Happy Monday, Abu Dhabi!
The capital enters the new week with a powerful mix of global finance gatherings, cultural milestones, wellness initiatives, and major seasonal festivals rolling into full swing. With Abu Dhabi Finance Week opening, the Festival of Health launching, the UAE National Orchestra making its debut, and winter entertainment expanding across Yas, Saadiyat, and the Corniche, the city is buzzing across every district.
Here’s your clean, high-signal rundown of what’s shaping the week ahead.
THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS
Abu Dhabi Finance Week kicks off
Abu Dhabi Finance Week opens today, bringing global policymakers, investors, fintech pioneers, and asset managers together for a week of high-level discussions. The event underscores Abu Dhabi’s rising position as a financial hub, fueled by strong capital inflows and long-term diversification efforts.
Why this matters for the week:
One of the region’s largest finance gatherings is now underway
Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s international investment positioning
Brings global dealmaking attention to the capital
Sets the tone for regional financial trends heading into 2026
When: December 8th - December 11th
Abu Dhabi launches Festival of Health - a new citywide wellbeing initiative
A new Festival of Health has launched across Abu Dhabi, introducing fitness activations, youth wellness programmes, free screenings, medical awareness sessions, and community events designed to help residents lead healthier, more active lives.
Why this matters for the week:
A major new health initiative available for residents
Free and accessible programming citywide
Strong focus on youth and preventative wellness
Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s public health strategy
UAE National Orchestra makes debut at Zayed National Museum opening
The UAE National Orchestra performed publicly for the first time during the opening ceremony of the Zayed National Museum, a landmark moment for the country's cultural evolution. The debut showcased a new national artistic voice rooted in heritage, orchestral excellence, and contemporary composition.
Why this matters for the week:
A major milestone for the UAE’s cultural landscape
Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s investment in arts institutions
Introduces a new national orchestra to regional audiences
Elevates the cultural prestige of the Zayed National Museum
Abu Dhabi to host Bridge Summit 2025 - Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra to attend
Abu Dhabi has announced it will host the 2025 Bridge Summit from 8 to 10 December, uniting global leaders across film, television, media production, digital content, and creative technology. Industry experts will gather to discuss next-gen storytelling, streaming trends, AI in creative work, and the future of entertainment.
Why this matters for the week:
Expands Abu Dhabi’s footprint as a media & entertainment hub
Attracts global creative talent and production executives
Strengthens the emirate’s cultural and innovation agenda
Signals continued investment in content development ecosystems
Venue: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, halls 1 to 11, ICC Hall, and conference rooms
Abu Dhabi rents rise at double-digit pace as supply tightens
Residential rents across the emirate have surged into double-digit increases this quarter, driven by strong demand and reduced availability in both prime and mid-tier communities. The market is seeing elevated competition for larger and waterfront units, with limited new supply entering the market.
Why this matters for the week:
Renters face increased competition across key communities
High demand reflects population and employment growth
Fewer available units pushing prices upward
Market shifts may accelerate new development cycles
MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK
FESTIVALS & BIG SEASONAL EVENTS
Liwa Festival 2025–2026 - Desert Culture, Motorsports & Heritage
Liwa Festival returns with dune competitions, cultural showcases, food stalls, desert camp experiences, and family activations set against Al Dhafra’s iconic dunes.
📅 Friday, 12 Dec, 2025 - Saturday, 03 Jan, 2026
📍 Liwa Desert, Al Dhafra
👉 Discover Liwa Festival
Why go: One of the UAE’s biggest and most atmospheric winter festivals.
MOTN Festival Abu Dhabi - Food, Music & Entertainment
The beloved Makers of the Nation (MOTN) festival brings themed zones, gourmet pop-ups, live entertainment, retail concepts, and large-scale installations to the Corniche.
📅 Wednesday, 10 Dec - Sunday, 04 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi Corniche
👉 Explore MOTN Festival
Why go: A vibrant all-ages festival with nonstop activations.
Ninja Kidz Live at MOTN - A Family Favourite
The global Ninja Kidz cast takes the stage with action-packed stunts and interactive performances tailored for younger audiences.
📅 Thu 11 Dec - Sat 13 Dec
📍 Abu Dhabi Corniche, A'l Bahar
👉 Discover Ninja Kidz Live
Why go: A guaranteed hit for kids attending MOTN.
🎭 CULTURE, MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS
Saadiyat Nights - Performances Under the Stars
A refined outdoor event series hosting world-class performers on Saadiyat Island, offering a serene, atmospheric evening experience.
📅 Monday, 1 Dec 2025 - Saturday, 28 Feb 2026
📍 Saadiyat Island
👉 Explore Saadiyat Nights
Why go: A signature cultural highlight of Abu Dhabi’s winter season.
Arabic Opera - Classical Stories Reimagined
An elegant showcase of Arabic opera, blending orchestral arrangements with regional storytelling traditions.
📅 Tuesday, Dec 9 - Sunday, Dec 14
📍 Zayed Sports City
👉 Discover Arabic Opera
Why go: A rare and beautifully staged operatic performance.
Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla - A Legendary Romance on Stage
A dramatic operatic retelling of the iconic love story, performed with orchestral depth and contemporary staging.
📅 Friday, 12 Dec - Sunday, 14 Dec
📍 International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
👉 Discover Antar & Abla
Why go: A powerful cultural experience rooted in heritage.
LIFESTYLE, DINING & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Asian Night at La Terrazza - A Pan-Asian Culinary Journey
A weekly dining night featuring Asian flavors, live cooking stations, and a vibrant atmosphere.
📅 Every Tuesday till the 30th December, 2025
📍 La Terrazza, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi
👉 Discover Asian Night
Why go: Great for food lovers craving global flavors midweek.
Ladies’ Sunset Wednesdays - A Chic Sundown Gathering
A golden-hour event designed for women, offering terrace views and a sophisticated social setting.
📅 Wednesdays | 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
📍 Conrad Abu Dhabi
👉 Discover Ladies’ Sunset Wednesdays
Why go: A stylish, relaxed midweek ritual.
Heart of the Community - Family-Friendly Weekend Market
A community-focused gathering with workshops, kids’ entertainment, local vendors, and live performances.
📅 Friday, 14 Nov - Monday, 15 Dec 2025
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Explore Heart of the Community
Why go: A wholesome family outing in a friendly outdoor setting.
⚽ SPORTS & LIVE MATCHES
Al Wahda FC (UAE) vs Al Nassr FC (KSA)
A regional football showdown featuring big-name players and high-energy stadium atmosphere.
📅 Wednesday, 10 Dec
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Get Match Tickets
Why go: A must-watch match for football fans across the Gulf.
🌐 BUSINESS, TECH & INDUSTRY EVENTS
Bitcoin MENA - The Region’s Leading Crypto Event
A major conference uniting blockchain leaders, Web3 founders, and digital asset investors.
📅 Monday, Dec 8 - Tuesday, Dec 9 | 09:00 - 18:00
📍 ADNEC Marina
👉 Explore Bitcoin MENA
Why go: The key crypto gathering of the season.
Global AI Show - Future Intelligence & Innovation
A multiday conference highlighting AI breakthroughs, robotics, enterprise adoption, and future technologies.
📅 Monday, Dec 8 - Tuesday, Dec 9 | 08:00 - 18:00
📍 Space42 Arena
👉 Discover the Global AI Show
Why go: One of the largest AI conferences in the region.
Global Blockchain Show - Web3, Finance & Digital Tech
A platform for global blockchain innovation, digital finance, and decentralized applications.
📅 Wednesday, Dec 10 - Thursday, Dec 11 | 08:00 - 18:00
📍 Space42 Arena
👉 Explore Global Blockchain Show
Why go: A comprehensive look into the future of decentralized tech.
Global Games Show - Esports & Gaming Innovation
A major gaming and esports expo with live tournaments, developer showcases, and entertainment zones.
📅 Wednesday, Dec 10 - Thursday, Dec 11 | 08:00 - 18:00
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Discover Global Games Show
Why go: A key gathering for esports fans, creators, and gamers.
AM Conclave Middle East - Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Tech
A leading conference exploring 3D printing, advanced materials, prototyping, and industrial innovation.
📅 This Month
📍 ADNEC, Abu Dhabi
👉 Explore AM Conclave Middle East
Why go: A high-impact event for manufacturing and engineering professionals.
PRE-BOOK FOR THIS MONTH
Ricky Martin - Live in Abu Dhabi
Global superstar Ricky Martin brings his energy-packed show to the capital for a major winter performance.
📅 Coming Up
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Pre-book Ricky Martin
Why go: A huge international concert, likely to sell out early.
Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights - An Iconic Open-Air Performance
Alicia Keys will take the Saadiyat Nights stage for an unforgettable evening of vocals, piano, and storytelling under the stars.
📅 This Season
📍 Saadiyat Island
👉 Discover Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights
Why go: A rare opportunity to see a global icon in an outdoor, waterfront setting.
WEATHER THIS WEEK
Expect mild afternoons, cool evenings, and mostly clear skies - ideal conditions for outdoor festivals, Saadiyat evenings, beachfront events, and Corniche-based activations. Light breezes expected midweek, with temperatures staying steady in the low-to-mid 20s°C.
Thanks for joining us for a high-signal start to the week. Abu Dhabi is packed with cultural showcases, global conferences, concerts, and family-friendly festivals, making December one of the city’s most exciting months yet.
We’ll be back on Wednesday with The Weekend Guide, featuring everything worth booking across the capital.
Until then, enjoy the week ahead.
— Matthias
