equivalent to 300 trucks, reducing truck-related carbon emissions by 80%.  ...