Good day, Abu Dhabi!
As the weekend approaches, Abu Dhabi’s calendar ramps up with headline concerts, large-scale festivals, desert adventures, and cultural programmes across the city. Winter is in full swing, and this weekend brings one of the season’s strongest line-ups - from arena shows and citywide festivals to family-friendly events and outdoor experiences.
This guide highlights what’s actually worth planning from Friday to Sunday, breaking down the biggest events so you can book ahead, plan efficiently, and make the most of the days off.
🎶 HEADLINE CONCERTS & LIVE SHOWS
Rod Stewart - Live in Abu Dhabi
A true music legend arrives in the capital this weekend. Sir Rod Stewart brings his global tour to Etihad Arena, promising a night packed with timeless hits, singalong anthems, and classic rock nostalgia. With decades of chart-topping tracks behind him, this is one of the most high-profile concerts Abu Dhabi has hosted this season.
📅 Wed, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 18
📍 Etihad Arena, Yas Island
👉 Get tickets for Rod Stewart
Why this matters this weekend:
One of the biggest international touring acts to visit Abu Dhabi this year
A rare opportunity to see a rock icon live in the UAE
Perfect anchor plan for a Friday or Saturday night out
Arijit Singh Live in Concert
One of the most anticipated concerts of the winter season, Arijit Singh takes the stage in Abu Dhabi with a full-scale live production. Known for his emotional vocals and cinematic performances, the concert will feature Bollywood favourites, romantic ballads, and orchestral arrangements that resonate across generations.
📅 Fri, Dec 19
📍 Etihad Arena
👉 Book Arijit Singh tickets
Why go:
Massive fan following across the UAE
A high-demand concert with limited availability
Ideal for couples, families, and music lovers alike
Big Sam - Live at MOTN Festival
British rapper Big Sam brings high-energy sets and festival-ready beats to the MOTN main stage this weekend. Known for engaging live performances, this show pairs perfectly with the larger festival atmosphere of MOTN.
📅 Fri, Dec 19
📍 MOTN Festival, Abu Dhabi Corniche
👉 See Big Sam live
Why go:
Combines live music with Abu Dhabi’s biggest winter festival
A strong pick for groups and younger crowds
Easy to pair with food stalls, rides, and other MOTN attractions
Mohammed Fadel Chaker - Live Performance
Arabic music fans can catch Mohammed Fadel Chaker performing live as part of the MOTN Festival concert lineup. Expect a nostalgic, emotionally rich performance featuring popular regional hits.
📅 Sat, Dec 20
📍 MOTN Festival
👉 Get concert details
Why go:
A softer, sentimental concert option within MOTN
Appeals to a wide age group
Easy add-on to a full MOTN evening
🏆 SPORTS, TECH & LARGE-SCALE LIVE EVENTS
Games of the Future - Abu Dhabi
One of the most talked-about events of the year, Games of the Future blends esports, robotics, physical competition, and futuristic sports into a multi-day festival experience. Multiple ticket types are available throughout the weekend, including general admission days and headline finals.
📅 Friday to Sunday
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Explore the Games of the Future
👉 Day 2 passes
👉 Day 3 passes
👉 Battle of Robots Finals
Why this is a weekend highlight:
One of Abu Dhabi’s most innovative event formats
Appeals to tech fans, gamers, families, and curious first-timers
Multiple zones, showcases, and finals across the weekend
BIKE Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo
Cycling takes over the capital this weekend with BIKE Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo, welcoming elite riders and amateur cyclists alike. The event transforms major roads into a professional racecourse, with strong spectator energy along the route.
📅 Sun, Dec 21
📍 Across Abu Dhabi
👉 Race details
Why go:
One of Abu Dhabi’s flagship endurance events
Great for spectators even without participating
Adds a lively, citywide buzz to the weekend
Extreme Mud Fest - Liwa
For those willing to travel beyond the city, Extreme Mud Fest in Liwa delivers an adrenaline-packed desert weekend. Expect off-road racing, mud challenges, vehicle showcases, and outdoor entertainment in a rugged setting.
📅 Fri, Dec 19 - Sat, Dec 20 Dec
📍 Liwa, Western Region
👉 Event info
👉 Tickets & passes
Why it stands out:
One of the most adventurous events on the calendar
Ideal for motorsport and off-road enthusiasts
Combines racing with a festival-style atmosphere
🎪 WINTER FESTIVALS & OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
MOTN Festival Abu Dhabi
The capital’s largest winter festival continues through the weekend, offering carnival rides, food stalls, retail pop-ups, family zones, and nightly entertainment along the Corniche.
📅 Wed, 10 Dec - Sun, 4 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi Corniche
👉 Explore MOTN Festival
Why MOTN is a weekend staple:
Suitable for all ages
Easy to spend multiple hours without planning
Combines entertainment, dining, and live shows in one place
Yas Winter Fest
Yas Island embraces the season with winter-themed attractions, festive décor, and family-friendly activities across the destination.
📅 Tue, 16 Dec - Sun, 21 Dec
📍 Yas Island
👉 See Yas Winter Fest details
Why go:
Convenient one-stop destination
Ideal for families and visitors
Easy to combine with Yas Island attractions
ART, MUSEUMS & CULTURAL EXHIBITIONS
The World of Studio Ghibli Exhibition
A visually rich, immersive exhibition celebrating the iconic Japanese animation studio behind films like Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Expect original artwork, large-scale installations, and interactive elements that appeal to both adults and younger audiences.
📅 Open all weekend
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 See exhibition details
Why it’s worth your weekend time:
One of the most popular travelling exhibitions globally
Great for families, creatives, and animation fans
Easy to pair with a relaxed afternoon plan
The Pyxis of Prince Al-Mughira – Louvre Abu Dhabi
A rare artefact exhibition highlighting one of the most important objects of Islamic art. The display offers insight into craftsmanship, symbolism, and historical context, making it a thoughtful stop for culture-led weekend plans.
📅 Ongoing this weekend
📍 Louvre Abu Dhabi
👉 Learn more
Why go:
A quieter alternative to large festivals
Ideal for a reflective weekend visit
Combines well with other Louvre exhibitions
Golden Ink: Manuscripts Exhibition
A deep dive into historic manuscripts, calligraphy, and written heritage, showcasing how text and art intersect across cultures and centuries.
📅 Open this weekend
📍 Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi
👉 View exhibition
Why it stands out:
Appeals to history, literature, and design enthusiasts
Slower-paced, educational weekend option
Abu Dhabi Art – Artist Commissions
Public-facing artist commissions continue across select locations, highlighting contemporary voices and large-scale installations.
📅 Ongoing
📍 Various locations
👉 See details
Why go:
Adds culture to casual weekend walks
Accessible without committing to long museum visits
Meat & Mountains
A winter-perfect outdoor dining experience combining open-fire cooking, chef-led demonstrations, and a social atmosphere designed for cooler evenings.
📅 Sat, 20 Dec
📍 Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Pura Eco Retreat, Al Ain
👉 Find out more
Why it works for the weekend:
Ideal for groups or casual date nights
Strong seasonal atmosphere
Easy to slot into evening plans
Dolce Vita Friday Night at La Terrazza
A themed Italian evening bringing together live music, classic flavours, and a relaxed, European-style dining atmosphere.
📅 Friday night
📍 La Terrazza
👉 Event details
Why go:
Low-pressure social night
Great alternative to loud nightlife venues
Latin American Brunch at NALU
A high-energy brunch featuring Latin-inspired cuisine, live performances, and a beachfront setting. Expect music-led entertainment and a lively crowd.
📅 Weekend brunch
📍 Saadiyat Island
👉 Book brunch
Why it’s popular:
Combines food, music, and atmosphere
A strong daytime option before evening plans
👨👩👧 FAMILY, KIDS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Maktaba Winter Camp
A creative winter programme hosted at Abu Dhabi libraries, featuring workshops, reading sessions, and hands-on activities designed for children and teens.
📅 All weekend
📍 Abu Dhabi Libraries
👉 See programme
Why parents love it:
Educational and engaging
Indoor option for busy weekends
FREE EVENTS IN ABU DHABI THIS WEEKEND
Verified free entry - no tickets required
Manar Abu Dhabi – Citywide Light Art
📅 Ongoing, incl. Dec 20–22
📍 Corniche, Saadiyat, Al Reem & public spaces
👉 See locations
Large-scale illuminated installations across the city, best experienced after sunset.
Why it’s free: Public art programme, open access.
Lawal Celebration – Emirati Heritage Festival
📅 Dec 20–22, 2025
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Learn more
Traditional performances, crafts, storytelling, and cultural showcases.
Why it’s free: Government-supported heritage festival.
Abu Dhabi Malls Winter Village (Public Zones)
📅 All weekend
📍 Yas Mall, Galleria, Reem Mall
👉 Details
Festive installations, photo zones, and stage moments are free to enter.
Why it’s free: Retail-led seasonal activation.
Games of the Future – Outdoor Fan Zones
📅 Dec 20–22, 2025
📍 Yas Island / ADNEC
👉 Event info
While arena competitions are ticketed, outdoor fan zones and tech showcases are open-access.
Why it’s free: Public engagement zones outside ticketed halls.
THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI THIS WEEKEND
If you’re open to crossing over or adding one standout night beyond Abu Dhabi, these Dubai events are drawing major attention this weekend:
Dubai Racing Carnival – Festive Friday
Friday, 19 December | Meydan Racecourse
A winter classic blending international horse racing with festive hospitality and a stylish social crowd.
👉 See detailsDavid Guetta – Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
December 2025 | Dubai Harbour
One of the season’s biggest electronic music bookings, featuring large-scale production and an international crowd.
👉 Book ticketsThe Nutcracker – Dubai Opera
18–21 December | Dubai Opera
A festive-season staple with full orchestration and classical choreography.
👉 Book ticketsWinter City at Expo City Dubai
Ongoing through December | Expo City
Dubai’s largest festive village with snow zones, markets, and roaming entertainment.
👉 Visit Winter City
That wraps up your guide to the weekend ahead. With winter at its peak and the city’s calendar packed across concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and outdoor experiences, this is a weekend worth planning properly.
Whether you’re booking headline shows, heading out with family, or keeping things flexible with exhibitions and free events, Abu Dhabi has no shortage of ways to make the most of the days off. We’ll be back with fresh updates and top picks on Friday!
– Matthias
