Abu Dhabi Minute: The Weekend Brief - What to Lock In First

Happy Friday, Abu Dhabi!

This is one of those weekends where the capital quietly stacks its calendar rather than shouting about it.

Winter programming is in full flow, family-friendly festivals are at peak scale, cultural venues are operating at their strongest, and several nationwide changes kick in as 2026 begins. That means more to choose from - but also more reason to plan with intention.

Friday’s edition is about what’s actually worth committing to: the strongest cultural anchors, the citywide experiences that reward your time, and the updates that affect how the weekend plays out in real terms.

Let’s get into it.

If you only book five things, make them these:

One of Abu Dhabi’s most ambitious public art programmes returns, transforming waterfronts, cultural districts, and open spaces into illuminated art zones after sunset. Free, flexible, and perfect for evening walks without a fixed schedule.

📍 Location: Across Abu Dhabi
👉 See locations and installation details

The capital’s flagship winter festival continues along the Corniche with rides, food zones, pop-up markets, and live performances. Easy to drop into for atmosphere or commit to for a full evening.

📍 Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche
👉 Explore the MOTN Festival

One of the most substantial cultural bookings in Abu Dhabi right now. A major exhibition exploring the Mamluk dynasty through over 250 works, from calligraphy and manuscripts to metalwork and textiles. Deep, museum-grade, and worth planning time for.

📍 Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
👉 Explore the exhibition

A distinctly Emirati winter experience set against the dunes of Al Dhafra, combining food stalls, heritage performances, motorsport showcases, and evening entertainment. Go after sunset for full atmosphere.

📍 Location: Liwa, Al Dhafra
👉 Liwa Village details
👉 Liwa Festival programme

One of the strongest fixtures on the local football calendar. Expect a louder crowd, higher tempo, and real competitive edge - even if you’re not a regular match-goer.

📍 Location: Abu Dhabi
👉 See full match details

Fuel prices have been officially reduced for January. Super 98 petrol is now Dhs2.53 per litre (down from Dhs2.70), Special 95 is Dhs2.42, E-Plus 91 is Dhs2.34, and diesel drops significantly to Dhs2.55 from Dhs2.85.

Why this matters for the weekend:

👉 Read more

From January 1, the minimum wage for Emirati nationals working in the private sector has increased from Dhs5,000 to Dhs6,000, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Why this matters now:

👉 Get all the details 

A new tiered excise tax on sweetened drinks has come into effect, replacing the flat 50% tax introduced in 2019. Drinks are now taxed based on sugar content, with high-sugar beverages taxed at Dhs1.09 per litre, moderate sugar at Dhs0.79, while low-sugar and artificially sweetened drinks are exempt.

Why this matters:

👉 Read the full coverage

From January 1, the UAE has banned the import, manufacture, and sale of all single-use plastics. Abu Dhabi had already banned plastic bags in 2022, but the regulation now covers all single-use plastic products nationwide.

Why this matters:

👉 Here’s what’s changing

The UAE has officially designated 2026 as the Year of the Family, guiding policy, initiatives, and programmes across all seven emirates. The theme highlights family stability, growth, and its role in national prosperity.

Why this matters long-term:

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

Hanbok is shaping up to be one of Abu Dhabi’s most conceptually driven restaurant openings in recent years. Inspired by Korea’s traditional attire, the restaurant translates the idea of “hanbok” into space, movement, and ritual - with couture-like interiors featuring floating fabrics, sculpted light, and layered textures designed by DBM Studio.

👉 Follow Hanbok for opening updates

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi marks the first international outpost of one of London’s most celebrated dining destinations. Known for its blend of Mediterranean cuisine, refined cocktails, and a high-energy yet elegant atmosphere, Isabel brings a different kind of glamour to the capital - expressive without being overdesigned.

👉 Track the opening here

Location to be announced

Helmed by Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi, Falwa is one of the most culturally significant upcoming openings in the capital. Named after the Arabic word for “little horse,” the concept draws on ideas of strength, grace, and heritage - both in name and philosophy.

👉 Follow Falwa for announcements

Yas Bay Waterfront

Born in New York and now expanding into Abu Dhabi, Five Iron Golf is not just about the game. The 24,000-square-foot venue combines high-end Trackman golf simulators with a lively sports bar and comfort-driven menu - stacked burgers, wings, and shareable plates designed for groups.

👉 Read more about Five Iron Golf

One of Abu Dhabi’s strongest winter experiences. Public art installations light up waterfronts and cultural districts across the city, encouraging evening walks rather than one fixed destination.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Across Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: Free
👉 See locations and installation details

The capital’s flagship winter festival continues with carnival rides, food zones, pop-up markets, and live performances. Flexible enough for a quick visit or a full evening.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche
💰 Cost: From AED 35+
👉 Explore the MOTN Festival

A desert-set winter experience combining heritage performances, food stalls, motorsport showcases, and evening entertainment. Best planned after sunset.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Liwa, Al Dhafra
💰 Cost: Free general admission
👉 Liwa Village details
👉 Liwa Festival programme

A full winter fair featuring festive décor, rides, games, and family attractions. Works particularly well as a daytime or early evening plan.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Al Ain
💰 Cost: From AED 30+
👉 Discover Al Ain Winterland

A relaxed outdoor winter setup with food trucks, casual seating, and an easygoing evening atmosphere. Less structured than a festival, more atmospheric than a market.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Al Towayya Park, Al Ain
💰 Cost: From AED 100+
👉 More about Miami Vibes

A major historical exhibition uncovering the legacy of the Mamluk dynasty, one of the Islamic world’s most influential empires. Spanning over two and a half centuries, the exhibition brings together more than 250 works - from calligraphy and manuscripts to metalwork, textiles, and ceramics - highlighting the Mamluks as craftsmen, diplomats, traders, and patrons of knowledge, not just warriors.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: Included with the Louvre Tickets
👉 Explore the exhibition

The fifth edition of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s contemporary art exhibition returns under the iconic dome. Curated by Sophie Mayuko Arni, this year’s theme, Shadows, explores light, absence, memory, and transformation through works by artists from the GCC, Japan, and the wider MENA region.

📅 Dates: Until Sun, 28 Dec
📍 Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: Included with the Louvre Tickets
👉 See exhibition details

A major showcase celebrating one of the UAE’s most influential contemporary artists, focusing on landscape, memory, and material.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi
👉 Learn more about the exhibition

A touring circus production blending acrobatics, choreography, music, and theatrical staging. A reliable family-friendly evening option without committing to a full festival.

📅 Dates: Ongoing
📍 Location: Fontana Circus Tent, Marina Mall
💰 Cost: From AED 100+
👉 Show information and tickets

A high-demand children’s live show hosted within the MOTN Festival. Best suited for families looking for a structured, ticketed experience.

📅 Date: Sun, 04 Jan
📍 Location: MOTN Festival, Abu Dhabi Corniche
💰 Cost: From AED 195+
👉 Event details here

One of the strongest matchups on the UAE Pro League calendar. Expect a competitive edge, higher tempo, and a louder stadium atmosphere.

📅 Date: Sat, 03 Jan
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: From AED 20+
👉 See full match details

A more relaxed but social league fixture with a loyal home crowd. Affordable and accessible, even if you’re not a regular football-goer.

📅 Date: Fri, 02 Jan
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: From AED 20+
👉 Match info and tickets

Abu Dhabi is heading into stable winter conditions:

That wraps up the Friday edition of Abu Dhabi Minute!

Abu Dhabi’s weekends work best when you don’t rush them. Choose one cultural anchor, one social plan, and leave space for evening walks or citywide art.

We’ll see you on Monday.

– Matthias