What to do in Abu Dhabi

If you’re Kuwaiti living in the UAE, the coming week offers national-themed events across all the emirates. And everyone is welcome to take part. Starting Thursday, January 29, the country will host a week long celebration honouring Kuwait, with more than 40 events and activities across multiple locations. While Kuwait National and Independence Day is marked on February 25-26, this week-long celebration in the UAE sets the tone ahead of those dates. Across the country, shopping centres will host themed activities throughout the week. Airports will also take part, welcoming Kuwaiti visitors with special reception and commemorative gifts. But here's...

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) just hit a major milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 29.4 million passengers in 2024—a massive 28.1% jump from the previous year. A big part of this success comes from Etihad Airways, which flew passengers to over 125 destinations, adding 29 new routes in just one year. The airport also saw eight new airlines join its network, including British Airways, Air Astana, and Aegean Airlines. Aircraft movements increased by 10%, reaching 249,747 takeoffs and landings. Key travel markets like the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt played a major role in this surge. Zayed International Airport isn’t...

Ramadan is a time for connection and celebration, and this year, Abu Dhabi is taking that spirit to the next level. Ramadan Festival 2026 is coming to three locations across the emirate. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, family fun, or a peaceful evening, the emirate's got something truly special for you this holy month. Starting February 20, the festival opens in Al Ain and Al Dhafra, then heads to Abu Dhabi Corniche on February 27. Dates, Locations and Tickets to Ramadan Festival 2026 ADNEC Al Ain (outdoor area) from February 20 to March 1 Madinat Zayed Park in Al Dhafra...

The capital’s cultural calendar just got a compelling addition. Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits has landed at Manarat Al Saadiyat, offering a rare and reflective look at six decades of Korean contemporary art. Open to the public and free to visit, the exhibition runs until 30 June and brings a fresh dialogue between East Asia and the Gulf. This exhibition is the first of its kind in the GCC. Co-curated by Kyung-hwan Yeo of the Seoul Museum of Art and Maya El Khalil from the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, it features 48 works by 29 Korean...

A futuristic transport system could soon make trips between Abu Dhabi and Dubai faster and more affordable. The Seaglider, an innovative electric vehicle, promises to cut travel time between the two cities to just 30 minutes — at a cost of around AED 165. That’s quicker than a helicopter and cheaper than a taxi. The Seaglider is an all-electric vehicle designed for coastal travel. It moves like a boat at low speeds but takes off above the water once it gains momentum. It can reach speeds of up to 290 km/h while flying just above the water’s surface, reducing drag...

Starting January 2026, Friday prayers in the UAE will begin earlier. The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf, and Zakat has announced that the sermon will now start at 12:45 PM. If you're someone who regularly attends Friday prayers, be sure to adjust your schedule so you can be there on time. The year's first sermon on January 2 will begin 30 minutes earlier instead of the usual 1:15 PM. This new schedule is part of the adjustments made after the country shifted to a Saturday-Sunday weekend back in 2022. If you’re planning to attend Friday prayers, make sure to...

Yas Winter Fest is back! This year, the island transforms once again into a festive wonderland, offering families a chance to make unforgettable memories together. Whether you’re returning for the fun or experiencing it for the first time, this is the ultimate destination for 10 days of winter cheer. The festival is open daily from December 12 to 21, so get ready for an experience your kids will remember for many-many months. 6 Reasons to Visit Yas Winter Fest in 2025 1. Meet Santa There’s nothing quite like the excitement of meeting the jolly man himself! Bring your kids to...

Five Abu Dhabi airports have signed a new agreement to improve travel experience for passengers arriving to the emirate by air. The initiative is called Smart Travel system and it aims to streamline immigration processes by allowing passengers to clear customs in as little as seven seconds using biometric verification and smart gate technology. The goal of Smart Travel is not just to make immigration faster, but to ensure a seamless experience that gets passengers from the airport gates to the road quickly. The participating airports aim to provide a gate-to-kerb experience in under 12 minutes, allowing travelers to start...

Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been named Best Airport at Arrivals Globally at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards by Airports Council International (ACI) World. Based on real passenger feedback, AUH is recognized for providing one of the smoothest and most comfortable arrival experiences worldwide. This marks the third consecutive year that AUH has won this title, proving its commitment to efficiency, modern facilities, and warm Emirati hospitality. In 2024 alone, record-breaking 29.4 million travelers passed through its gates, benefiting from its world-class services. Here’s what makes AUH a top choice for travelers: Fast and hassle-free arrivals: whether you’re stepping...

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi is set to unveil an exciting addition: the Light and Peace museum, promising visitors a cultural journey like no other. Recently inaugurated by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, this innovative museum embodies the UAE’s commitment to fostering peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue. Sheikh Mansour toured the museum alongside senior officials, exploring its rich offerings that delve deep into the history and contributions of Islamic civilization. Through its exhibitions, the museum promotes the values of harmony and coexistence, blending art,...