What’s On in Abu Dhabi This Week: Major Events, Sports & Winter Picks

Good day, Abu Dhabi!

Abu Dhabi is entering one of its most active winter stretches, where city-wide initiatives, cultural programming, and policy updates are landing almost simultaneously. As the capital balances tourism growth, resident-focused planning, and large-scale cultural investment, this week offers a clear snapshot of how Abu Dhabi continues to evolve beyond a traditional events calendar.

From wellness-led initiatives and transport changes to public art and museum programming, here’s what’s shaping the city right now.

Abu Dhabi has officially launched the Festival of Health 2025, a city-wide initiative designed to promote wellness, preventative healthcare, and healthier lifestyles across the emirate. Rather than being limited to a single venue or weekend, the festival spans multiple locations and formats, making health-focused experiences accessible to a wide range of residents.

The programme brings together healthcare providers, government bodies, fitness professionals, and community organisations to deliver talks, screenings, workshops, and interactive activations. The goal is not only awareness, but long-term behavioural change through education and participation.

Why this matters for the week:

👉 Check out the full story

Abu Dhabi’s tourism authorities have announced a faster approval process for holiday homes and short-term rentals, marking a significant step in expanding the emirate’s accommodation landscape.

The streamlined process reduces administrative bottlenecks for property owners while maintaining regulatory oversight and quality standards. This move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism strategy, particularly as the emirate attracts more international visitors during peak seasons.

Why this matters for the week:

👉 Find out more

Updated parking regulations for commercial areas in Mohamed bin Zayed City have been announced as part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing urban planning efforts. The changes aim to improve traffic flow, increase parking availability, and bring better organisation to busy commercial zones.

As the area continues to grow both residentially and commercially, the new rules are designed to address congestion while improving daily convenience for residents and business owners.

Why this matters for the week:

👉 Read the full update

Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts Art Here 2025, a contemporary exhibition showcasing works selected through an open call. The exhibition places emerging and established artists within the context of one of the region’s most recognisable cultural institutions.

The result is a dialogue between modern creative voices and the museum’s global collection.

📅 08 October 2025 - 28 December 2025
📍 Louvre Abu Dhabi
👉 Find out more about Art Here
Why go: A strong reason to revisit the Louvre and discover new artistic perspectives.

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards recognise excellence across maritime industries, logistics, and marine innovation. The event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals to celebrate achievements shaping the future of the sector.

📅 Sat, 20 December 2025
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 See details of the Maritime Awards
Why go: A key industry gathering spotlighting innovation and leadership.

One of music’s most recognisable voices, Sir Rod Stewart, lands at Etihad Arena for a highly anticipated one-night-only performance. With a career spanning rock, soul, ballads, and era-defining hits, Stewart’s concerts are known for their nostalgic energy, showmanship, and wide age appeal.

Abu Dhabi audiences can expect a mix of classics, big-band moments, and powerful vocals from one of the industry’s most enduring legends.

📅 Wed, 17 Dec
📍 Etihad Arena, Yas Island
👉 Get tickets for Rod Stewart
Why go: A rare chance to see a global music icon perform live, backed by full-stage production.

Few artists command the emotional range and devoted following of Arijit Singh. His voice - instantly recognisable from some of Bollywood’s biggest ballads - fills stadiums worldwide, and his Abu Dhabi tour stop is one of the season’s most anticipated cultural highlights.

Expect an evening of soulful, high-impact performances blending romance, nostalgia, and cinematic storytelling.

📅 Friday, 19 December 2025
📍 Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
👉 Get tickets for Arijit Singh Live
Why go: A powerful, emotionally immersive concert experience.

British rapper Big Sam joins the MOTN Festival lineup, bringing street-style vocals and high-energy crowd engagement to one of the region’s most popular winter festivals. His performance adds an urban edge to MOTN’s diverse entertainment roster.

📅 Friday, 19 December 2025
📍 MOTN Festival
👉 Get tickets for Big Sam Live
Why go: A lively performance that pairs perfectly with the festival atmosphere.

Arab pop favourite Mohammed Fadel Chaker takes the stage with a setlist built around regional hits, emotional vocals, and classic Arabic melodies. Fans can expect a warm, nostalgic show that resonates deeply with Middle Eastern audiences.

📅 Sat, 20 Dec 2025
📍 MOTN Festival
👉 Get tickets for Mohammed Fadel Chaker
Why go: A rich, cultural live performance rooted in Arabic music tradition.

Cricket takes centre stage in Abu Dhabi as DP World ILT20 Season 4 returns with international squads, star athletes, and big cricketing rivalries. The tournament brings a festival-like energy to stadiums - blending sport with music, food trucks, family zones, and pre-game entertainment.

📅 02 December 2025 - 04 January 2026
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 See match schedule and tickets
Why go: High-intensity cricket with the atmosphere of a winter sports festival.

Cyclists of all levels will take on Abu Dhabi’s scenic routes as the 4th Abu Dhabi Gran Fondos returns. Whether you're a beginner signing up for a shorter distance or an experienced rider pushing for the longer routes, the event provides a rare chance to cycle through some of the capital’s most iconic landscapes.

📅 21 December 2025
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Find out more about Gran Fondos
Why go: A community-driven endurance challenge in perfect winter weather.

MOTN Festival, one of the capital’s flagship winter experiences, returns with an expanded programme, including themed zones, pop-up dining, rides, performances, and curated entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re there for live music or the food stalls, MOTN remains a centrepiece of Abu Dhabi’s winter calendar.

📅 Mon 15 Dec - Sun 04 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Explore MOTN Festival
Why go: A full-day winter festival with everything from live shows to carnival rides.

Yas Island’s winter festival adds festive décor, winter attractions, and family-friendly activities across the island. Think snow zones, pop-ups, stage shows, and themed photo spots - all designed to elevate the holiday vibe.

📅 Mon 15 Dec - Sun 21 Dec
📍 Yas Island
👉 Discover Yas Winter Fest
Why go: A seasonal favourite perfect for families and visitors.

Multiple malls across the capital transform into Winter Villages, blending festive markets, seasonal food stalls, children’s activities, and immersive décor.

📅 10 December 2025 - 04 January 2026
📍 Various malls
👉 See Winter Village details
Why go: The easiest way to experience holiday cheer indoors.

Dates: Ongoing through December
📍 Across Abu Dhabi
👉 Explore Manar

All outdoor light installations across Corniche, Saadiyat, Reem Island, Lulu Islands & other public spaces are free. Manar transforms the city into an open-air gallery with illuminated sculptures, projection art, and immersive nighttime displays.

Why go: One of the biggest free cultural events of the year, perfect for evening walks.

Dates: December 18–22, 2025
📍 Abu Dhabi
👉 Learn more

Entry to the festival zones, performances, heritage showcases, and craft areas is free. A community-driven celebration of traditional Emirati life, with performances, food, music, and cultural activities.

Why go: A full heritage festival with no ticket barrier.

Dates: All week
📍 Yas Mall, Galleria, Reem Mall
👉 See details

Walking through Winter Village zones, photo spots, festive décor, and stage performances are free. (Only rides & workshops are paid, but access is free.)

Why go: Festive ambience + Christmas décor + live entertainment at no cost.

Dates: December 18–22, 2025
📍 Yas Island & ADNEC
👉 Explore

 – Paid: Main competitions, finals, robotics battles.
– Free: Outdoor fan zones, tech showcases, open-view demo areas.

The public can walk through designated outdoor areas featuring esports activations, robot showcases, and tech exhibits.

Why go: A rare chance to see futuristic sports & tech in open-access zones.

Date: December 21, 2025
📍 Across Abu Dhabi
👉 Event info

Spectating is fully free along the course. Elite cyclists and amateurs race across a long-distance route, with cheering zones and active community participation.

Why go: A high-energy sporting event you can enjoy roadside with no ticket.

Abu Dhabi is set for mild winter temperatures, with a mix of sunshine, passing clouds, and cooler evenings:

This is one of the most comfortable weeks of the season for beach plans, alfresco dining, waterfront walks, and outdoor festivals.

If you’re planning to cross over to Dubai during the week, here’s what’s trending:

Dubai’s winter season is in full swing - book weekends early.

That wraps up your Abu Dhabi Minute for the week. From world-class concerts to winter festivals and outdoor sports, the capital is packed with reasons to get out and explore.

As always, we’ll be back with the Weekend Edition - highlighting last-minute plans, restaurant recommendations, and everything worth booking before spots fill up. Until then, enjoy the cooler weather and make the most of the city.

– Matthias