The Capital’s Big Shows, Coastal Art, High-Speed Racing & Desert Energy Edition

Good Day, Abu Dhabi!

The capital is stepping into one of its most action-packed weekends of the year - a mix of mega concerts, art festivals, MOTN experiences, extreme sports, desert escapes, gourmet dining, and world-class racing at the waterfront. 

Whether you're planning a cultural day, a big night out, or a quick escape to Al Ain or Liwa, this weekend is stacked with genuinely worthwhile options. This is your high-signal, no-noise Abu Dhabi weekend guide, curated to help you plan quickly and hit only the best events happening across the capital.

Let’s get into it.

One of the most unique culinary concepts happening this season - a premium open-fire dining experience inspired by mountain-side cooking traditions. Expect charred flavors, elevated plating, and a cozy outdoor atmosphere that feels like a luxury alpine escape.

📍 Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Pura Eco Retreat, Al Ain
🗓️ Sat 29 Nov & Sat 20 Dec
👉 Book the Meat & Mountains Experience

Why go: It’s the kind of intimate, atmospheric dinner that feels purpose-made for winter and offers a gourmet escape from the city buzz.

A moonlit evening deep in the desert, combining a multi-course dinner, stargazing, guided storytelling, and traditional music. Elegant, peaceful, and beautifully produced.

📍 Nujum Desert Camp
🗓️ Sat 29 Nov | Doors: 13:00 & Start: 13:00
👉 Reserve Your Sama Experience

Why go: Perfect for couples or families who want a refined, culture-filled desert night.

One of the most charming cultural markets running this month - handmade crafts, live heritage performances, Emirati street food, and a warm local atmosphere.

📍 Al Ain / Al Dhafra
🗓️ 22 Nov - 14 Dec, 2025 | 09:00 AM - 01:00 AM
👉 More Info on Souq Sabi’e

Why go: An easygoing evening plan, great for families and visitors.

Dhabi’s shorelines transform into a giant open-air art park, with monumental light installations, multi-sensory sculptures, and immersive projections - one of the city’s signature annual events.

📍 Corniche, Saadiyat, Reem Island & more
🗓️ Ongoing
👉 Explore Manar Abu Dhabi

Why go: Stunning visuals, great photo moments, and a beautiful nighttime walk.

A rare exhibition showcasing centuries-old illuminated manuscripts, golden calligraphy, and intricate book art from across the region.

📍 Cultural Foundation
🗓️ Tue, 7 Oct 2025 - Tue, 7 Apr 2026
👉 View Exhibition Details

Why go: A quiet, enriching way to spend a few hours indoors.

A major exhibition honoring one of the UAE’s most influential conceptual artists. Expect earthy tones, organic forms, and thought-provoking installations.

📍 Manarat Al Saadiyat
🗓️  Thur, 9 October 2025 to Sunday, 22 February 2026
👉 Learn More

Why go: A must-visit for UAE art lovers and collectors.

One of the rarest 10th-century ivory masterpieces on earth, now on special loan and displayed in Abu Dhabi.

📍 Louvre Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Wed, 17 September 2025 – Sun, 25 January 2026
👉 Discover the Pyxis Exhibition

Why go: It’s a world-class museum moment, ideal for a cultural weekend outing.

A rich multi-disciplinary production that blends poetry, music, heritage storytelling, and live performance in celebration of the UAE National Day.

📍 Cultural Foundation
🗓️ Thursday, Nov 27 | 7:30pm, 2025
👉 Reserve Seats for Hekayah

Why go: It’s powerful, emotional, and deeply rooted in Emirati identity.

A series of workshops, book events, storytelling sessions, and family-friendly programs across Abu Dhabi.

📍 Multiple venues
🗓️ Sat, 8 Nov 2025 - Sat, 29 Nov 2025
👉 Community Year
👉 Khazanat Al Kotob

Why go: A relaxed, educational plan for families or anyone wanting something easygoing.

One of the most celebrated Arabic artists in the region returns for an emotionally powerful arena concert.

📍 Space 42 Arena
🗓️ Fri 28 Nov | Doors: 19:30 & Start: 21:00
👉 Book Majid Al Mohandis Tickets

Why go: Expect a sold-out crowd and a beautifully produced show.

A massive concert featuring two Arab icons - an unmissable night for fans of classic Arabic vocals.

📍 Space 42 Arena
🗓️ Sun 30 Nov | Doors: 19:00 & Start: 21:00
👉 Get Tickets

Why go: A rare, one-night-only pairing of two legendary performers.

A stadium-style Punjabi music night backed by full production, dancers, and high-energy crowd vibes.

📍 Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Sat, Nov 29, 2025
👉 Book Your Spot

Why go: One of the most in-demand artists among South Asian and global fans.

An underground-meets-mainstream performance mixing rap, house, and Egyptian pop-electronic energy.

📍 Space 42 Arena
🗓️Nov 29
👉 Get Tickets

Why go: Perfect for younger audiences and nightlife lovers looking for something bold.

A chaotic, hilarious, visually spectacular Broadway hit now playing at Etihad Arena.

📍 Etihad Arena, Yas Island
🗓️Through Nov 30
👉 Book Seats

Why go: Fun, family-friendly, and packed with theatrical spectacle.

One of the most dramatic, high-speed, stadium-style sailing events in the world returns to Abu Dhabi. Watch elite national teams race F50 hydrofoils at nearly 100 km/h - it’s loud, fast, and spectacular.

📍 Mina Zayed
🗓️ Sat, Nov 29, 2025 - Sun, Nov 30, 2025
👉 Get Tickets to SailGP

Why go: This is easily one of the most visually thrilling live sports weekends of the year.

A dedicated all-women race on Abu Dhabi’s scenic Hudayriyat track, with pro and amateur categories.

📍 Hudayriyat Island
🗓️ Sat, Nov 29 2025
👉 Register Here

Why go: Perfect for cyclists who want a community-driven race with great views.

The world’s fastest cricket format - 10 overs, huge crowds, and non-stop action from ball one.

📍 Zayed Cricket Stadium
🗓️ Nov 28–Dec 8
👉 Find out More

Why go: Big entertainment value + stadium atmosphere = guaranteed good time.

Not race day yet, but the city is already buzzing with F1 pop-ups, fan zones, concerts, activations, and Yas Island programming.

📍 Yas Island
🗓️ Activations begin this weekend
👉 View F1 Programme

Why go: It’s the perfect weekend warm-up before the biggest event of the year.

Rooftop live shows featuring guest singers, musicians, and DJ-led sets - a sophisticated evening option.

👉 View Line-Up

A full weekend of themed evenings:

📍 Aloft Abu Dhabi Rooftop
🗓️ Fri, Nov 28– Sat, Nov 29
👉 Book Your Table

Why go: Good food, strong ambience, and skyline views without chaotic crowds.

A neon-lit dining experience with lounge seating, electronic downtempo music, and a relaxed vibe.

👉 Reserve Your Seat

The biggest concert of the weekend. expect a packed house.

If you’ve never seen hydrofoil racing live, this will blow your mind.

A stunning nighttime stroll through immersive coastal light art.

The most adventurous pick on this list - perfect for groups.

A family-friendly, high-energy Broadway night in the capital.

✔ Concerts: Aim for early arrival - Yas Island traffic gets tight after 7 PM.
✔ Outdoor events: Bring layers; Abu Dhabi nights are cooler now.
✔ MOTN Districts: Book parking ahead if visiting Al Ain or Al Dhafra.
✔ Culture picks: Louvre & Manarat get crowded between 5-8 PM - go earlier.
✔ Sports: For SailGP, the best views are from elevated platforms near the harbor.

(A quick cross-emirate roundup for those heading north.)

A massive open-air EDM night with stadium-level production.
👉 Get Tickets

Fire shows, DJs, neon paint, and a huge beachfront crowd.
👉 Book Entry

Desert resort + Tomorrowland visuals + Alok = one of the strongest EDM nights this month.
👉 Reserve Tickets

Workshops, tasting zones, sweet markets, and a giant cake picnic.
👉 Get More Info

A world-class performance for classical music lovers.
👉 Book Seats

That wraps up this weekend’s capital edition - packed with world-class racing, coastal art walks, mega concerts, MOTN festivities, desert escapes, and some truly exceptional dining.

If you found this helpful, share it with your group chat, send it to someone planning their weekend, or keep it bookmarked for your own last-minute plans.

See you on Friday for our top picks, more updated events, and the inside scoop on what's shaping Abu Dhabi as we head into December.

Enjoy the weekend!

– Matthias