Abu Dhabi Minute: Culture, Concerts & What’s Actually Worth Doing

Good day, Abu Dhabi.

Winter is firmly in place, and this weekend delivers one of the capital’s strongest and most balanced calendars of the season. Arena concerts, large-scale festivals, futuristic tech showcases, desert adventures, and cultural exhibitions are all live at once - giving you plenty of ways to plan across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Below is your high-signal, zero-filler guide to what actually matters this weekend, starting with the most important news updates, followed by the standout events worth booking or planning around.

Authorities across the UAE have issued public safety advisories as the country prepares for potential heavy rain and thunderstorms this weekend. Residents are urged to drive cautiously, avoid flooded roads, and follow official guidance issued by emergency services.

What this means for residents:

👉 Read the full update

Under the patronage of the UAE President, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 has been confirmed to take place in the emirate. The event reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainability, clean energy, and climate-focused innovation.

What this means for Abu Dhabi:

👉 Read the announcement

For the first time, the internationally recognised Seminar for Arabian Studies will be hosted in the Arab world, led by Zayed National Museum. The seminar brings together global researchers and scholars focused on Arabian history and archaeology.

What this means for culture & education:

👉 Read the full update

Police have issued a warning against fraudulent QR code stickers appearing in public spaces, encouraging residents to verify sources before scanning.

What this means for the public:

👉 Read the advisory

One of the most anticipated concerts of the winter season, Arijit Singh performs live in Abu Dhabi with a full-scale production. Expect Bollywood favourites, romantic ballads, and cinematic arrangements that resonate across generations.

📅 Dates: Fri, 19 Dec
⏰ Time: Evening show
📍 Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
💰 Cost: From AED 150+
👉 Book tickets

British rapper Big Sam brings high-energy sets and festival-ready beats to the MOTN main stage. This performance pairs seamlessly with the wider MOTN festival experience, including food stalls, rides, and pop-up entertainment.

📅 Dates: Fri, 19 Dec
⏰ Time: Doors: 19:00
📍 Location: MOTN Festival, Abu Dhabi Corniche
💰 Cost: From 75 AED+
👉 See more

One of the most innovative events of the year lands in the capital, blending esports, robotics, physical competition, and futuristic sports into a multi-day festival experience. Multiple zones and headline finals run throughout the weekend.

📅 Dates: Thu, 18 Dec – Tue, Dec 23
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:59 PM
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi (multiple venues)
💰 Cost: Varies by day and access level
👉 Explore the event

Cycling takes over the capital as elite riders and amateur cyclists race across transformed city roads. Even for non-participants, the event brings strong spectator energy across key routes.

📅 Dates: Sun, 21 Dec
⏰ Time: 06:30 AM - 02:00 PM
📍 Location: Across Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: From AED 65
👉 See race details

Yas Island leans fully into the festive season with winter-themed décor, family-friendly attractions, seasonal installations, and entertainment spread across the destination. It’s an easy, low-effort option if you want variety without moving locations.

📅 Dates: Ongoing till Sun, 21 Dec
⏰ Time: 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM
📍 Location: Yas Gateway Park North
💰 Cost: Free entry (attractions priced separately)
👉 Discover the festival

A winter-themed attraction featuring festive décor, interactive installations, and seasonal activities designed primarily for families and younger visitors.

📅 Dates: Fri, 19 Dec - Sun, 28 Dec
⏰ Time: 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
💰 Cost: From AED 35
👉 Event details

A rare artefact exhibition highlighting one of the most significant objects in Islamic art history. The display explores craftsmanship, symbolism, and historical context, offering a quieter, reflective cultural experience.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
⏰ Time: Museum hours
📍 Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
👉 Learn more

An exhibition dedicated to historic manuscripts and calligraphy, showcasing how text, design, and knowledge intersect across cultures and centuries.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
⏰ Time: Palace opening hours
📍 Location: Qasr Al Watan
💰 Cost: From AED 65+
👉 View exhibition

A creative holiday workshop designed for children, featuring hands-on crafts, festive storytelling, and guided activities in a relaxed environment.

📅 Dates: Sat, Dec 20 - Sun, Dec 21
⏰ Time: 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
📍 Location: Al Hudayriat Island
💰 Cost: From AED 20
👉 See workshop details

A multi-day winter programme featuring educational activities, games, creative workshops, and supervised sessions for children and teens.

📅 Dates: Ongoing until Fri, 26 Dec
⏰ Time: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
📍 Location: Al Ain Adventure
💰 Cost: Starting from AED 169+
👉 Learn more

A winter-focused outdoor dining event combining open-fire cooking, chef-led demonstrations, and a relaxed social atmosphere set against the Al Ain desert landscape.

📅 Dates: Sat, 20 Dec 20
⏰ Time: Evening seating
📍 Location: Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Pura Eco Retreat, Al Ain
💰 Cost: From AED 115+
👉 Find out more

A themed Italian evening featuring live music, classic flavours, and a relaxed European dining atmosphere. Ideal for a quieter social night.

📅 Dates: Fridays, till Fri, 26 Dec
⏰ Time: 06:30 PM - 11:30 PM
📍 Location: Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: À la carte
👉 Event details

If you’re looking for friendly events without breaking the bank, add these to your weekend plan:

Large-scale illuminated installations across public spaces, including the Corniche, Saadiyat, Al Reem, and Jubail Island. Best experienced after sunset.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
⏰ Time: After dark
📍 Location: Across Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: Free
👉 Event link

Why this is a real free event: Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, installations are publicly accessible with no ticket required.

A cultural celebration featuring traditional performances, crafts, storytelling, and heritage showcases highlighting Emirati customs and history.

📅 Dates: Dec 20–22, 2025
⏰ Time: Evening programming
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: Free
👉 Learn more

If you’re open to crossing over for one standout experience, these Dubai events are drawing major attention:

Dubai Racing Carnival – Festive Friday
👉 See details

David Guetta – Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
👉 Book tickets

The Nutcracker – Dubai Opera
👉 Book tickets

Winter City – Expo City Dubai
👉 Visit Winter City

Friday: 25°C → 18°C (Chance of rain)
Saturday: 24°C → 17°C (Partly cloudy)
Sunday: 23°C → 16°C (Clear, breezy)

This weekend, Abu Dhabi feels expansive - cultural, festive, athletic, and forward-looking all at once. From arena concerts and tech-driven spectacles to desert adventures, heritage festivals, and free public art across the city, the capital offers depth and variety in equal measure.

Whether you’re booking a headline show, planning a family-friendly outing, or keeping things flexible with exhibitions and low-commitment festive plans, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the days ahead.

If this guide helps someone plan their weekend without endless scrolling, share it with them - it keeps the community informed, curious, and connected.

See you on Monday for a special Christmas edition of Abu Dhabi Minute, featuring festive highlights across the city.

- Matthias