What to do in Abu Dhabi - Latest News

Open Fire Food Festival (OFFF) by Steve Harvey is coming back to Abu Dhabi for its second edition, setting Etihad Park ablaze with bold flavours, smoky grills, and live-fire cooking. The two-day event takes place on November 8 and 9, 2025, bringing together celebrity chefs, pitmasters, music, and family-friendly activities. What Is the Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey? Founded around Steve Harvey’s love for authentic barbecue and live-fire cooking, the Open Fire Food Festival was created to bring authentic American-style BBQ culture to the region. The American entertainer, comedian, and long-time TV host is also a self-professed barbecue...

Stargazing season in the UAE wraps up with one final celestial event this summer. On Saturday, July 26, Dubai Astronomy is hosting its last Milky Way observation night of the season at Al Quaa Desert in Abu Dhabi — known for its dark, clear skies and minimal light pollution. Whether you’re into constellations or curious about capturing the night sky through a lens, this event is geared toward beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The night includes a sky mapping session, a crash course in astrophotography, and a guided photo opportunity to capture the galaxy in full view.     View...

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...

A new chapter is unfolding for Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape. Construction has officially begun on the Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project, a development set to transform the island’s lifestyle and leisure offering. At the heart of Al Maryah Waterfront will be a 30-metre-tall luminous sphere, enveloped in cascading water and situated within the bay. Surrounding the sphere will be over 1,000 AI-powered water jets, each soaring up to 75 metres high and choreographed to music composed by Ramin Djawadi. Other enhancements include: A sea boardwalk extension, giving guests closer access to the water’s edge. A shaded outdoor cooling system, aimed...

Sebastian Maniscalco is coming to Abu Dhabi for the very first time this October. The American comedian and actor has added a one-night-only stop at Etihad Arena on Yas Island to his 2025 It Ain’t Right Tour, with the show scheduled for October 8, 2025. Known for his nostalgia-infused humor, Maniscalco's stories are based on personal family experiences and sharp observations of everyday life. His style combines storytelling, expressive physical delivery, and a knack for capturing the absurdities of the modern world, from social media habits and rising prices to declining manners.     View this post on Instagram  ...

One of the most demanding fitness events is heading to the capital this summer. Spartan Race is coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 20, offering a new twist on the popular obstacle challenge. This time, it will take place in a climate-controlled indoor setting, with a short outdoor stretch included. The adult race features a 3 km course with 15 Spartan obstacles. Designed for speed and accessibility, this version of Spartan — called a “City” race — is compact and high-energy, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Young athletes can also take part in the competition, with...

Paid parking is coming to Dalma Mall and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, starting Friday, July 18, according to a confirmation by parking solutions provider Parkonic. Both malls have been fitted with ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) cameras, enabling cashless and ticketless entry and exit. The system automatically captures vehicle plate numbers and links them to the corresponding payment method. Dalma Mall – Fees and Payment At Dalma Mall, parking will be free for the first three hours from Monday to Friday, and free all day on weekends and public holidays. After the free period on weekdays, a fee of...

Abu Dhabi is introducing a series of smart upgrades to its public parking system this month. The initiative, led by Q Mobility, is aimed at streamlining how residents and visitors interact with city parking. The pilot phase will include: An automated parking payment system A vehicle-based monitoring system to track parking occupancy Real-time data available to users through smart digital channels     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Q Mobility (@q.mobility) Once in place, drivers won’t need to worry about manually paying for their parking. The process will be automated and handled directly via smart...

More action is heading to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder, set for July 26 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. With just 10 days to go, organisers have confirmed four new matchups — and there’s still time to grab tickets if you haven’t booked yet. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced bouts for July 26: Mohammed Yahya vs Steven Nguyen Local fans will be watching closely the UAE warrior Mohammed Yahya makes his return to the Octagon. The Emirati lightweight is set to face Steven Nguyen, a Dallas-based fighter also in search of his first...

Etihad Airways has unveiled seven new destinations as part of its strategy to grow direct traffic through Abu Dhabi. The newly announced routes will roll out between November 2025 and March 2026, with tickets going on sale in the coming days. New Etihad destinations from Abu Dhabi, including launch dates and weekly frequency: GCC & Middle East Medina, Saudi Arabia from November 9, 2025 Frequency: 6 flights per week Central Asia & Caucasus Baku, Azerbaijan from March 2, 2026 Frequency: 10 flights per week Yerevan, Armenia from March 9, 2026 Frequency: 10 flights per week Tbilisi, Georgia from March 13,...