What to do in Abu Dhabi

The UAE’s leadership has long been a beacon of hope, resilience, and forward-thinking. With their wisdom and unwavering commitment, the country’s leaders continue to inspire not just the Emirates, but the entire world. Here are 9 powerful quotes from the UAE’s most influential figures that are sure to make you hold your head up high and ignite a spark of optimism for the future. UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Unity and Optimism One of the most important quotes that truly reflects the spirit and character of the UAE as a nation is found in a...

Power Slap, the world’s leading slap fighting league, is coming back to Abu Dhabi on Friday, October 24, as part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. After a packed-out debut last year, the event is set to take over Space42 Arena for its second appearance in the capital. Organisers have yet to announce the official fight card, but fans can register their interest now to be among the first to know when tickets are released. The return of Power Slap is expected to deliver a night of high-stakes matchups and intense action.     View this post on Instagram...

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...

Summer heat in the UAE isn’t just hard on people — it takes a serious toll on cars too. From overheated engines to failing air conditioning, high temperatures can quickly lead to breakdowns or worse. That’s why Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police offer free car inspections to residents until August 31, 2025. All private car owners can benefit from this service by visiting special centres: selected ADNOC service stations if you live in the capital or AutoPro locations in Dubai. What’s Included in the Free Inspection? These checks focus on the parts of your vehicle most vulnerable to summer stress....

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...

Prepare to be dazzled as the Jewellery & Watch Show (JWS) Abu Dhabi gears up for its 31st edition, running from November 13-17, 2024, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This prestigious event promises an unforgettable experience with a showcase of luxury jewellery and watch collections from over 20 countries. It's a must-visit for collectors, aficionados, and anyone seeking the latest in opulence and craftsmanship. The show will feature exclusive creations from renowned regional and global brands, including unique pieces that embody the finest artistry in the jewellery and watchmaking world. Attendees will also get the chance to...

Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi is about to become a major set once again. Denis Villeneuve is returning to the UAE to shoot Dune: Part 3, the latest chapter in his epic saga. This means the arrival of Hollywood stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, walking across the endless sands of the UAE — with the desert’s beauty to be captured once again as the fictional planet Arrakis. Filming for the highly anticipated movie will start later this year. The vast, cinematic dunes of Liwa desert are ideal for reflecting the power and scale of the film and have become as...

Art lovers in Abu Dhabi get a rare opportunity to witness the incredible blend of artistry, scholarship, and spirituality that shaped centuries of knowledge! "Golden Ink: A Journey through Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts" exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich history of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, some dating back over a thousand years. You can visit it at Qasr Al Watan, House of Knowledge, until April 2026. "Golden Ink" offers access to extraordinary manuscripts from some of the world’s most renowned collections. From the Louvre Abu Dhabi to private holdings of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, this exhibition brings...

Eid Al Fitr 2026 brings a welcome benefit to residents and visitors across the UAE, with free public parking. Every emirate sets its own rules, so dates can vary. If you're spending the Eid break in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, here’s the official information for each city’s free parking offer. Public Parking in Dubai During Eid Al Fitr 2026 From March 19 to 21, all standard public parking spaces in the city will be free of charge, as confirmed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Please note, multi-storey parking garages will charge as usual during this period. The...

Ready for a unique adventure run in the UAE capital? On September 14, Seaworld Run: Dolphin Series will take you through the mesmerizing realms of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Get set to run past playful sea otters in the Arctic, cheeky sea lions at Rocky Point, and dive into the world of Micro-Ocean. You’ll even get to witness divers in the Endless Ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for some fun, you’ll have the option to choose from a 2.5 km, 5 km, or 10 km run. And the best part? You’ll enjoy the entire event in the...