Abu Dhabi’s Weekend Guide: Concerts, Festivals & Easy Winter Plans

Good day, Abu Dhabi.

Winter weekends in the capital are made for getting out and enjoying the city properly. The weather’s right, the calendar’s full, and everything feels a little more relaxed — from concerts and cultural shows to outdoor festivals and slow mornings.

This guide compiles the best options for the days ahead, so you can plan your weekend without overthinking it.

Let’s begin with the strongest cultural bookings of the weekend.

A timeless fairytale brought to the stage through classical ballet, elegant costumes, and graceful choreography. Cinderella is especially well-suited to families and first-time ballet audiences, offering a recognisable story presented with visual clarity and traditional staging.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 120+
👉 Book tickets

One of the most powerful stories in classical ballet, Romeo & Juliet, is performed by the renowned Russian State Ballet Mari El. Expect expressive choreography, dramatic pacing, and a full orchestral score that carries emotional weight throughout.

This is a more intense and immersive production than Cinderella - best suited for older children, teens, and adults.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 150+
👉 View performance details

One of the most anticipated classical music events of the winter season, Ludovico Einaudi performs live as part of Saadiyat Nights. Known for his minimalist, cinematic compositions, Einaudi’s music thrives in open-air settings - and Saadiyat’s coastal atmosphere adds an extra layer of intimacy.

This is a seated concert experience designed for deep listening rather than spectacle.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Saadiyat Island
💰 From AED 295+
👉 Get tickets

A major Russian pop concert bringing together two high-profile artists. Expect a polished stage production, a mix of classic hits and modern pop, and a crowd that’s there for a full concert experience rather than casual listening.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 200+
👉 Book seats

Two global music icons share the stage in one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest concerts of the season. Expect a cross-generational crowd, timeless hits, and a premium arena-style production.

This is a true headline event - one of those nights that becomes the anchor plan for the entire weekend.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 295+
👉 See concert info

A celebratory live music event featuring Filipino artists and popular hits, designed to be upbeat, communal, and accessible. This is a strong pick for fans of OPM and live band performances.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 120+
👉 View concert details

A throwback-heavy night celebrating Filipino rock legends, featuring powerful vocals, live instrumentation, and a crowd that knows the lyrics by heart.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 150+
👉 Book tickets

One of the capital’s most important global gatherings returns, bringing together leaders, innovators, and organisations focused on sustainability, clean energy, and climate solutions. While much of the programming is conference-led, the wider city hosts exhibitions, talks, and public-facing experiences throughout the week.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan – Fri, 16 Jan
📍 Multiple venues across Abu Dhabi
💰 Free & ticketed sessions (varies)
👉 Explore ADSW

An immersive cultural exhibition blending contemporary art, storytelling, and multimedia elements. Designed for audiences interested in modern creative expression rather than traditional exhibitions.

📅 Ongoing
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 70+
👉 Exhibition details

A family-friendly circus production combining acrobatics, visual spectacle, and theatrical storytelling. This is a high-energy option for kids and parents alike.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 100+
👉 See show details

A high-calibre equestrian competition attracting international riders and horses. This is one of the region’s most prestigious showjumping events, combining elite sport with a refined spectator experience.

📅 Fri 09 Jan - Sun 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
💰 Free General Admission Entry (Sells Out Fast)
👉 Event details

A culturally rich equestrian performance celebrating Arabian horsemanship, heritage, and storytelling. This is less about competition and more about tradition, pageantry, and visual impact.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 150+
👉 See performance details

A colourful outdoor festival blending music, food trucks, art installations, and family-friendly activities. Best visited in the late afternoon or early evening.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Al Towayya Park, Al Ain
💰 Free entry
👉 Festival info

A full winter-themed family attraction featuring rides, games, festive décor, and food stalls. Ideal for a dedicated family day out or an early evening visit.

📅 Ongoing
📍 Al Ain
💰 From AED 30+
👉 Plan your visit

A free, family-focused activation with games, entertainment zones, and relaxed waterfront vibes. Designed for drop-in visits rather than structured scheduling.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Yas Bay Waterfront
💰 Free entry
👉 See what’s on

The popular stand-up comedy tour stops in Abu Dhabi as part of its January circuit, offering an easy, crowd-pleasing evening plan.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 160+
👉 Book comedy night

A guided sunrise session exploring Qi Gong, breathwork, and meditation in a calm natural setting. Designed to create a grounded, slow start to the day.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island
💰 AED 125+
👉 Book your spot

A grounding yoga session followed by a healthy brunch, with pool and beach access included. Bring your own mat.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Ila by Yas Beach, Yas Island
💰 AED 180+
👉 Reserve your place

One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular winter hangouts, Café del Mar delivers Ibiza-style energy with a massive temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking Yas Bay.

📅 Fri-Sun, from 1 PM
📍 Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
💰 From AED 349+
👉 Venue details

If you’re crossing over from Abu Dhabi or hosting visitors, these Dubai events are drawing the most attention this weekend:

A winter staple in Dubai, featuring classical choreography, full orchestration, and festive staging. Ideal for families and anyone looking for a polished cultural evening.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Zabeel Theatre - Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
💰 From AED 159+
👉 Book tickets

One of the strongest electronic bookings of the weekend, set in a desert environment curated by Tomorrowland. Music-led, immersive, and built for a serious crowd.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Terra Solis Dubai
💰 From AED 200+
👉 Get tickets

A massive arena-scale South Indian concert packed with chart-topping hits, big visuals, and a highly engaged crowd.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Coca-Cola Arena
💰 From AED 175+
👉 View concert details

A late-night brunch concept designed to roll straight into nightlife, combining live entertainment with a dressed-up, social crowd.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan - Sat, 07 Feb
📍 TATEL Dubai
💰 From AED 390+
👉 See brunch details

A free, citywide winter highlight featuring large-scale fireworks across key Dubai districts as part of DSF programming.

📅 Ongoing till Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta
💰 Free
👉 View fireworks schedule

That completes your Abu Dhabi Minute - Wednesday Edition.

This weekend in the capital is about doing things at the right pace. You can spend an evening at a world-class concert, take in ballet or live performance, wake up early for wellness by the water, or simply enjoy the fact that winter finally makes being outdoors feel effortless.

Abu Dhabi doesn’t ask you to rush; it gives you space. Space to choose culture over crowds, long afternoons over packed schedules, and quality over noise. Whether you’re planning one standout night or filling the weekend with smaller moments, there’s more than enough here to build a weekend that actually feels good.

If this guide helped you decide what to do, or what to skip, pass it on to someone still asking, “So… what’s happening this weekend?”

We’ll see you on Friday with a tighter edit of the best picks only.

— Matthias