Your weekly guide to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, from concerts and comedy to beach days
Some weeks call for staying in. This is not one of them. From rock legends and poolside lounging to tacos, cosplay and a karaoke mic with your name on it, Abu Dhabi is stacked with things to do that practically beg you to leave the house.
Bryan Adams at Saadiyat Nights
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If you’re going to scream-sing one song this week, make it Summer of ’69. Bryan Adams is landing in Abu Dhabi for one night only, bringing that raspy, heart-thumping, lighter-in-the-air kind of energy with him. Prepare for a night of big feelings and the sort of nostalgia that hits you straight in the chest.
Location: Saadiyat Nights, Saadiyat Island
Time: Doors open 5pm
Cost: From Dhs970
Ladies’ night at Ishtar
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If you’re looking for things to do with the girls this week, this is it. You can expect flowing drinks and a belly dancer bringing the drama in the best way. Ishtar leans into Arabian glamour with a party mood that builds as the night goes on. Dress up, bring your girls and let the midweek magic happen. Unlimited flow for ladies while dining every Tuesday from 8pm to 12am with belly dancers and a live DJ, so settle in and make a night of it.
Location: Ishtar, Yas Marina
Time: Tuesdays, 8pm to 12am
Cost: Ladies’ night packages available
Contact: (050) 402 2293
Karaoke at Stars ‘N’ Bars
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This isn’t the shy, read-the-lyrics-off-your-phone kind of karaoke. It’s loud, sparkly and a little chaotic in the best way, with strangers cheering like you’re Adele at Wembley. Even if you absolutely butcher your song, the crowd will hype you up like you just won a Grammy.
Location: Yas Marina Circuit
Time: Every Tuesday from 9pm
Cost: Free entry
Contact: (02) 565 0101
Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026
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If anime, cosplay and gaming are your love language, clear your schedule. Manarat Al Saadiyat turns into a full-blown playground of colour, costumes and pure fan joy, with competitions, pop-ups and plenty of photo ops. It’s five days of leaning all the way into your inner nerd and loving every minute.
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island
Time: February 11 to 15, 4pm to 12am
Cost: Weekday pass from Dhs95, weekend pass from Dhs145
Contact: Animenia Abu Dhabi
Pool day at W Abu Dhabi
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Some days call for plans. Others call for a sunbed and a cold drink. WET Deck is made for the latter, with sleek loungers, cabanas and front-row views of Yas Marina Circuit. Pay for your pass, then eat and sip your way through it. Lazy never looked so good.
Location: WET Deck, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Time: 12pm to 8pm
Cost: Dhs150 day pass, fully redeemable on food and drinks
Contact: (02) 656 0000
Business lunch at Taparelle
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Work lunches don’t have to mean sad desk salads. Taparelle’s two-course business lunch feels like a proper pause in your day, with crisp salads, golden fritti and hearty mains that actually satisfy. Add a mocktail and a breezy terrace and suddenly that meeting feels a lot more civilised.
Location: Taparelle, Manarat Al Saadiyatm
Time: Monday to Thursday, noon to 5pm
Cost: Dhs85 per person, extra starter for Dhs25
Contact: (02) 657 5832
Beach day at 25 Minutes to Tulum
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If Tulum had a cousin in Abu Dhabi, this would be it. Barefoot energy, tacos, margaritas and the kind of day that casually rolls into night without you noticing. Tuesdays mean two-for-one tacos and margaritas, Thursdays bring Dhs25 cocktails. You know what to do.
Location: 25 Minutes to Tulum, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
Time: 9am to 1am
Cost: Dhs100 (Mon to Thurs) or Dhs200 (Fri to Sun), fully redeemable. Kids under 14 free
Contact: (02) 691 0208
Comedy night at Ting Irie
Good food, Caribbean beats and proper belly laughs. Ting Irie’s island-style comedy night keeps things loose and lively, with jokes flying and drinks flowing. Come hungry, leave happier than you arrived.
Location: Ting Irie, Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Time: Thursday, 7.30pm
Cost: Dhs95, includes two drinks and plantain chips
Contact: (02) 886 7786
Vixen Soirée at Crafty Fox
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Midweek drinks just taste better when they’re discounted. Crafty Fox keeps things relaxed and social, with complimentary selected drinks and half-price comfort food that makes it very easy to say “just one more”. Ideal for long catch-ups that accidentally turn into the whole evening.
Location: Crafty Fox, Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Time: Tuesdays, 5pm to 9pm
Cost: Complimentary selected drinks and 50% off selected menu items
Contact: (02) 404 3081
