Abu Dhabi’s Big Weekend: Cultural Premieres, Michelin Pop-Ups & Blockbuster Shows (Nov 21-23)

Good Day, Abu Dhabi!

The capital is heading into one of its most exciting weekends of the season: where world-class culture meets new dining drops, major festivals open their gates, musicals land from Broadway, K-pop idols take over Yas Island, and the city’s heritage scene lights up with markets, parades, races, and coastal celebrations.

November is always a high-energy month in Abu Dhabi, but this week the lineup is particularly stacked: chef-driven pop-ups, the start of the winter cultural season, new art activations, family spectacles, waterfront experiences, and major arena nights.

From Saadiyat to the Corniche to Al Wathba, there’s something happening at every corner, and this guide filters out the noise, leaving only the best of what’s actually worth your time (and your weekend).

Let’s dive in.

If there’s one food event to bookmark this weekend, it’s this. The Michelin Food Festival returns with a lineup of star-listed chefs, collaborative tasting menus, ingredient-led masterclasses, and chef tables you won’t find anywhere else in the region. The entire event is set along the waterfront at Louvre Abu Dhabi Park, giving it that perfect cool-season outdoor energy.

Expect:
• Signature dishes reimagined for the festival
• Chef collaborations exclusive to Abu Dhabi
• Live stage demos
• Tasting sessions and café pop-ups
• Limited-edition menus from award-winning restaurants

This festival is a must for food lovers and one of the few times you can sample multiple Michelin-level experiences in one place.

📍 Louvre Abu Dhabi Park
🗓 Saturday, Nov 22 – Monday, Nov 24, 2025
👉 Details

A global dining collective meets Abu Dhabi’s newest contemporary art experience. As Manar Abu Dhabi lights up the capital with dozens of public artworks, We Are Ona launches a culinary residency designed to match the artistic vibe of the festival.

Expect:
• A rotating chef lineup from top international kitchens
• Experimental courses + textured plating
• Ultra-limited seating
• Architecture-led venues changing throughout the pop-up

📍 Saadiyat & Cultural District pop-up sites
🗓 Friday, Nov 21 – Monday, Dec 1, 2025
👉 Book Now

One of the most intriguing dining concepts this month — a multi-sensory evening where the soundtrack, the lighting, and each dish work together in a progressive culinary sequence. Designed as a tribute to the Arabian coastline, this experience blends live performance, ambient sound design, and a coastal-inspired menu.

Perfect if you want something elevated but calming.

📍 Radisson Blu, Abu Dhabi Corniche
🗓 Saturday, Nov 22 – Sunday, Nov 23, 2025
👉 Reserve

A special two-day pop-up bringing together 12 of the UAE’s top chefs for six exclusive collaborative dishes. Expect hero plates from standout kitchens like TakaHisa and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, all crafted under one roof for a rare culinary experience. Ticket options include soft drinks, grape pairings, and bubbly packages.

📍 The Avery, Conrad Hotel, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
🗓 Friday, November 21 & Saturday, November 22
⏰ Time:
Fri: 7:00 PM
Sat: 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👉 Reserve

This is where Abu Dhabi shines - with its immersive, family-friendly, and deeply connected to culture and the outdoors.

Abu Dhabi’s touring water circus continues to attract full-house crowds. Think: shimmering fountains, aerial acrobatics, laser displays, contortionists, clowns, and stunt performers. All happening under a European-style circus tent at Marina Mall.

If you're looking for a family show this weekend, this is your best all-ages pick.

📍 Marina Mall Abu Dhabi
🗓 Running through November
👉 Book Tickets

A celebration of Emirati life through horse shows, children’s zones, heritage displays, traditional performances, and local food kiosks. It’s lively, beautifully set up, and very “November in the UAE.”

A perfect afternoon pick for families.

📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓 Friday, Nov 21 – Sunday, 23 Nov, 2025
👉 Details

One of the capital’s most atmospheric cultural events. The Corniche transforms into an open-air celebration of Abu Dhabi’s maritime identity — dhow building demonstrations, pearl diving showcases, handicrafts, live music, artisanal markets, and coastal food stalls.

Highlights:
• Traditional sea crafts
• Pearl diving shows
• Emirati folklore performances
• Heritage market with artisans
• Photography-ready waterfront views

📍 Abu Dhabi Corniche
🗓 Friday, Nov 21 – Monday, Nov 24, 2025
👉 Explore

More than a competition, this is one of the largest student athlete gatherings in the country, featuring sports across athletics, football, basketball, martial arts, track and field, and more.

Energetic, community-driven, and great for casual spectating.

📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓 Friday, Nov 21 – Monday, Nov 25, 2025
👉 Info

Part of the growing women’s cycling calendar, this race takes over the scenic loop at Hudayriyat Island. Categories for multiple fitness levels, and great if you want a fitness challenge with a view.

📍 Hudayriyat Island
🗓 Sunday, Nov 23, 2025
👉 Register

It’s back - fireworks, drone shows, parades, carnival rides, a heritage village, cultural pavilions from around the world, and daily entertainment. One of the longest-running winter festivals in the UAE.

📍 Al Wathba
🗓 Season running from Nov-Mar
👉 Visit

The biggest K-pop night of the month. Multiple Korean artists, synchronized choreography, energetic stage sets, thousands of fans… If you’ve never been to a K-pop concert, this is the one to start with.

📍 Etihad Arena
🗓 Saturday, Nov 22, 2025
👉 Tickets

The smash-hit Tony-nominated Broadway production lands in Abu Dhabi with its full-scale staging  - gothic visuals, dark humor, sharp choreography, and massive musical numbers. One of the season’s biggest cultural imports.

📍 Etihad Arena
🗓 Friday, Nov 21 – Monday, 24, 2025
👉 Book Seats

One-night only. Verdi’s powerful opera, staged with international soloists and orchestra. Perfect for classical fans or anyone wanting a sophisticated night out.

📍 Cultural Foundation
🗓 Friday, Nov 21
👉 Tickets

A traditional afternoon at the equestrian club, filled with races, casual dining, open seating, and a buzzing outdoor atmosphere.

📍 Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
🗓 Saturday, Nov 22, 2025
👉 Entry

Open-access Sunday racing is a great spontaneous plan if the weather’s good. Families welcome.

📍 Abu Dhabi Turf Club
🗓 Sunday, Nov 23, 2025
👉 Get Access

The cool-season weather makes this perfect. Pair with dinner at Mamsha.

Boardwalk or kayak - both are beautiful right now.

Ideal for a relaxed night: lights, restaurants, live entertainment, and easy parking.

That’s your Abu Dhabi brief for the weekend - the biggest openings, festivals, and updates worth knowing as the city picks up pace. We’ll be back on Friday with a quick, curated list of the best weekend picks so you can plan without scrolling for hours.

Thanks

— Matthias