The Weekend Edit - Where to Go & What to See in Abu Dhabi

Good day, Abu Dhabi.

Some weekends announce themselves quietly; others arrive like a citywide crescendo - a sudden, unmistakable shift in atmosphere. This is one of those weekends. From Saadiyat to Liwa, the capital feels fully switched on: festivals glowing late into the night, concerts drawing huge crowds, desert villages reopening for the season, winter celebrations taking over Yas Island, and cultural districts unveiling new exhibitions and performances with a sense of occasion.

Also, NEW in this edition: by popular demand (and a very loyal reader’s message), we’ve added a Free / "Under AED 20" section - perfect for last-minute plans and wallet-friendly adventures. Read till the end for that section.

Let’s go ahead with your high-signal, zero-filler guide to what truly matters across Abu Dhabi.

The Mother of the Nation Festival returns to Saadiyat with one of its most ambitious editions yet -multi-zone entertainment districts, art installations, carnival rides, global street-food markets, immersive activations, craft pop-ups, celebrity meet-ups, and nightly shows.

A powerhouse double billing opens the festival’s music program. Expect orchestral arrangements, emotional performances and a packed crowd.

One of the Arab world’s most influential alternative bands brings its signature sound -socially charged, energetic and always a magnet for younger crowds.

A refined, deeply artistic evening with three celebrated vocalists -rich in musicality, heritage, and emotional depth.

Abu Dhabi’s desert festival returns with an elevated village experience -souq-style markets, heritage pavilions, music stages, gaming arenas, desert sports, food concepts and nightly shows. It’s immersive in a way only Liwa can be: wide-open dunes, glowing installations, fire pits, camel shows and a crowd of families, travelers and heritage lovers.

Liwa Village feels like stepping into a seasonal micro-city built specifically for winter - a mix of nostalgia and modern entertainment that continues late into the night.

Snow play areas, stage shows, Santa meet-and-greets, festive games, carnival rides, market stalls and live entertainment take over Yas Island. It’s one of the most family-friendly events of the weekend -bright, cheerful and packed from opening until closing.

One of the Middle East’s most iconic love stories is transformed into a sweeping operatic production, merging classical Arabic poetry with dramatic staging and orchestral composition. Visually rich, musically powerful and culturally significant, this belongs on the must-see list for anyone interested in regional arts.

A global YouTube phenomenon brings martial arts, comedy sketches, audience interaction and stunts to the MOTN stage. Expect large crowds, excited kids and a show that moves quickly from one act to another.

A refined curation of emerging and established artists presented inside one of the world’s most architecturally striking museums. Thought-provoking, beautifully lit and immersive.

A detailed recreation of scenes, illustrations, characters and environments from Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved films. Perfect for families and nostalgia seekers.

A massive running event attracting elite athletes, amateurs, families and wellness communities. The atmosphere around the Corniche is unmatched -sunrise light, cheering spectators and thousands of runners.

A relaxed yet stylish race-day atmosphere, perfect for families and groups looking for something outdoorsy and different.

A high-energy Arabic pop night inside MOTN’s open-air performance arena. Expect a lively crowd, strong vocals, and a festival atmosphere that blends seamlessly with Saadiyat’s winter buzz.

Step into a life-sized PAC-MAN maze at Active Games, where the legendary arcade world is rebuilt with digital projections, neon visuals and real-time challenges. Every ticket includes a free smoothie, plus 20% off on Power Up Wednesdays.

A global folk ensemble known for blending Neapolitan tradition with modern world music. Expect strong instrumentation and a crowd of music lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Developers, startups, engineers and tech founders converge for a week of workshops, product demos, networking, keynotes and hands-on labs. Great for anyone in app development, AI, cloud or mobile technologies.

One of the biggest Web3 conferences returns, gathering ecosystem builders, investors, creators and developers for panels, product showcases and high-stakes networking.

Large-scale public light art installations spread across Abu Dhabi’s coastline and cultural districts. Ideal for evening walks and photography.

A deep dive into one of the UAE’s most important contemporary artists. Expect conceptual installations, sculptures, and experimental works.

A leisurely, upscale brunch with Greek-Mediterranean flavours, live music and beachside views - a refined way to start the weekend.

A themed dinner night celebrating Asian cuisine with live stations and a vibrant dining atmosphere.

A relaxed beach day with DJ sets, signature cocktails and a sunset crowd.

Free entry, traditional stalls, craft demonstrations and local food.
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Free festive décor, food trucks, kids’ zones and live music.
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Workshops, storytelling, reading corners and crafts.
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This weekend, Abu Dhabi feels like a tapestry - festivals at full capacity, operas unfolding under stage lights, marathons charging down the Corniche, desert villages glowing after sunset, and curated dining and cultural experiences filling every corner of the city. Whether you want movement, music, food, art or heritage, the capital offers something powerful to step into.

If you found this guide useful, share it with someone who always asks, “What’s happening this weekend?” It helps more people experience the city without scrolling for hours.

– Matthias