Seven things to do to fill your week with good food, live music, dancing and culture, without waiting for the weekend to save you
Midweek in Abu Dhabi does not have to feel like a waiting room for the weekend. From live music and late-night dancing to comfort food and culture fixes, the city is quietly busy. Here’s our top picks of things to do and what to get up to between January 26 and 29
Oscar de la Renta Afternoon Tea
If couture could be eaten, it would look like this. Episodes at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental has turned afternoon tea into a fashion moment, inspired by Oscar de la Renta. It’s elegant, indulgent and quietly fabulous. Today is your very last chance to catch it, so consider this your nudge.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Time: 8am to 11pm
Cost: Dhs245 per person
Contact: (02) 690 7999
Sip, snack and throw it back at Brooklyn Chop House
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This is happy hour with personality. Brooklyn Chop House brings old-school R&B and early 2000s nostalgia into the mix, along with dumplings, bao buns and strong pours. It’s relaxed, loud in the right way and perfect for switching off after work.
Location: Brooklyn Chop House, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Cost: Beverages from Dhs30, small eats from Dhs45
Contact: (02) 656 0000
Eat your way through winter memories at Pincode
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Chef Kunal Kapur’s Pincode does comfort food properly. The Winter Replay menu is all about warming, familiar flavours that feel like home cooking turned up a notch. Recently recognised by the MICHELIN Guide 2026, this is soulful Indian food without the fuss.
Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Abu Dhabi
Time: 11am to 10:30pm
Cost: dishes start from Dhs28
Contact: (02) 234 0111
Hip hop night at Bla Bla Bar
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Mondays are for moving. The music hits that sweet spot between hip hop, RnB and amapiano, and suddenly everyone’s dancing like it’s the weekend. Ladies get three free drinks and the vibe stays joyful.
Location: Bla Bla Bar, Yas Island
Time: 9pm to midnight
Cost: Free entry, three free drinks for ladies
Contact: (02) 639 9078
Watch Max Richter at Saadiyat Nights
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Max Richter’s music has soundtracked films, series and plenty of quiet moments where feelings sneak up on you. Seeing him live at Saadiyat Nights is one of those rare, goosebump-inducing experiences.
Location: Saadiyat Island
Time: doors open at 5pm
Cost: from Dhs195
Contact: ticketmaster
Ease into the evening at Novikov
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Novikov understands the art of slow indulgence. Aperitivo Evenings run Monday to Friday and are perfect for a slow transition from work to night, with chic bites and Italian cocktails. Stick around later in the week for La Dolce Nights, where live music turns dinner into an occasion.
Location: Novikov Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Time: 12pm to 1am
Cost: À la carte
Contact: (02) 563 2937
Al Hosn festival
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There’s something grounding about spending an evening at Qasr Al Hosn. The Al Hosn Festival brings Emirati culture to life through crafts, workshops, music and dance, all set inside the city’s oldest fortress. It’s thoughtful, welcoming and quietly powerful.
Location: Qasr Al Hosn
Time: 4pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs35
Contact: 02 697 6400
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