🐪 What's happening in Abu Dhabi this weekend? (Nov 14-16)

Good Day, Abu Dhabi!

The capital is in full seasonal bloom - crisp weather, vibrant festivals, and a calendar filled with standout moments. Whether you’re stepping out for culture, cuisine, or a major show, this weekend has something exceptional waiting.

Amanie – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
A serene, adults-only Mediterranean escape set deep in the Liwa desert. Amanie blends poolside luxury with elegant dining, offering leisurely lunches, sunset cocktails, and a resident DJ who takes over as the dunes cool. Expect chef Giuseppe Lavarra’s Italian-inspired creations - from caramelised onion & fig tart to monkfish pot-au-feu and a lemon-chocolate tart worth the drive.
Where: Al Mirayr
When: Daily, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Find out more

Strawfire – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Japanese dining meets fire-forward theatrics. Strawfire showcases the warayaki technique, cooking over burning straw in one of the capital’s most visually striking new restaurants. Each of its five immersive rooms features dramatic Japanese art, including an 830-kg Shimenawa rope suspended above a dining table. Expect modern Japanese cuisine by Ross Shonhan, rich flavours, and a show at every turn.
Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
When: Daily, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Cuisine: Japanese
Book your experience

Pincode by Kunal Kapur – The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur brings his pan-Indian hotspot to Abu Dhabi. The menu celebrates India’s regions through signature dishes like chaat hummus, Kerala fried chicken (“KFC”), and classics such as chicken tikka and butter chicken. If you loved the Dubai Hills Mall location, this new branch brings the same flavour-packed identity to the capital.
Where: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
When: Daily, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Cuisine: Indian
Find out more

Isabel Mayfair – The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
A glamorous Gatsby-esque escape arriving from London to Abu Dhabi. Isabel Mayfair blends Latin and Mediterranean influences in an opulent setting of dark wood, golden hues, and old-world charm. Expect refined plates like seabass tiradito, blackened chicken, and lamb cutlets - plus serious A-list energy if the London crowd is anything to go by.
Where: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
When: Opening this month
Cuisine: Latin & Mediterranean

WE ARE ONA x MANAR Abu Dhabi - Limited Pop-Up Dining Experience
One of the most anticipated openings in the capital this season - the globally acclaimed WE ARE ONA brings a limited-residency dining experience to Abu Dhabi, merging contemporary cooking, art, and design under the MANAR Abu Dhabi exhibition. Expect a multi-course, chef-led menu with an artistic, storytelling-forward approach. If you’re the type who chases tasting menus and niche experiences, this is your weekend treat.
Where: MANAR Abu Dhabi | Running now
Reserve your table

Taste of Abu Dhabi 2025 - Yas Island
The capital’s beloved food festival returns, featuring celebrity chef demos, live cooking theatres, tasting menus, dozens of restaurant pop-ups, and interactive food experiences across Yas Island. If you like grazing your way through the city in one place, this is the event.
Where: Yas Island | Nov 14–16
Book tickets

Fontana Circus - Marina Mall | Afternoon & Evening Shows

A European water circus unlike anything else in the UAE. Think acrobats performing mid-splash, dancers twirling through cascading fountains, aerialists dropping from illuminated rigs — all inside a theatrical water stage that comes alive with colour.
Timings: Multiple shows, typically 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Book now

Science Museum Live - Etihad Arena | 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
An award-winning science theatre performance that mixes live experiments, special effects, interactive sequences, and edu-tainment storytelling. Ideal for families with kids between 5 and 14.
Learn more

UAE Warriors 65 - Etihad Arena | From 6:00 PM
One of the region’s leading MMA events returns with a stacked card of regional talent and international fighters. Expect a high-energy crowd and a very competitive lineup.
Get tickets

Sheikh Zayed Festival - Al Wathba | 4:00 PM – Midnight

Heritage zones, fireworks, souks, live cultural performances, laser shows, equestrian displays, carnival rides, food courts, and more - this is one of the most complete family outings in the country.
Explore

🎤 Travis Scott: Circus Maximus Tour - Yas Island | 8:30 PM

The biggest live event of the week. Travis Scott lands in Abu Dhabi with a full-scale production — pyro, giant screens, immersive visuals, and the maximalist performance style his world tours are known for. Expect a packed venue and one of the loudest Abu Dhabi nights of the year.
Book your seat

Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship - 5:00 PM
A high-stakes, high-adrenaline combat championship featuring global competitors. Perfect for fans of full-contact sports who want an intense, electric experience.
Get tickets

Stranger Things Experience - Reem Mall | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Walk through Hawkins, enter the Upside Down, solve missions with friends, take photos inside iconic sets, and experience a story-based journey built around the hit series.
Step inside

The Garden Race Meeting 4 - Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club | 4:00 PM
An elegant afternoon of thoroughbred racing, set in one of the capital’s most established equestrian venues. Ideal for something light, stylish, and social before dinner.
Book entry

Maritime Heritage Festival - Abu Dhabi Corniche | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
An outdoor festival celebrating UAE marine culture - traditional boats, crafts, live demonstrations, folk performer,s and souk-style food stalls.
Discover

ADIB Cup Quarter-Finals: Al Wahda vs Khorfakkan | 8:30 PM
A big night for Abu Dhabi football fans - and a strong atmosphere match.
Get tickets

ADIB Cup Quarter-Finals: Al Jazira vs Al Wasl | 8:30 PM
Two UAE giants meet for a tense quarter-final showdown - the capital will be buzzing for this one.
Tickets

David Pomeranz - Live at The Theatre | 7:00 PM
The voice behind global hits like “King and Queen of Hearts” performs a one-night-only concert filled with classics, intimate storytelling, and nostalgia.
Book now

WE ARE ONA x MANAR Abu Dhabi - Daily
A fusion of contemporary art, fine dining, and sensory design - this is one of the most premium cultural crossovers happening in the UAE right now.
Discover

Stranger Things Experience - All Weekend

GIF stations, interactive rooms, and story-driven scenes, ideal for a group outing.
Explore

PEAK - Installation at Al Hosn | All Weekend
A conceptual exhibit exploring the relationship between landforms, mountains, and cultural identity.
See details

Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship - Nov 14-17

One of the most respected championships globally, bringing athletes, families, coaches and fans together in a high-energy environment. Includes open categories for participants and multi-day spectator zones.
Register / Attend

Block Barty - Birthday Edition | 7:00 PM – Late

An outdoor block-party celebration with DJs, dancers, creative activations, and high-energy festival vibes.
Join

David Pomeranz - Nov 16

Enjoy an evening full of romantic classics and timeless hits.
Get seats

Ballaké Sissoko x Derek Gripper x Maryna Krut
A rare world-music trio in one of Abu Dhabi’s favourite cultural venues.
Reserve

The Laughter Factory — Abu Dhabi Edition
A touring lineup of international comedians bringing sharp comedic energy.
Get tickets

Abu Dhabi’s National Month programme mirrors Dubai’s energy with heritage shows, cultural installations, performances and community gatherings across the city. Here’s where to go this weekend:

Sheikh Zayed Festival - Al Wathba | Daily 4 PM – Midnight
The heart of the National Day season is in the capital. Stunning fireworks, laser shows, traditional performances, souks, cultural villages, tribal dances, camel showcases and more.

Maritime Heritage Festival - Corniche | 3 PM – 10 PM
Traditional boats, pearl-diving stories, live displays, sea crafts, and a nostalgic look at UAE marine heritage - one of the most National Day-aligned events this weekend.

Cultural Workshops - Al Hosn
Learn Emirati crafts, participate in weaving, hear folklore tales, and enjoy heritage storytelling. Free weekend programme.

National Month Light Activations - Across the City
Major landmarks, including Corniche, Qasr Al Hosn, Al Wathba feature patriotic lighting and artistic illuminations ahead of December 2.

(If you’re driving up, here are the highlights)

La Perle by Dragone - A must-see for visitors
DIFC Art Nights - Fri–Sun, 5–10 PM
DP World Tour Championship - Weekend finals
Arabian Warrior Fight Night - Friday
The Music Run - Saturday
AURA Skypool Triathlon - All weekend
Dubai Swim -Sunday

A short 1-hour drive gives you access to a whole different set of city-wide events.

That’s your weekend, sorted.

Abu Dhabi is serving festivals, concerts, culture, and great food, and you’re now fully briefed. We’ll see you in the next edition with fresh updates and the new places everyone will be talking about.

Send this to a friend who always asks, “Anything happening in Abu Dhabi these days?”

- Matthias