Good Day, Abu Dhabi!
The long weekend is here, and the capital is stepping into National Day mode soon - fireworks across the city, a world-class sailing championship on the Corniche, international concerts, family festivals, open-air art installations, desert adventures, and even a brand-new rooftop pool deck to unwind at.
This weekend is one of those “too many good options” situations, so here’s your sharp, high-signal guide to what’s actually worth doing - curated, sorted, and stripped down to only the best.
Let’s get straight to it.
TOP 5 PICKS THIS WEEKEND (Your Must-Do List)
1. Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix - Season Grand Final
🗓️ Saturday, Nov 29 – Sunday, Nov 30
The fastest sailing event in the world returns to Mina Zayed - twelve F50 hydro-foiling catamarans hitting 100 km/h across the water, dramatic overtakes, tight corners, and stadium-style viewing zones that make this one of the most visually thrilling sporting events in the UAE.
This year is the Season Grand Final, so the intensity is at another level. After the racing, the vibes continue with:
Olly Murs live (Sat)
Mark Wright DJ set (Sun)
Après-Sail entertainment at the SailGP Stadium
Premium lounges by Nobu by the Beach
If you want something different from the usual concerts and dining, this is it.
👉 Book Your Seats - Grandstand, Premium Lounge, Family Passes Available
2. George Wassouf & Mohammed Fadel Shaker - Double-Headliner Concert (Sat)
An Arabic music night with two legends sharing the stage. Expect powerful vocals, nostalgic hits, and a full arena energy. For lovers of classic and contemporary Arabic songs, this concert is not to be missed.
When: Saturday night, special one-night show
Why go: Unique pairing of two high-profile stars; rare opportunity, chance of crowd energy & sing-alongs - ideal for a memorable Saturday.
Tickets: General + VIP options
👉 Get Tickets
3. Manar Abu Dhabi - Citywide Art & Light Festival (All Weekend)
As the city winds down for the long weekend, Manar Abu Dhabi lights up the night with immersive art installations, digital sculptures, interactive light paths, and public-space activations. From Jubail Island walkways to Souq Al Mina’s KAWS light sculpture - it’s an urban art takeover.
When: All weekend (and ongoing through the season)
Why go: Great for families, couples, art lovers - relaxed, free-entry or low-entry, visually stunning, and perfect for evening strolls or date nights.
What to expect: Light sculptures, interactive displays, waterfront art zones, public installations across multiple districts
👉 Explore Installations & Schedule
4. Marwan Pablo + Disco Misr - Rap × Electronic Fusion Live (Fri)
For those craving raw energy and club-level intensity, this concert merges underground rap energy with house/electronic beats. High-tempo sets, youthful crowd, and a vibe that stays loud late into the night.
When: Friday night - crowd expected to be energetic and packed
Why go: One of the weekend’s biggest nightlife draws; ideal for fans of edgy music, dancing, and high-volume shows
Tickets: Standard + VIP entries
👉 Book Entry
5. MOTN Festival – Family Fun, Food & Fireworks at Al Ain & Al Dhafra (Sat–Sun)
A perfect weekend escape with a mixed-rural twist: rides, street food, live shows, regional artists, and nightly fireworks. For families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a relaxed but vibrant festival atmosphere away from the city center.
When: Saturday & Sunday (weekend edition)
Why go: Affordable, accessible, festivity-filled - great for families or road-trip style getaways.
Tickets: Entry-level affordable; good value for a full-day festival vibe
👉 Reserve Tickets
🍽️ DINING - Where to Eat This Weekend
Meat & Mountains (Sat–Sun)
An outdoor dining experience at the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Pura Eco Retreat, Al Ain, with rustic fire-cooked dishes and mountain-inspired plates.
👉 Book Now
The Lean Rooftop Pool Deck - Andaz Capital Gate (All Weekend)
A newly refreshed rooftop experience: skyline views, Asian-inspired bites, bento boxes, poolside lounging, and sunset sessions.
Souq Sabie - Outdoor Market & Food Stalls (All Weekend)
Handmade crafts, food pop-ups, coffee stands, art, and local vendors at Sarooj Park in Al Ain - ideal for relaxed browsing.
🎭 THINGS TO DO - Culture, Family, Outdoors
Beetlejuice The Musical - Etihad Arena
Broadway’s wild, high-energy musical lands with full production, theatrics, and fan-favourite scenes.
Fontana Circus - Marina Mall
Acrobatics, water choreography, light shows, and circus artistry wrapped into one family-friendly performance.
Golden Ink Manuscripts Exhibition - Cultural Foundation
A stunning showcase of rare manuscripts, historical texts, and ornate calligraphy.
👉 Explore
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim - NYUAD Art Gallery
A curated exhibition of one of the UAE’s most renowned contemporary artists.
Manar Artist Commissions - Citywide Installations
A creative trail of commissioned works across parks, beaches, bridges, and cultural spaces.
👉 View Map
Al Ain Book Festival - Literary Weekend
Talks, workshops, readings, children’s programming, and Emirati literature showcases.
Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Race - Sun
A scenic community-focused race around Hudayriyat Island.
👉 Sign Up
MOTN Festival - Al Ain & Al Dhafra
Family festival, carnival rides, fireworks, regional artists, and National Day-themed entertainment.
NATIONAL DAY - FIREWORKS, FESTIVALS & CITY EVENTS
Emirates Palace Fireworks - Tue, 9:15 PM
Massive National Day fireworks + traditional shows + workshops under the Eid Al Etihad dome.
👉 Venue Info
Yas Bay Waterfront - Nightly 9 PM Fireworks
A full festival with henna, calligraphy corners, 70s-style majlis sets, “decades of the UAE” zones, and nightly fireworks.
👉 Event Guide
Sheikh Zayed Festival (Dec 1–3)
Laser shows, fireworks, drone parades, folklore dances, and huge National Day performances.
👉 Festival Details
MOTN National Day Editions - Al Ain & Al Dhafra
Shows, concerts, fireworks, and UAE-themed cultural programming across both locations.
👉 Al Ain Festival
👉 Al Dhafra Festival
🏁 F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX - PRE-BOOK FOR NEXT WEEK
Formula 1 - Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Dec 5–7)
The finale of the 2025 F1 season lands at Yas Marina Circuit. Practice sessions, qualifying, pit lane walk access, fan zones - and four nights of massive concerts.
🕒 Race Weekend Schedule
Fri, Dec 5 - Practice 1: 1:30–2:30 PM | Practice 2: 5–6 PM
Sat, Dec 6 - Practice 3: 2:30–3:30 PM | Qualifying: 6–7 PM
Sun, Dec 7 - RACE DAY: 5–7 PM
After-Race Concerts (Free with F1 ticket unless noted)
Dec 4 - Benson Boone - Gen-Z powerhouse performer
Dec 5 - Post Malone + Elyanna - Hip-hop, pop, country fusion superstar
Dec 5 - Keinemusik (Yas Gateway Park – public ticketed)
👉 Buy Tickets
Dec 6 - Metallica - Rock legends return after 12 years
Dec 6 - Calvin Harris (Garden on Yas – ticketed)
👉 Book Your Spot
Dec 7 - Katy Perry - Pop showstopper closing the weekend
Garden on Yas - From Dhs995
👉 Reserve
Horizon Terrace - From Dhs6,495 (4 days)
👉 View Packages
Deck at Two - From Dhs13,520 (4 days)
👉 Book
Deck at Nine - From Dhs13,570 (4 days)
👉 Book
B.I.G Race Weekend Brunch - W Abu Dhabi
👉 Reserve
3 DUBAI PICKS (If You’re Crossing the Highway)
Calvin Harris - Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour (Sat)
Clean Bandit - Live at Barasti (Sat)
Jamie Jones - Be Beach Dubai (Fri)
That wraps your high-signal Abu Dhabi weekend guide - packed with everything worth booking, from major concerts and art festivals to National Day fireworks and the world’s fastest sailing event. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly long weekend or a nightlife-heavy itinerary, the capital is stacked with options.
If you enjoyed this edition, share it with the friend who always asks, “What’s happening in Abu Dhabi this weekend?” See you next week for the National Day & F1 mega-guide.
- Matthias
