What to do in Abu Dhabi - Latest News

If you're tired of scrolling through streaming platforms for 40 minutes in search of a worthy film, CineMAS 2026 might be a better plan. The festival continues at Manarat Al Saadiyat until May 24 with independent films, live Q&As and a silent Charlie Chaplin classic accompanied by DJ music. So, here’s what’s in store for you at CineMAS 2026 this week: Thursday, May 21: UAE short films curated by Abdulrahman Al Madani, including Oug, Yathoom, A Small Dream, The Battle, Noor and Unsaid. After the screening, the directors join the audience for a live Q&A. Friday, May 22: Jim Jarmusch’s...

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced plans for one national health insurance system that will cover all seven emirates. UAE citizens would get the same level of healthcare support whether they’re in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah or anywhere else in the country. While the UAE healthcare tops global rankings, the access to its services varies. Different programmes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai include treatments and preventive care. Other emirates have less coverage and healthcare access. The new unified system would bring everything under one structure, making it easier for Emirati citizens to access the same healthcare services anywhere...

If smoky kababs, fresh flatbreads and slow-cooked Persian dishes sound like your kind of dinner, Abu Dhabi finally has its own Berenjak restaurant. The London-born spot has opened inside The House in Al Bateen, bringing its menu to a two-floor villa in the capital. Kababs are one of the biggest reasons people love Berenjak, and the Abu Dhabi menu includes several favourites already popular at the restaurant’s other locations, like Koobideh Kabab with minced lamb, onion and black pepper or Kabab Vaziri with juicy beef and tender chicken. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Berenjak UAE (@berenjak.uae)...

You know how quickly time flies. One day you’re planning the school Eid break, and the next thing you know, summer holidays are already around the corner. Luckily, Al Ain Zoo has a new way to keep children busy this July with a summer camp full of animal encounters, science activities, outdoor games, and creative workshops. This year's programme is called “Legacy of the Desert” and it's created for children from 6 to 12. Every camp week includes sessions where kids can explore wildlife, conservation, and desert culture right inside Al Ain Zoo. One activity lets children build their own...

Planning your Eid Al Adha evenings in Abu Dhabi? Head to Qasr Al Hosn for a traditional celebration filled with interactive music sessions and live cultural performances. “Rhythms of Tradition” will take place on two evenings on May 27 and 28. The programme draws inspiration from traditional Emirati art forms. Guests will take part in guided rhythm sessions and musical moments that focus on movement, sound, and shared participation. If your Eid plans already include exploring Abu Dhabi, this celebration at Qasr Al Hosn might be worth adding to your evening list. Location: Qasr Al Hosn, House of Artisans Dates:...

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...

If you’ve already started thinking about travel plans or a long break with family, the UAE has confirmed the Eid Al Adha holiday dates. The announcement covers both government employees and private sector workers. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced that public sector employees will be off from Monday, May 25, until Friday, May 29, 2026. Work will resume on Monday, June 1. Because the holiday connects with two weekends, government employees end up with a 9-day break in total. Private sector workers will be off between Tuesday, May 26 and Friday, May 29. Work for them will...

Something huge is coming to Yas Island, and no, not another theme park. Abu Dhabi is getting its own Sphere venue, the same futuristic entertainment concept that grabbed attention in Las Vegas with giant digital visuals, immersive shows, and concerts inside a massive dome-shaped arena. The latest update also confirms exactly where Sphere Abu Dhabi will be built. The venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2029. The original venue opened in Las Vegas in 2023 and instantly went viral for its glowing exterior, huge wraparound...

Residents in the UAE can now start planning for Eid Al Adha 2026. The holiday’s start date has been confirmed after the crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening, May 17. Here are all the dates for the upcoming holiday period: Dhu Al Hijjah (the final month in the Islamic calendar): Monday, May 18 Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26 Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE: Wednesday, May 27 Both public and private sector employees already have holidays confirmed for the Eid break, with 9 days off for government workers and 6 days off for private sector worker. School holiday...

If you’ve been craving greenery, calm water, and a break from city traffic, a mangrove trip might be exactly what you need before summer fully begins. The UAE has plenty of quiet spots where you can kayak through mangrove trees, stroll along boardwalks beside turquoise water, and spot birds and sea life Some locations are close enough for a half-day trip from Dubai, so you’ll still make it back for your evening plans. Others will pull you into peace and quiet for the whole day. Ajman Mangroves (45 mins from Dubai) Al Zorah Nature Reserve is one of the easiest...