Planning your week? These things to do in Abu Dhabi bring together spa days, culture, food and fun nights
Some weeks call for plans, others call for something easy. This one sits somewhere in between. If you’re looking for things to do, there’s enough here to fill a few good days, whether you want to get out, slow down or try something different.
Business lunch at Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard
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A lunch that feels like a small reset in the middle of the day. The menu leans French, with dishes that look refined but still hit the spot. Quick enough for a work break, but good enough to make you forget about your inbox for a while.
Location: Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Time: 12pm to 2:30pm
Cost: Dhs98 two courses; Dhs138 three courses
Contact: (02) 509 8555
The Bayshore Beach Club day pass
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A beach day that does not try too hard. Straw huts, calm water and an ice cream station set the tone, while your day pass comes back to you as food and drink credit. It’s easy, unhurried and exactly what a weekday escape should feel like.
Location: InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street
Time: 8am to 8pm
Cost: Dhs200 per person
Contact: (056) 630 8216
Sheikh Zayed Festival
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There’s still time to catch one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest cultural festivals before it wraps. Evenings here are lively, with food stalls, shows and roaming performances that keep things moving. It’s the kind of place you wander through slowly, stopping for snacks, music and whatever catches your eye.
Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Time: 4pm to 12 midnight
Cost: Free
Bingo and Buffet
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This is not a quiet dinner. It’s loud, social and just competitive enough to keep things interesting. You eat, you play, and you keep one eye on your bingo card while hoping your numbers come up.
Location: The Club Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Time: From 7pm
Cost: Dhs75 adults; Dhs35 juniors (13 to 17); Dhs25 juniors (below 12 years)
Contact: (02) 673 1111
Episodes Easter Afternoon Tea
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Afternoon tea gets a seasonal update with delicate bites and playful Easter details. Expect pretty pastries, light savouries and a steady flow of tea while you sit back and take your time. It’s polished but still relaxed enough to linger over.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Cost: Dhs285
Contact: (02) 690 9000
Zayed National Museum
Image: Zayed National Museum
If you are in the mood for something slower, this is where you go. The museum walks you through the story of the UAE, from desert roots to modern ambition, all told through the life of Sheikh Zayed. It’s thoughtful, well put together and quietly moving.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Time: 10am to 8pm
Cost: Dhs70 adults; Dhs35 UAE university students; Dhs35 UAE-employed teachers
Contact: (600) 565566
Adrenark Adventure
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For days when sitting still is not an option. This indoor park is packed with things to climb, jump and balance your way through, from rope courses to trampolines. You will leave slightly tired and probably planning your next visit.
Location: Adrenark Adventure, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi
Time: 10am to 10pm
Cost: From Dhs141
Contact: (02) 418 6620
Conrad Spa, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
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Sometimes the best plan is no plan. This spa day starts with a proper massage and then lets you stretch that calm out by the pool or beach. Order something cold, stay a little longer, and let the city carry on without you.
Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Time: 10am to 10pm
Cost: Dhs550 weekdays; Dhs650 weekends
Contact: (02) 811 5858
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