Abu Dhabi Weekend Guide: Top Picks & Last-Minute Additions (Nov 21-23)

Happy Friday, Abu Dhabi!

The weekend is here, and the capital is glowing - big openings, waterfront festivals, major concerts, yacht showcases, cultural nights, Broadway theatre, and some truly creative dining experiences. 

If you’re still figuring out where to spend your time, this is the shortlist that cuts through the noise. The high-signal guide for the next 72 hours - curated, clean, and built for Friday morning decision-making.

Let’s lock in your weekend plans.

📍 Saadiyat Cultural District • Opens Sat, Nov 22 (Saturday)
➡️ nhmad.ae

A historic moment for the capital — the long-awaited Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi finally opens its doors this Saturday. Visitors will experience 13 billion years of history, from a real T-rex skeleton to a 25-metre blue whale and meteorites older than Earth. The museum is set to become one of the region’s most important cultural icons, anchoring Saadiyat Island as a global museum district. If you want to be part of something meaningful this weekend, this is the plan.

📍 Louvre Abu Dhabi Waterfront • Fri–Sun, Nov 21–23 (Friday–Sunday)
➡️ Michelin Food Festival

The MICHELIN Guide Food Festival returns to Emirates Palace with a packed lineup of global talent - from Three-Star icons like Taian Table to regional favorites including Talea, Hakkasan, and Abu Dhabi’s Bib Gourmand restaurants. 

Across three days, guests can explore tasting booths, live cooking demos, masterclasses, and family-friendly workshops. The festival also features ultra-limited six-hands and eight-hands dinners hosted by Talea, Strawfire, and Hakkasan, each bringing together star chefs from around the world. 

A premium, diverse culinary weekend designed for tasting, learning, and experiencing Michelin-level dining in one place.

– Kids Masterclass (AED 135) - daily at 4:30 PM & 6:30 PM.
– Plant & Pot Herb Workshop (AED 85) - daily at 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM.

📍 Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre • Thu–Sun, Nov 20–23 (Thursday–Sunday)
➡️ adibs.ae

A major highlight for marine enthusiasts, families, and lifestyle seekers, the boat show returns with luxury yachts, live sea trials, marine tech, and water sports demos. Visitors can explore the latest designs, try interactive experiences, and enjoy a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. It’s one of the city’s most polished outdoor events, blending luxury with activity in a way only Abu Dhabi can. Ideal for an afternoon or early evening plan.

📍 Etihad Arena • Sat, Nov 22 (Saturday)
➡️ Dream Concert Tickets

K-Pop takes over Etihad Arena this Saturday with a high-energy lineup, stunning visuals, and the signature fan atmosphere that always elevates these events. Expect synchronized choreography, bold staging, and arena-level production that feels straight out of Seoul. Fans will be out in full force, making this one of the most electric nights of the weekend. If you want an event with maximum energy, this is it.

📍 Etihad Arena • Thu–Sun, Nov 20-23 (Thursday–Sunday)
➡️ Etihad Arena

Broadway’s boldest, funniest, and most chaotic musical lands in Abu Dhabi for the first time. The production brings massive sets, iconic costumes, and laugh-out-loud performances that entertain both theatre lovers and newcomers. With multiple shows across the weekend, it’s one of the most accessible premium indoor events you can choose. A fun, lively, and very memorable night out.

📍 Wet Deck, Yas Island • Sat, Nov 22 (Saturday)
➡️ Event Link

A one-night-only rooftop transformation with an all-white dress code and DJ sets from DJ Slim, DJ Mari, and more. Expect strong crowd energy, open-air views, and a stylish, high-vibe atmosphere. Perfect if you want a Saturday night that feels different from the usual lounge scene.

📍 MANAR Installations • Fri–Sun, Nov 21-23 (Friday-Sunday)
➡️ Pop-Up Tickets

A globally recognized avant-garde dining collective brings an artistic pop-up experience to Abu Dhabi. The dinner is hosted inside illuminated art installations, pairing creative cuisine with immersive visuals. This is one of the city’s most unique dining concepts this month.

📍 Al Qana • Sat, Nov 22 (Saturday)
➡️ Event Link

A multisensory dinner concert set by the water with live Arabic music and a refined culinary program. Ideal for those who want a slower, elegant evening experience. Expect smooth vocals, intimate seating, and waterfront ambience.

📍 Al Wathba • Fri–Sun, Nov 21–23 (Friday–Sunday)
➡️ SZF Link
A massive winter-long festival with fireworks, cultural shows, carnival rides, and nightly live entertainment. It’s one of Abu Dhabi’s most family-friendly weekend plans with plenty to explore. A great option if you want something relaxed, lively, and outdoors.

📍 Abu Dhabi • Fri–Sun, Nov 21-23 (Friday–Sunday)
➡️ Tickets
Expect traditional performances, themed installations, and a warm cultural atmosphere throughout the festival grounds. It’s ideal for families or anyone wanting a heritage-rich weekend experience. A steady, feel-good event if you're keeping things simple.

📍 Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club • Fri, Nov 21 (Friday)
➡️ Race Tickets
A classic Friday night plan featuring live horse races, dining areas, and trackside hospitality. It’s a great social event with a refined yet easygoing vibe. Perfect if you want something different without committing to a full night out.

📍 Various • Fri, Nov 21 (Friday)
➡️ Event Link
Enjoy crafted cocktails paired with skyline views at one of Abu Dhabi’s favorite elevated rooftop spots. It’s ideal for a casual meet-up or pre-dinner drinks. Expect a relaxed but stylish evening atmosphere.

📍 Various • Fri, Nov 21 (Friday)
➡️ Details
A lineup of live music sets across Abu Dhabi’s lounges and nightspots, ranging from acoustic singers to upbeat band nights. These performances add energy without overwhelming your evening. Ideal for groups or an easygoing night out.

📍 Relax12 • Fri, Nov 21 (Friday)
➡️ Link
A chill happy hour offering good drinks and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for starting your weekend slowly. It’s a great choice for unwinding before heading to a concert or dinner. Simple, easy, and reliably enjoyable.

📍 Mubadala Arena • Fri–Sun, Nov 21–23 (Friday–Sunday)
➡️ Event Page
One of the biggest grappling tournaments in the region, featuring elite fighters across multiple divisions. The arena’s energy is intense and exciting — perfect for sports-loving families. A dynamic, action-packed option for the weekend.

📍 Abu Dhabi • Sat, Nov 22 (Saturday)
➡️ Brunch Link
A breezy Mediterranean-inspired brunch with fresh flavors, relaxed vibes, and coastal-style décor. Perfect for a long Saturday afternoon with friends or family. A lighter, refreshing contrast to the busier events this weekend.

📍 Dubai Design District • Sat–Sun, Nov 22–23 (Saturday–Sunday)
➡️ Event Link
Dubai’s biggest automotive culture festival with rare Porsche models, art installations, and thousands of attendees. A visually spectacular and high-energy day out.

📍 DIFC • Wed–Sun, Nov 19–23 (Wednesday–Sunday)
➡️ Register
Panels, brand showcases, workshops, and collector meetups take over DIFC. A must-visit if you’re into watches, design, luxury brands, or cultural talks.

📍 Pacha Icons • Fri, Nov 21 (Friday)
➡️ Tickets
The biggest nightlife booking of the weekend - world-class techno at Pacha Icons with a guaranteed packed crowd.

Clear skies, cooler evenings - perfect for outdoor events, waterfront strolls, Saadiyat walks, and Yas Island activity.

– Yas Island will be busy (Beetlejuice + K-pop).
– Saadiyat heavy footfall for museum opening.
– ADNEC congestion due to the Boat Show.

And that wraps your Abu Dhabi weekend shortlist - only the good stuff, nothing you need to scroll past. If you have friends deciding what to do, send this their way and help them plan better. 

Enjoy the weekend, and don’t miss Monday’s edition - the high-signal briefing that sets you up for the week.

If you’re enjoying these updates, feel free to share them with someone who’d appreciate staying in the loop. And if you ever have thoughts or feedback, just hit reply, I always love hearing from the community.

– Matthias