Good Day, Abu Dhabi!
We’re stepping right into one of the most electric weeks of the year. Race Week energy is already in the air, the National Day long weekend is in full swing, Saadiyat’s cultural institutions are opening major showcases, and the weather has finally settled into its perfect winter rhythm.
Expect everything: mega brunches, coastal light installations, new museum openings, calm cultural mornings, busy beaches, and the countdown to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This is your curated, high-signal guide to the capital’s best events - the ones truly worth your time.
Let’s dive in.
🍽️ DINING & SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Aegean Brunch at Ilios – Mediterranean Flair for Race Week
A Santorini-style brunch overlooking the water, with fresh mezze, seafood, grilled lamb, and live Greek entertainment. One of the most photogenic brunches running during the F1 build-up.
📍 Ilios, Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6
👉 Book now
Why go: Elegant, breezy, holiday-style vibes - great for Race Week visitors and brunch lovers.
Asian Night at La Terrazza – A Pan-Asian Friday Feast
A vibrant dining experience featuring Japanese grills, Thai curries, Chinese dim sum, Korean BBQ, and a dessert counter stacked with Asian sweets.
📍 La Terrazza
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 Reserve your table
Why go: A flavour-packed evening with huge variety - perfect for group dinners.
Business Lunch at Nalu – Midday Reset on Hudayriyat
Coastal dishes, clean flavours, and a beautifully styled space overlooking the surf park. A perfect quiet lunch if you want to avoid Yas traffic during Race Week.
📍 Nalu, Surf Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, December 7
👉 More info
Why go: A relaxed, well-curated lunch in one of Abu Dhabi’s most scenic districts.
Beach Bliss Saturdays – A Sun-Soaked Weekend Escape
A beach day with loungers, cocktails, DJ sets, and a light, easygoing crowd.
📍 Various Abu Dhabi beaches
🗓️ Saturday, December 6
Why go: Ideal pre-concert or pre-F1 relaxation.
Conrad Chocolate Bar – A Sweet Weekday Indulgence
A curated chocolate tasting experience featuring handcrafted pralines, pastries, and warm drinks.
📍 Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, December 7
👉 See more
Why go: A cosy, indoor treat - especially if you’re on the Corniche for National Day festivities.
Dolce Vita Friday Dinner at La Terrazza
Fresh pasta, creamy risotto, seafood, Italian mains, cheese stations - the perfect comforting cuisine heading into Race Weekend.
📍 La Terrazza
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 More info
Why go: A reliably good dinner for a relaxed Friday evening.
Latin American Brunch at Nalu – Colourful & Upbeat
A lively brunch with ceviche, tacos, churrasco grills, tropical cocktails, and a beach-club vibe.
📍 Nalu, Surf Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Saturday, December 6
👉 Book now
Why go: Great energy, great food, and a festive weekend crowd.
Ladies’ Sunset Wednesdays at Conrad Abu Dhabi
A golden-hour evening with skyline views, signature drinks, and relaxed midweek vibes.
📍 Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3
👉 See details
Why go: A perfect post-work, pre-Race Week unwind session.
🏃♂️ THINGS TO DO - NATIONAL DAY WEEK
UAE National Day Run – Abu Dhabi & Al Ain
Join runners from across the country for a festive, community-driven race celebrating the UAE.
📍 Abu Dhabi & Al Ain
🗓️ Thursday, December 4
👉 Register here
Why go: A feel-good, active start to the long weekend.
UAE National Day Ride – City & Al Ain Routes
A scenic cycling ride decorated with National Day colours, designed for beginners and pros alike.
📍 Multiple locations
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 Register now
Why go: A wholesome group activity with big community energy.
Heart of the Community – Cultural Foundation
Family workshops, storytelling, creative stations, and craft sessions.
📍 Cultural Foundation
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, December 7
👉 More info
Why go: Perfect for families looking for indoor activities.
🎭 CULTURE, ART & HERITAGE
Sheikh Zayed Festival – One of the Season’s Biggest Events
Fireworks, camel events, Emirati street food, heritage parades, live performances - a massive winter attraction.
📍 Al Wathba
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, December 7
👉 See more
Why go: A full cultural adventure suitable for all ages.
Khazanat Al Kotob – Literary Events & Book Culture
Talks, readings, workshops, and browsing sessions for readers of all ages.
📍 Cultural Foundation
🗓️ Ends Today
👉 Learn more
Why go: A peaceful, enriching way to spend a few hours.
Manar Abu Dhabi – Coastal Light Festival
Light sculptures and large-scale installations across the Corniche, Saadiyat, Reem Island, and other waterfront districts.
📍 Multiple waterfront locations
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Ongoing
👉 Explore Manar Abu Dhabi
Why go: One of the city’s most beautiful nighttime walks.
The Pyxis of Prince Al-Mughira – Louvre Abu Dhabi
A rare 10th-century ivory artefact on special loan, displayed as part of a major exhibition.
📍 Louvre Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, January 25
👉 Discover the exhibition
Why go: A world-class museum moment.
Zayed National Museum – Opening Day
The most anticipated museum opening of the decade. Over 3,000 artefacts, immersive storytelling, and a monumental architectural landmark.
📍 Saadiyat Cultural District
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3
Why go: A historic cultural milestone for the UAE.
Sotheby’s Icons Exhibition – Banksy, Klimt & Birkin
An exceptional free-entry showcase of some of the most iconic pieces from the global art world.
📍 St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
🗓️ Tuesday, December 2 – Friday, December 5
Why go: A must-see for art lovers, collectors, and curiosity seekers.
ABU DHABI NIGHTLIFE - RACE WEEK EDITION
Keinemusik – Official F1 Weekend After-Party
The legendary Berlin collective lands in Abu Dhabi with a massive Race Week takeover. Expect a sold-out crowd, deep/tribal house, and one of the most in-demand electronic acts of the year.
📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 Book now
Why go: This is the biggest nightlife headliner of the F1 weekend.
AfterPeak F1 Superyacht Party
A premium yacht experience with live DJs, open decks, gourmet stations, and front-row harbour views. The kind of Race Week splurge people talk about all year.
📍 Yas Marina
🗓️ Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7
👉 See more
Why go: If you want the “I did F1 properly” moment - this is it.
F1 Luxury Yacht Package + After-Race Concert Access
A VIP yacht ticket paired with access to after-race concerts - the ultimate Yas Island experience in one package.
📍 Yas Marina
🗓️ Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7
👉 Book package
Why go: A luxurious combo for those going big this year.
Old School Jam at WHITE Abu Dhabi – F1 Weekend Edition
A high-energy old-school hip-hop and R&B night - one of the most fun party lineups this week.
📍 WHITE Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 Get tickets
Why go: A refreshing non-EDM option during a DJ-heavy weekend.
Vanco at Club Iris – Afro House Masterclass
South African DJ Vanco brings a dance-heavy Afro-house night with Race Week energy.
📍 Club Iris, Yas Island
🗓️ Saturday, December 6
👉 Book now
Why go: Afro-house fans - this is your night.
Agents of Time at Club Iris
A melodic techno takeover right in the heart of F1 weekend.
📍 Club Iris
🗓️ Sunday, December 7
👉 Get tickets
Why go: Perfect post-race wind-down.
Francis Mercier at WHITE Abu Dhabi
Expect globally-influenced house and Afro-electronic sound - Mercier always delivers.
📍 WHITE Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 Book here
Fideles at WHITE Abu Dhabi
An Italian melodic-techno powerhouse set to headline during peak Race Weekend.
📍 WHITE Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Sunday, December 7
👉 Get tickets
Marino Canal – Read the News at Soho Beach Yas Island
A deep, hypnotic, progressive set closing out Race Week in style.
📍 Soho Beach, Yas Island
🗓️ Sunday, December 7
👉 More info
⚽ SPORTS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Al Jazira FC vs Al Wahda FC – ADIB Cup Semi-Finals
A huge Abu Dhabi derby, high stakes, and a stadium full of passionate local support.
📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5 | From 19:30
👉 Get tickets
Why go: One of the biggest football matchups this month.
Fontana Circus – A Family Favourite
Water theatrics, acrobatics, aerial performers, and circus stunts - perfect for families.
📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Wednesday, December 3 – Sunday, December 7
👉 Book now
Mina Nader Stand-Up Comedy Night
A sharp, observational comedic set - one of the strongest Arabic-language comics on tour.
📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5
👉 Get tickets
UAE President Cup – General, Garden & Premium Experiences
A prestigious event offering three different tiers depending on how premium you want the day to be.
🗓️ Saturday, December 6
📍 Abu Dhabi Turf Club
👉 General Admission
👉 The Garden
👉 Premium Dining Experience
The Laughter Factory – Christmas Week Parties
A hilarious holiday special featuring multiple international comedians.
📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6
👉 More info
F1 WEEK - WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRACK
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The biggest weekend of the year is here.
📍 Yas Marina Circuit
🗓️ Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7
👉 See ticket options
What to expect:
Practice: Friday, December 5
Qualifying: Saturday, December 6
Race Day: Sunday, December 7
Post-race concerts: Following the race
Pit lane walks: For select ticket types
Fan zones, activations, paddock displays, driver merchandise drops
Yas Island is expected to be extremely busy; plan accordingly.
TICKETS & TIPS
✔ Yas traffic: Leave 60–90 minutes early for anything on the island
✔ Nightlife: Most Race Week parties sell out day-of - book early
✔ Cultural spots: Louvre & Manarat are busiest from 5–8 PM
✔ Weather: Bring layers; waterfront nights get cool
✔ Parking: Pre-book if visiting Saadiyat or Al Wathba this weekend
That’s a wrap for Abu Dhabi Minute’s Wednesday edition.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend, checking out the cultural openings, or heading to the circuit and after-hours events, we hope this guide helps you narrow down the best of what’s happening across the capital.
We’ll be back on Friday with our top picks, last-minute additions, and the latest updates you should know before the weekend begins.
– Matthias
